[Bruce]

Originally Posted by Merc1

YW, so come on Bruce.....you're our resident Lexus fan so tell us what you think.


M

Well, I think this vehicle is truly wonderful. And much to my suprise, looks even better as a roadster than it does as a coupe. The red exterior paint and creme interior looks of the utmost class.

Stylistic wise I think the LF-A is just fantastic. With the air vents towards the rear of the vehicle, the impression is given that the super Lexi is actually mid-engined, rather than front engine. One particular aspect of the design that I very much appreciate is the front-end which reminds me of a toned-up Honda S2000. And the S2000 is one of the favourite designs of all time - for that fact alone, the LF-A wins my appreciation.

[Merc1]

M

[Bartek Sikorski]

Lexus LF-A
We tell the story of the convertible Lexus supercar

The lid has been lifted on the world’s fastest cabriolet. The Lexus LF-A Roadster combines 200mph performance and wind-in-the-hair motoring.

Making its debut at the Detroit Motor Show, the newcomer is an evolution of the LF-A Coupé that first appeared at the event in 2006, and was slightly revised in 2007. The Roadster gets the same 500bhp V10 engine and hi-tech construction.

At the front, it borrows many of its body panels from the fixed-roof model, with a low snout, dramatic swept-back headlamps and massive cooling inlets set into the bumper.

There are more air intakes in the LF-A’s flanks, while the back end is decorated with hi-tech arrowhead-shaped LED tail-lights. The cabin has also been carried over from the Coupé, and is fitted with lightweight bucket seats, together with instrument dials backlit in a cool blue.

The conversion to full convertible means the rear deck now gets two individual humps behind the driver and passenger. Stowed beneath this is the canvas roof – although Lexus top brass haven’t ruled out using an electric folding hard-top for production versions of the car.

In addition, there is an adaptive rear spoiler, which rises automatically at high speed to keep the Roadster firmly glued to the road.

In an effort to give the newcomer razor-sharp handling, engineers have strengthened the carbon and aluminium chassis further. And because the powerplant is mounted between the front axle and the passenger compartment, the model will offer near-perfect weight distribution.

The low centre of gravity – the Roadster stands only 1,220mm high – combines with race-tuned suspension to ensure the car delivers a driving experience to match the likes of the Porsche 911 Turbo.

Key to the Lexus’s appeal will be its straight-line performance. The 5.0-litre V10 engine produces more than 500bhp, and this is delivered to the rear wheels through a quick-shifting semi-automatic transmission. The set-up has fully automatic and manual modes, with the latter controlled by steering wheel paddle-s.

As a result, the LF-A boasts a max-imum speed of 200mph, as well as a 0-60mph time of 3.5 seconds. And our spies have witnessed this potential first-hand – they caught a heavily disguised prototype (above) being put through its paces at the Nürburgring circuit in Germany.

It was recorded lapping in a time of less than eight minutes – which is similar to the fixed-head version. They also reported that the LF-A’s impressive speed is accompanied by a screaming engine note, as the highly tuned V10 revs all the way to a 9,000rpm red line.

Although Lexus has yet to give a firm date for the arrival of the first production models, the Coupé version should appear in showrooms here towards the end of this year. The LF-A Roadster is then likely to follow around 12 months later.







http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/215355/lexus_lfa.html

[Power]

Looks good. Still a lexus but :P

[SDNR]

So, ....can we be sure this is actually powered by Toyota ...or is there an Opel engine hiding in there somewhere.

[Tycoon]

Originally Posted by SDNR

So, ....can we be sure this is actually powered by Toyota ...or is there an Opel engine hiding in there somewhere.

Priceless!

[siko]

Lexus LF-A Roadster European Debut in Geneva
Press Release

A development of the second generation LF-A coupe which was first unveiled at the 2007 Geneva Motor show, the roadster further reflects the genesis of the Lexus ‘F’ designation; an ultra-high performance sports range for the premium automotive segment.

The F-sports programme exhaustively refines and re-defines powertrain technology, chassis dynamics, superlative braking systems, sports tyre technology and even vehicle sound signatures in the most minute detail. It is passionately committed to the design and production of peerless sporting vehicles which reward their drivers with the ultimate in performance, handling precision and, above all, unparalleled involvement, whether circuit racing or in everyday use.

Combining the cutting-edge technology and luxury refinements appropriate to the brand with the ultra-high performance and outstanding driving dynamics of an open-top, two-seater sportscar, the LF-A roadster is more than merely a radical statement of supercar performance. Incorporating the very latest developments in precision high-performance engineering technology with the core values of the L-finesse design philosophy, the Lexus F-sports special vehicle programme has realised a fundamental reappraisal of both styling and engineering in supercar design, which redefines the boundaries of the ultra-high performance sportscar landscape.

