RE: Lexus to build hybrid supercar
Thursday 24th August 2006
Lexus to build hybrid supercar
435bhp version of LF-A project coming soon
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Lexus looks set to build a hybrid version of its LF-A supercar -- the petrol-only version of which we reported on in March (see link below).
It'll be here in under two years and it'll house a hybrid powertrain. It's likely to be the same at the one in the 600h saloon, that is, a 5-litre V8 with continuously-variable transmission coupled to an electric motor and battery package. Total output is said to be 435bhp, according to Autocar. Performance is likely to be in the sub-four seconds range for zero to 60mph, with a top speed of around 200mph. The rear wheels will definitely be driven but it's undecided whether the front ones will be as well.
Meanwhile, the motor in the non-hybrid version, which was originally to be a V10, will now become a V8 in accordance with this year's F1 regulations; parent company Toyota is looking to reap some marketing benefits from its huge F1 investment.
Discussion
DucatiGary said:
the wing mirrors look kinda cool even if they wont let you see whats behind you.
I believe I've read somewhere a while ago that there are indeed camera's instold in thos lovely small wings...and at 200mph it could take ao to fly
Lovely tight looking car? nice lines not shouting but still a monster...?
GTRene
This week's Autocar issue claims that it'll be significantly lighter than the LS600h, although that doesn't say much 
They are supposedly also thinking of a non hybrid V8 with more power. It might not sell in large numbers but it is another step on the way to establish the brand 
And if it is a good car, it should be more successful in the regard of brand management than Honda's NSX was, since pricewise it isn't as far removed from the rest of their range. Haivng driven their GS450h, I can only hope that they transplant that into the IS
They are supposedly also thinking of a non hybrid V8 with more power. It might not sell in large numbers but it is another step on the way to establish the brand And if it is a good car, it should be more successful in the regard of brand management than Honda's NSX was, since pricewise it isn't as far removed from the rest of their range. Haivng driven their GS450h, I can only hope that they transplant that into the IS 
I hope we can all see through this by now.... The LF-A is nothing more than an ongoing marketing exercise, an automotive concept that is feverishly revised every year by junior level marketing goons in a failed attempt to bring some excitement to the dull Lexus brand. Lexus has no idea how to make a supercar and they have no interest in doing so.
Edited by hatchback on Thursday 24th August 21:43
Lex isnt really seen as a fast-car automaker but Toyota has a history and I have faith in this one...
that being said - only wish theyd do something about that front end - looks a bit off but otherwise, sucess or not, I think itll success in its mission to build on Lex's image at the very leat.
that being said - only wish theyd do something about that front end - looks a bit off but otherwise, sucess or not, I think itll success in its mission to build on Lex's image at the very leat.
Mmm, nice, especially those vidcam mirror mounts.
My bet is they won't tone it down too much, hopefully not at all.
Productionising concept cars from cool to dull is the curse of the auto industry, Skoda Roomster a case in point. The first concept was fresh and tight, but successive iterations have uglified it to the buyable hideosity that I wouldn't even test drive.
My bet is they won't tone it down too much, hopefully not at all.
Productionising concept cars from cool to dull is the curse of the auto industry, Skoda Roomster a case in point. The first concept was fresh and tight, but successive iterations have uglified it to the buyable hideosity that I wouldn't even test drive.
some lovely 'badge snobbery' going on here by some posters 
. If you don't like Lexus' then buy something else - if you like the car, buy it, drive it and ignore the badge!.
Whether to your taste or not, it will be reliable, quick and if Toyota's racing team and R&D group have anything to do with it, a pretty good car. I agree marketing might be awkward as Lexus is generally viewed as being aimed at the executive market and Toyota the family (we want reliable) market. Not sure where a supercar fits easily. Toyota are better known than Lexus for excellent handling sports cars in their prime years (mainly 90s though - MR2, Celica, Supra etc)
This design has got bits of Sagaris (front) 350Z and Aston in other bits. I quite like the clean sharp lines.
Vandalism - well, poor Lexus owners, - strange vandals to ignore the Porsches, TVRs, Mercs, BMWs etc...
. If you don't like Lexus' then buy something else - if you like the car, buy it, drive it and ignore the badge!. Whether to your taste or not, it will be reliable, quick and if Toyota's racing team and R&D group have anything to do with it, a pretty good car. I agree marketing might be awkward as Lexus is generally viewed as being aimed at the executive market and Toyota the family (we want reliable) market. Not sure where a supercar fits easily. Toyota are better known than Lexus for excellent handling sports cars in their prime years (mainly 90s though - MR2, Celica, Supra etc)
This design has got bits of Sagaris (front) 350Z and Aston in other bits. I quite like the clean sharp lines.
Vandalism - well, poor Lexus owners, - strange vandals to ignore the Porsches, TVRs, Mercs, BMWs etc...
To clear up an comments...
The concept pictured has been going around for at least the last two years. The Peugeot looks like it (though not imo) rather than the other way around. If they've kept showing it for than long either they think its art (which its not, although of course that comment is subjective) or they're going to build it. And the amount of spyshots of the car testing at the Nurburgring suggests the latter.
Lexus is a luxury car maker who competes in the marketplace in many categories with BMW, Mercedes and Jaguar for example. The three I mentioned have small cars (3, C, X) medium, large, 4wds (not Jaguar, they can't afford to develop one and they'd be stepping on Range Rovers toes) and so does Lexus. What those three all have that Lexus doesn't is a Sportscar. Think SL, 6 series and XK. Flagship 'halo' models, (not the 6, but bear with me) that I believe the LF-A will compete with in the same segment - that is my bet at where this car will be sold, and the marketing strategy is quite obvious, compete segment for segment with your rivals.
Hope that makes sense to all those who don't think Lexus should make this car.
Regards, Ali.
(By the way I've always thought the front was far too squinty)
The concept pictured has been going around for at least the last two years. The Peugeot looks like it (though not imo) rather than the other way around. If they've kept showing it for than long either they think its art (which its not, although of course that comment is subjective) or they're going to build it. And the amount of spyshots of the car testing at the Nurburgring suggests the latter.
Lexus is a luxury car maker who competes in the marketplace in many categories with BMW, Mercedes and Jaguar for example. The three I mentioned have small cars (3, C, X) medium, large, 4wds (not Jaguar, they can't afford to develop one and they'd be stepping on Range Rovers toes) and so does Lexus. What those three all have that Lexus doesn't is a Sportscar. Think SL, 6 series and XK. Flagship 'halo' models, (not the 6, but bear with me) that I believe the LF-A will compete with in the same segment - that is my bet at where this car will be sold, and the marketing strategy is quite obvious, compete segment for segment with your rivals.
Hope that makes sense to all those who don't think Lexus should make this car.
Regards, Ali.
(By the way I've always thought the front was far too squinty)
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