7/10 Lexus LFA

Concept 

F isn't just a letter, it's a statement. The production version of the LFA coupe, available in 2011, confirms Lexus' commitment to ultra-high performance. And the earlier generation Concept LF-A Roadster is evidence that performance and open motoring can go hand in hand. The Concept's low-profile, sleek, aerodynamic shape is fashioned from lightweight carbon fiber and aluminum and features a speed adaptive rear wing. And like the coupe, the LF-A Roadster is powered by a high-revving V10 engine capable of over 500 horsepower, which can reach an astonishing top speed of over 200 mph on the track. Fasten your sunscreen.

Design 

The production Lexus LFA has an overall length of 177.4 inches (4,510 mm), while its wheelbase measures 102.6 inches (2,610 mm), with a height of 48 inches (1,200 mm) and width of 74.6 in (1,895 mm). Compared to the prior 2007–2008 concepts, the production model is nearly 2 inches (51 mm) longer, with identical width, height, and nearly same wheelbase dimensions. The exterior design of the LF-A concepts and the final production model was the work of car stylists led by Lexus Design general manager Kengo Matsumoto. The overall design ethos was based on the principle of form follows function, with aesthetics secondary to aerodynamics and operation.

The LFA body features sharp edges and cutoffs for improved aerodynamic performance, made possible by the carbon fiber body.The body was designed with an emphasis on downforce. There are air scoops located over the rear fenders which feed the aft-mounted radiators and help cool the brakes. A horizontal hood gap also feeds air to the engine. Two small aft vents expel air that is collected by an underbody air scoop and used to cool the titanium exhaust pipes. Dual hood ducts serve to move hot air away from the exhaust manifold

The LFA's speed-sensitive rear wing incorporates a Gurney flap and deploys at speeds over 50 mph. With the wing retracted the LFA's body has a drag coefficient of C_d 0.31. The LFA body is offered with a choice of 28 standard exterior colors, along with 3 wheel colors and a matte black option. Additional "special colors" are available to order. The front and rear fenders, doors, roof rails, and rocker panels are made out of blast fiber reinforced sheet panels, while the tail lamps are light-emitting diode (LED) lights.

Interior Design 

The LFA interior incorporates carbon fiber, leather, alcantara, and metallic surfaces. There are two bucket seats, and Lexus' Remote Touch controller interface. The interior design uses bespoke materials and colors. The instrument display is a digital thin-film transistor (TFT) speedometer with color-changing background, size-changing numbers, and side-appearing submenus. 

In operation the TFT display shows small digits in automatic mode; larger and bolder numbers in normal mode; inverted colors, moved redline, and stark numbers in sport mode, along with a programmable redline warning color change. The tachometer display also features an electric movable metal ring with layer acrylic plastic to create a 3D effect. The LFA further features a new driver and passenger seat-belt airbag design increases similar to the S-Class ESF safety concept car.

The steering wheel features a right-mounted start button and alloy paddle-shifters. To activate the vehicle the driver must insert the key beside the steering wheel then press the start button. Two octaves of engine sound are channeled into the cabin via twin ducts which connect the firewall with intake manifold, with the sound tuned in the manner of an Ovation guitar. A 12-speaker Mark Levinson sound system with compact lightweight components was also developed for the interior. Custom-madeTumi suitcases are designed for the LFA interior, with a two-piece set made from carbon-fiber style materials and inscribed by VIN number; a smaller "concourse" case is for track days and short trips, while a larger "coastal" case is for longer trips.

Technical Feature 

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). 

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.

Going beyond 200 mph requires a gearbox that provides a relentless torrent of acceleration that can be delivered in an instant. The Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG) accommodates the engine’s wide powerband while remaining lightweight and compact. Operated by steering column-mounted paddle shifters, the ASG works hand-in glove with the engine to put the driver in full control even under the most extreme conditions.

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 and 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.

More information about technical click this link