2011 Lexus LFA Review

The new Lexus LFA marks an important moment in the history and development of the Lexus supercar. A real clean sheet "design that became Lexus LFA created by a small team of passionate and dedicated engineers, whose results have been pushing the limits of technology, materials and techniques at every stage of producing a car not like others have implemented Lexus badge.

Designed using the latest technology in carbon fiber, it is rear-wheel drive Lexus LFA driven by a measurement at high speed 552bhp V10 engine of 4.8 liter naturally aspirated corresponds to a rear-mounted six-speed sequential automatic transmission, which produces 200-plus mph results.

In the words of the Chief Engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi, "The Lexus LFA is a supercar thoroughbred, a machine designed to achieve one goal - to deliver a superb driving experience over the last decade, we have rejected all limits on the pursuit of this goal, and I think we've created the most car-oriented driver could possibly us. "

DESIGN OF CARBON FIBER

Keep the car's weight to an absolute minimum has been one of the determining factors in the development of the Lexus LFA and this led to the decision to change the use of aluminum to build the car of the most advanced carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP ) for the chassis and body.

In addition, Lexus has decided carbon fiber structure to be built at home rather than by an outside supplier. What he relied on the legacy of the Toyota Motor Corporation in weaving technology to push the limits of its technical capabilities, the development of new carbon fiber weave and a laser system to monitor the integrity of the material.

Four times the strength of aluminum, carbon fiber Lexus LFA provides an exceptionally rigid and robust structure, and also offers a great weight advantages, saving approximately 100kg is equivalent to an aluminum frame. CFRP accounted for 65 percent of the body-in-white, aluminum alloy used for the remaining 35 percent.

Unlike some other vehicles on the market use of carbon fiber construction, the Lexus LFA uses advanced resin, even favored by aerospace programs leading to his weight and strength characteristics unmatched.

MOTOR

The heart of the Lexus LFA is an aspirated V10 engine as set new standards for compact architecture, light and exceptional performance. From the outset it was determined that the engine must have a capacity of 4,805 cc, developing 552bhp and a lament 9,000 rpm redline rev. An angle of 72 degrees between the cylinder heads are ideal for balancing engine for exceptionally smooth, while each electronically controlled butterfly valves for each cylinder provides excellent throttle response.

Using the dry-sump lubrication system to avoid a deep investment in the engine compartment of the car at the bottom center of gravity and moment of inertia, the engine to run a sustainable, high-speed cornering.

The V10 produces 480 nm of torque at 6800 rpm, 90 percent of what is available from 3,700 rpm up to the redline of 9000 rpm, thanks to the Dual VVT-i technology, the length exhaust manifolds and high volume, the fuel injectors 12 holes. This gives hot listen to the acceleration at any speed and any speed: 62 mph anything takes just 3.7 seconds and top speed is 202 mph.

With a curb weight of 1,480 kg, the Lexus LFA has a power to weight ratio of 373bhp per tonne, while the specific production of 115 hp per liter is the highest of any current supercar, aided by a high compression ratio 12: 1, low internal friction and optimized intake and exhaust flow.

Despite its power, the V10 is an object lesson in compact, lightweight package, roughly the same size as a regular V8 and weighs about as much as traditional V6. Is as reliable and refined than any other Lexus energy plan, and exceeds Euro 5 emissions.

The engine was developed in collaboration with Yamaha through a partnership established in partnership between Toyota Motor Corporation and the engineering company specializing in Japanese

TRANSMISSION

Huge performance V10 derived from the same advanced transmission, specially designed six-speed sequential automatic transmission (ASG), which drives the rear wheels through a differential lock. Help achieve the optimum weight distribution front and rear 48:52, including Axis is a unit mounted above the rear axle.

The ASG is operated by paddles mounted on the steering column, and is designed for exceptionally fast break: a gear change can be done in just 0.2 seconds.

The system features four driving modes: Auto, Sport, Normal and wet, activated by a switch on the dashboard. Each state has a special gear shift, engine and brake control systems of logic to let the driver adjust the performance of the car depending on driving conditions.

SOUND

Lexus LFA sound, intake and exhaust notes are specially optimized to provide an incredible "soundtrack" that expresses the extreme performance of the car, both outside and inside the cabin. Mention team acoustic Octave Harmony ", is inspired by the sound of a Formula 1 engine at full throttle, and it opposes any other road car, with different qualities harmonics generated by the motor goes against its maximum 9000 rpm.

BRAKES

Lexus LFA is one of the most advanced and powerful braking to install any car in production with the relevant requirements of 200 mph-plus performance.

The discs are made of carbon-ceramic material (CCM), while being lighter than steel, offering fade-free performance in all conditions. The front discs are 390mm in diameter and a thickness of 34mm, seized by aluminum calipers with six pistons, rear discs measure 306mm in diameter, 28 mm thick and is equipped with four-piston calipers. Any use of micron high friction pads, manufactured exclusively for use with CCM brakes.

SUSPENSION, WHEELS AND TYRES

Track-tuned suspension born intensive development work, the Lexus Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit to provide the best possible balance between comfort and control.

Tailor-wishbone front / multilink rear design makes extensive use of aluminum alloys for strength and light weight, aluminum monotube dampers are the same as those used in the Lexus LFA is a race car at the Nurburgring 24-hour race.

