2012 Lexus LFA

Bringing the 2012 Lexus LFA into Light

Lexus hits another milestone for its F portfolio with the new 2012 Lexus LFA. After building its name on luxury cars, Lexus introduced the F marquee performance division a few years ago which is basically inspired by racing cars and the brand's performance models. In 2009, the company launched the LFA in several events in the United States and Japan, wrapping up at the New York International Auto Show in April this year.

The model is not expected to be out by 2011 (but to be named as 2012 model release), but a lot of talks has been made since the Detroit Auto Show in 2005 when the first sketches of this wonder vehicle was made public. Several tests have likewise been made since it was launched and previewed in various auto shows since last year.

Value for Big Money

Face it - a Lexus car is a luxury car. So even at half the price of its rival Ferrari Enzo (retail price starts at $375,000 for the basic package), you are still in for a great value for your money. It is such a great value. In fact, the company claims it is selling the LFAs for less than the cost to make it. It won't be hard to believe that it is true. This is especially so if you look at the beauty and power this car is packed with! But it had to be released no matter the cost as it has been leaked since five years ago and Lexus needs to continue to make it as promised to keep the press and customers faith on the company's credibility.

From the base price, you have several options to change colors and add interior trimmings for additional cost. Even then, the price is still reasonable. Lexus is even going to open an option to lease some of their units to prospective customers with the intent to buy. But if you are interested and the price is within your budget range, we don't suggest you wait another day to place your reservation with your local dealer. There are only 500 units to be made and sold globally! Production does not start until later this year and the units will not be available until next year, but even so, there is a line for it already!

Improved Performance with New Technology

The concept for the LFA took Toyota Motor Corporation, the parent company that owns the luxury vehicle division Lexus, a long time to make it a reality. The earlier test models also showed a few minor hiccups here and there. But good wait comes with good rewards, especially when it was made alongside superior research and development team.

Toyota explored new technologies on the new LFA, particularly in its Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) body. By converting from aluminum construction, the new CFRP body saves the supercar's overall weight by 100 kilograms - a fundamental savings derived from the sophisticated CFRP molding processes that now comprises 65% of the chassis structure.

The CFRP technology also introduces a new advanced joining process for carbon fiber and metal components, which is also used in the new LFA model. In the future, the same mechanism will be used in the production of all other Lexus models.

If you think seatbelts are enough to keep you safe in case of a crash, think again. Toyota has even taken another step higher with its new seatbelt airbags that distributes the forces of impact to the passenger's body.

Lexus LFA is a beautiful vehicle -- complete with the very much Japanese-influenced Lexus design philosophy and the multifunction center-console screen familiar to Lexus users. You are given twelve colors to choose from for the leather seats alone, all to compliment a restrained and yet very sophisticated interiors in satin metal.

The LFA comes with three basic design options:

Option #1: Leather-trimmed or patented Alcantara® seats and trim in three color variations.

Option #2: Leather-trimmed or patented Alcantara® seats, Mark Levinson® Premium Surround Sound audio system and Navigation System.

Option #3: Configuration 2 plus Lexus Enform® with Safety Connect™, which provides Automatic Collision Notification, eDestination, Destination Assist, eDestination, Enhanced Roadside Assistance and stolen Vehicle Location; Lexus Insider™, voice command; XM® Sports, XM® Satellite Radio, XM NavWeather™, XM Nav Traffic and stocks (including two years of XM and Telematics subscription fees).

Additional options to customize an LFA for both interior and exterior are also available.

Perhaps the only warning to be said about the LFA is that though it is a Lexus, the driving comfort cannot be expected to be the same on the road as it would be on track. The LFA drives hard and firm all the time, but must be very well understandable if you look at the power of what you are driving.

A Supercar in Itself

The Lexus LFA accelerates from 0 to 60 miles in 3.6 seconds, and goes as fast as 202 miles per hour. Its 4.8-liter V10 engine generates 552 horsepower at 8,700 rpm - that's a lot of power that you probably won't need on everyday driving, but it is good to know what your supercar can do, right? Its power to weight ratio is better than a Ferrari 599 GTB.

With all its beauty, features and technology, the LFA will surely give its competitors a serious challenge. Aside from the Ferrari 599 GTB, the Lexus LFA is often compared to the Lamborghini Gallardo as well, although the latter may be getting better reviews for good ride comfort among the other supercars. The Nissan GT-R also comes close to the LFA in performance, though still not completely at par with Lexus' supercar.

A Great Drive

Lexus wants to sell the cars to high profile car enthusiasts who actually want to drive the car and not just keep it on display in their garage. With its great performance and stylish look, there is no reason why you should not get your hands in one. After all, you have read the review and know the great ride in store for you!