Lexus designers have taken a radical approach to proportion and packaging. “The LF-A programme is a fundamental shift in both style and design.” explains Wahei Hirai, Global Managing officer of Lexus design. “The positioning and sizing of major components have been redefined and condensed. By taking an entirely different approach to proportion and packaging we have achieved the ultimate weight balance, so vital to high-speed handling and stability.”

Featuring significant styling and detail enhancements, the LF-A roadster is based on the ultra-rigid, yet lightweight, carbon fibre and aluminium construction of the 2007 coupe, maintaining the structure’s outstanding strength and torsional stiffness despite its open-topped format.

As with its coupe counterpart, the LF-A Roadster is powered by a radical, lightweight, all-alloy V10 powerplant capable of developing more that 500 DIN hp from a cubic capacity of less than 5.0L. The V10’s front-mid engine placement, along with a rear-mounted transmission and rear-mounted radiators, allows for perfect front/rear weight distribution. The engine is connected to the transmission via a torque tube and propeller shaft, and gear changing is controlled by a high-speed, steering wheel-mounted, semi-automatic paddle shift system. The torque tube itself acts as a structural member, adding rigidity to the drivetrain and chassis whilst minimising drive-train vibration. Allied to optimum gearing, weight and aerodynamics, the drive-train is designed to afford the vehicle a maximum speed in excess of 320km/h.

The exceptionally powerful, fade-free braking system employs 360mm cross-drilled, ventilated front discs with six-piston callipers, and 345mm cross-drilled, ventilated discs with four-piston callipers to the rear. High-performance, 265/35 R20 front and 305/30 R20 rear tyres are fitted to bespoke, turbine-styled, 20” alloy wheels.

Standing just 122cm high, the LF-A Roadster’s styling exudes the core principals of the L-finesse design rationale, in which simplicity and dynamism go hand in hand. Bold and incisive forms that build on the inherent structure of the vehicle create an authentic dynamism that does not rely on simple exaggeration. The purity and clear intention of the vehicle stance is overlaid with the confident integration of numerous functional elements to create a striking, yet sophisticated simplicity.

The ultra-compact design -4460mm long with a 2606mm wheelbase- features the shortest possible front and rear overhangs. The Roadster’s low-profile, aerodynamic front end features numerous revisions to the LF-A coupe concept, including a remodelling of the air intakes and enlarged headlamp clusters generated by a powerful ‘arrowhead’ motif inspired by Kirikaeshi, a symbol of traditional Japanese culture that expresses dynamism through a rapid, yet fluid change of direction, which is a key L-finesse styling element.

Large intakes ducting cooling air to the rear brakes and rear-mounted radiators dominate the LF-A roadster profile, and include prominent, high-level, ‘turn-upstyle intakes informed by the sophisticated, wind-tunnel honed aerodynamics of single-seat racing cars.

Astern, the LF-A roadster is hallmarked by an enlarged, restyled interpretation of the coupe’s unique, ‘arrowhead’ tail light cluster design which incorporates large cooling duct grilles for the rear mounted radiators. Flush mounted within the bodywork when inoperative, an automatic, speed-sensitive rear wing has been incorporated to enhance the roadster’s high-speed stability. Below bumper levela triple exhaust cluster in an inverted triangular form indicates the presence of the complex, Venturi-effect underbody aerodynamics essential to optimise high-speed handling and stability.

On board, the positioning and sizing of all major components has been redefined and condensed to create a striking, exceptionally driver-focused cockpit highlighted by unique instrumentation and floor hinged alloy pedals. Eschewing conventional dashboard design, the LF-A Roadster features a prominent, full-width, low level console supporting the compact driver’s instrument binnacle and F-Sports steering wheel. This simplicity of form reinforces both the upper level width of the spacious, full leather interior, and the optimum security and support offered by deep footwells and strongly bolstered sports seats.

An ‘F’ logo located on the front wings indicates the Roadster’s special vehicle programme pedigree. The name is derived from the Fuji Speedway, the shape of the ‘F’ logo itself inspired by many of the bends on the circuit.

LF-A Roadster Preliminary Technical Specifications:

Power train

• Engine: Sub-5.0L V10, front-mid placement
• Horsepower: Over 500 DIN hp
• Top Speed: Over 320 km/h

Body & Dynamics

• Aluminium and carbon-fibre body
• Speed-activated rear spoiler
• Torque tube encased drive shaft

Dimensions

• Overall length: 4,460 mm
• Overall width: 1,895 mm
• Overall height: 1,220 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,605 mm

Tyre Size

• Front: 265/35R20
• Rear: 305/30R20

[Source: Lexus via WCF]

[Monster]

I still think the front end is too fat, however the rest of the car looks great under natural sunlight

[The Artist]

i hope this costs a good bit less than the competition..
otherwise they wont shift many numbers in europe

[Monster]

Originally Posted by The Artist

i hope this costs a good bit less than the competition..
otherwise they wont shift many numbers in europe

If Lexus wants generate more interest in the euro market, the car needs to set a stunning Nurburgring lap time to earn the respect and the money of potential buyers.