BBS 20-inch forged aluminum wheels are shod with Bridgestone tires asymmetric: 265/35ZR20 front and 305/20ZR20 rear.

AERODYNAMICS

Lexus LFA offers first-class aerodynamics to reach the cooling of the transmission and excellent handling at high speed and stability. wind tunnel testing have helped to produce the strength of the wind-profile fraud coefficient of 0.31, a remarkable achievement given the level of downforce the vehicle creates a high speed.

The air flow is controlled with precision, down and around the car. A carbon rear diffuser plate bottom to generate significant support, with an active rear wing with gurney flap to the forefront, raising the bar even higher.

BRANCH

The race director gave him the answer carefully and waiting for feedback to create a dynamic link between the car and the perfect conductor. The tariff system rack and pinion constant uses a new type of column supporting electric power steering system that sap engine performance.

The shaft of the column of large diameter is mounted directly on the chassis structure that allows central management rigidity amazing course. The steering wheel carbon fiber has a flat bottom section and houses the data engine start button and instrument switch. It is adjustable in height and angle.

Exterior design

Dictated by available front-engine mid-, long wheelbase and short overhangs, sophisticated aerodynamics and cockpit floor, the flow lines of Lexus LFA roof support in a convex to concave online without problems. And its low weight and high strength carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) has also given designers greater freedom to create shapes, curves and edges that would not have been possible with the metal.

The style remains true, however, the principles of the L-finesse, the design rationale behind all current Lexus models. Form follows function, as demonstrated by the air intakes are not many details and aerodynamics, and even the rearview mirrors channel air as on the shoulders of the cars in the back entrances.

INTERIOR DESIGN

Profil cabin is divided into three zones: the primary zone that contains the skeleton of the building of a car, an area of ​​people with two seats placed in the center of the car, and the area of ​​leadership, a high-tech instrument carries the driver and the car together .

The cabin is built by hand with a driver focused on ergonomics. Seats, upholstered in fine leather and Alcantara, offer a high level of recovery and means of support is needed for a car capable of 200 mph-plus performance. Cut echoes advanced materials Lexus LFA structure with exposed areas such as carbon fiber matte and gloss. Trim details should be finished in brushed metal and the brake pedal to the floor with the hinge and gas are forged aluminum. As with the exterior, the owners can choose from a variety of interior color and detail to your taste.

INSTRUMENTATION

The compact cover, dash panel combines an LCD screen with a color thin film transistor (TFT) and a motor-mobile ring. It has a single circular line with a central speedometer with an LCD screen of the needle. When engine speed exceeds 9,000 rpm, the area of ​​the screen turns red to start the driver to make the change. Can also be programmed to turn yellow or green when the system reaches a user-selected range. The line also features a digital speedometer and speedometer, transmission mode, data from vehicle control and display travel.

A selector information on the left side of the steering wheel allows the driver to shift through a range of functions, including the adjustment of the display data, to adjust the cabin lighting and operation of a system stopwatch track ready.

When the car is started, a sequence of display device fired, creating a sense of occasion, culminating in the four digital displays caller oil and water temperature, fuel level and oil pressure radiating from the center of the tachometer to take their positions on each side of the center dial.

SAFETY

Passive and active safety rules are compatible with exceptional performance Lexus LFA. Carbon fiber reinforced plastic center of the core structure is very strong and provides excellent protection against impact. Crash boxes are at the front and rear that are designed to deform in a controlled manner during a collision. This front is made of carbon fiber on the back of extruded aluminum. Side-impact protection includes solid and rigid carbon fiber spars and gate structures composed of an aluminum panel interior and a reinforced glass Sheet Moulding Compound (SMC G) the outer skin.

Lexus LFA Lexus vehicle comes with a Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) system, which coordinates the functioning of the ABS, vehicle stability and traction control systems, such as the vehicle is approaching the limits of performance based on critical information operation of the brakes, yaw and roll rate, individual wheel speed and length, lateral acceleration and vertical

Passive safety features include adaptive front airbags and seatbelt airbags for driver and front passenger and driver's knee airbag.

Manufacture and sale

Lexus LFA program launched in 2000 as a simple plan of R & D, but given a new impetus with the appointment of Haruhiko Tanahashi will lead a team of dedicated engineers who have undertaken to adapt the development Lexus. Lexus LFA first prototype was completed in 2003, and the design of the study made a public debut in the 2005 Show in Detroit. Between 2008 and 2009 Lexus LFA entered in the Nürburgring 24 Hours, is to drive the car hard in testing conditions before its official launch on production-ready design for the Tokyo Motor Show 2009.

Lexus LFA will be assembled by hand at the Motomachi plant in Toyota City. Only 500 units will be built, with a maximum speed of 20 months to ensure the finest quality construction and attention to detail. Each V10 engine is assembled by a single engineer, and bear his signature as proof of status on each measure Lexus LFA.

The launch price in the United Kingdom for the Lexus LFA is € 368,000 (approx. £ 336,000). Owners can choose from a wide range of options to customize their cars, including 30 different paint finishes. Some items of equipment can also be withdrawn, as the audio system to reduce the weight of the car.