Tuesday 11th January 2005

Lexus sports car concept unveiled

500bhp from 5-litres gives 200mph, says Toyota off-shoot

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Lexus unveiled a 500-plus horsepower, 200 mph LF-A sports car concept at the 2005 NAIAS in Detroit.

Lexus reckons that, "the two-seat concept blends the performance of an exotic sports car with the luxury refinements of a Lexus. Designed to express a bold new direction in styling for the Lexus brand, the LF-A concept is committed to achieving superiority in speed, quickness, agility and reliability."

According to Lexus, its 5-litre powerplant, with a combination of optimum gearing, weight and aerodynamics, will propel the machine to 200 mph.

Inside, the LF-A "is designed as a luxury high-speed capsule that blends extravagant comfort with precision operation." Five inches shorter than the Porsche 911, its wheelbase is nine inches longer and, at 48 inches, it's close to the height of the Ferrari F430. With a width of 73.2 inches, it splits the difference between the Mercedes-Benz SL55 and the Aston Martin DB9.

The LF-A was conceived to express the emergence of a new direction in styling for the Lexus brand, globally. "Over the last two years, a new styling philosophy that we call L-Finesse, has taken shape at Lexus Design," said Wahei Hirai, global head of design.

"What has emerged from this two-year journey is not just a new direction in philosophy. It is a new design language, based on the dynamism and inherent contrast between simplicity and elegance."

Lexus reckons that, "the LF-A is a fundamental shift in both style and design for Lexus. The positioning and sizing of major components have been redefined and condensed. By taking an entirely different approach to proportion and packaging, designers have achieved the ultimate weight balance, so vital to high-speed handling and stability.

"As a total package, the Lexus LF-A concept is a bold statement and a clear indication of the path that Lexus' global design will follow in the near future."

[charlescrawley]

Lexus Spokesdroid said:

"What has emerged from this two-year journey is not just a new direction in philosophy. It is a new design language, based on the dynamism and inherent contrast between simplicity and elegance."

They don't 'alf talk a load of old b*ll*cks, don't they???

[midgster]

Do you think this was the new "Supra" that was spied a little while ago?

EDITED: to say just found the link and spy pictures...I think it was looking at the rear venturis...

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=141117&f=23&h=0&hw=new+supra


>> Edited by midgster on Tuesday 11th January 11:32

[Twin Turbo]

I like it. Much better looking than the recent C/C concept.

[alextgreen]

Interesting - there's certainly room for improvement about the headlights. Nice to see they haven't fitted stupid size rims too, nobody likes the prospect of £500+ a corner rubber.

If the drag-race boys are anything to go by it's a strong engine too.

[gemini]

Nice

[chrisjl]

Anyone notice the race track map on the dash?

[gemini]

I did!
Oh er - track car too

who gets to drive silvertsone though - bet it aint got Croft in there

The front - cross between enzo and s2000?

[the fury]

headlights are a bit unimaginative but dig the dinky wing mirrors on the a pillars

[mriyad]

My initial reaction to the pictures was: That looks familiar....

Does anyone else see a general resemblance (stylistically) to the Audi Le Mans Quattro?

[dinkel]

midgster said:

Do you think this was the new "Supra" that was spied a little while ago? www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=141117&f=23&h=0&hw=new+supra

Thought that too . . .

Looks nicer than the Merc . . .

[Adam B]

total marekting guff

does anyone really give a **** about concept cars especially from Lexus who's idea of sporty is the hideous SC430?

if I actually thought they were goign to produce a car that looked like that, had that power and would be in the showrooms in the next 12 months I would be excited.

[errek72]

Looks...different.
Could this be Guigiaro?

Build quality will be great, and everything else too probably, but how long before it stars in 'the mediocrely fast, and incredibly tasteless part 25', painted bright orange, NOSinjected and spoil(er)ed?

I'd stick with that Aston, much suaver.

[smele]

the fury said:

headlights are a bit unimaginative but dig the dinky wing mirrors on the a pillars

Probably camera's those small wing mirrors. Have to say the interior looks good for a Japanese car. I don't normally comment on interiors.

[spunkym]

Yeh looks great - but I bet it'll look totally different if and when it ever goes on sale - which I doubt it will. I'm fed up of getting excited about concept cars, few seem to make it unchanged into production.

[imperialism2024]

Wow, Lexus actually hired a designer now? Hmm I wonder if this concept's style will make ti to production... My guess is that it will morph into their characteristic Volvo/Toyota crossbreed "style", or lack thereof.

[FestivAli]

Looks like its struggling to take a poo. And don't bag the SC430. I quite like its dumpy looks. Nice motah, save for the pointless rear seats. Retirement present for 40 year old erotic dancers and wise brothel mums. I'm only saying that because I saw one parked outside a Club X, so I'm making assumptions here...

[errek72]

FestivAli said:

Looks like its struggling to take a poo

That is hilarious. It really does if you look at those squinty headlights

[sicknote]

Yeah, they've gotta change that front end, contsipated cross-eyed pooer - or maybe its the way its had the pipes stuffed up its rear end. Why don't we get sexy curvacious lines anymore - always look more powerful to my mind. Now that Sagaris.....

>> Edited by sicknote on Sunday 16th January 19:38