www.laurent-roy.com : blog auto: Lexus LFA

CARBON FIBRE CONSTRUCTION

The LFA employs a unique Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) body to achieve exceptional integrity and light-weight construction.
A trio of sophisticated CFRP moldings comprise 65% of the cabin by weight, yielding a low 1485kg curb weight.
Pursuit of new CFRP technology internally results in an advanced new joining process for CFRP and metal alloys.
Internal development means this world-class CFRP technology is primed for future mass production in other Lexus models.

V10-ENGINE

Breathtaking performance from a purpose-built, all new 4.8L V10 engine.
Incredibly responsive design able to rev from idle to its 9000rpm redline in 0.6 seconds.
Low friction, motor-sport developed components push max power and torque to 412kW (560PS) at 8700rpm and 480Nm at 6800rpm.
Compact design as small as a traditional V8 with the weight of a typical V6, generating 85.7 kW per liter.
Extreme power combined with ultra light weight rockets the LFA to 100km/h (62 mph) in just 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph).

THE SOUND

The LFA V10 has been acoustically tuned to deliver a unique and dramatic Formula-1 inspired sound.
Horizontally split intake surge tank with acoustically designed walls emits optimal induction frequencies.
Tuned large diameter, equal length exhaust manifolds run through a titanium dual stage rear silencer.
Three acoustically optimized sound channels fill the cabin with rich intake and exhaust sounds.

AUTOMATIC SEQUENTIAL GEARBOX

Lightning-quick six-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG) that always puts the driver in full control.
Unique paddle-shift feeling, with choice of seven gearshift speeds.
Transaxle layout over the rear axle results in exceptional cornering agility and high-speed controllability.
Ultra-quick upshifts as quick as 200 milliseconds complemented by computer-controlled rev-matching downshifts.
Four driving modes—Auto, Sport, Normal, and Wet for ultimate versatility.

DYNAMIC BALANCE

Mid-front engine mounting with a rear transaxle layout delivers the ideal 48:52 front-to-rear weight distribution vital for optimal dynamic balance.
The front engine and rear transaxle are connected through a rigid torque tube, creating a flex free link between engine and transmission – a crucial element in the ultra-stiff and balanced chassis construction.
All major ancillary components are weight-optimised and located within the wheelbase to minimize the moment of inertia and maximize agility.

RACING SUSPENSION AND BRAKES

A unique double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension layout with aluminum alloy construction ensures high agility and low weight.
Bespoke remote-reservoir monotube shocks direct from the LFA racecar.
Forged aluminum knuckles and hollow anti-roll bars further reduce unsprung weight.
20-inch forged aluminum wheels shod with bespoke asymmetric Bridgestone tires: 265/35ZR20 at the front and 305/30ZR20 at the rear.
Two-piece Carbon Ceramic Material (CCM) brake discs with six-piston calipers up front and four-piston calipers in the rear for rock steady braking even at 325km/h.
Full floating disc construction negates high-temperature expansion.

PERFORMANCE COCKPIT

A high-performance cockpit design that provides a unique supercar experience.
Hooded instrument panel yielding an exceptionally high level of driver information.
Central tachometer featuring a Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel and motor-driven movable ring provides supercar exhilaration and Lexus sophistication.
Ultra high quality hand-finished cabin trim reflect premium supercar character and refinement synonymous with Lexus.

AERODYNAMIC DESIGN

Clean, muscular and athletic, the LFA combines supercar styling with the Lexus L-finesse design philosophy into one cohesive form.
A low drag coefficient of just Cd 0.31
Flat underbody and speed-activated rear wing with a Gurney flap on the trailing edge yield exceptional downforce to keep the LFA planted at high-speeds

HEAT MANAGEMENT

Central heat tunnel running the full length of the chassis to extract power-robbing latent heat
Large twin rear-mounted radiators and a high capacity low-mount centrifugal water pump provide exceptional powerplant cooling.
Large functional air ducts to cool brakes allow for sustainable braking power.

HAND CRAFTMANSHIP

Each LFA is hand built by a team of skilled craftsmen
In keeping with the LFA’s bespoke nature, each V10 engine will be hand-assembled by a single engineer and will bear his signature.
Each LFA is affixed with a special placard showing it’s sequence number among the 500 units to be built.