Lexus Service and Repair Redwood City - Lexus LFA History - Bosch European Motors Redwood City - 650-368-3000

The Lexus LF-A marks an important moment in both the history of Lexus and the development of the supercar. Constructed using advanced carbon fiber technology, the rear-wheel drive Lexus LFA is powered by a bespoke, high-revving 552-hp 4.8-litre naturally-aspirated V-10 engine, matched to a rear-mounted six-speed sequential automatic transmission, giving 200-mph-plus performance.

Keeping the car's weight to an absolute minimum was one of the defining elements in the development of the Lexus LFA and this led to the decision to switch from using aluminum for the car's construction to advanced Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) for the chassis and bodywork. At four times the strength of aluminum, CFRP gives the Lexus LFA an exceptionally stiff and strong structure, and also delivers major weight advantages, saving around 220 lbs. on an equivalent aluminum body. CFRP accounts for 65 percent of the body-in-white, with aluminum alloy used for the remaining 35 percent.

The heart of the Lexus LFA is a bespoke naturally-aspirated V10 engine. It uses a dry-sump lubrication system allows the block to be positioned deep in the engine bay, lowering the car's center of gravity and moment of inertia, and enabling the engine to handle sustained high-speed cornering. The V-10 produces 354 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,800 rpm, 90 percent of which is available from 3,700 rpm all the way to the 9,000 rpm red line. This gives searing in-hear acceleration at all engine speeds and in any gear: nought-to-62 mph takes just 3.7 seconds and maximum speed is 202 mph. With a curb weight of 3,263 lbs., the Lexus LFA has a power to weight ratio among the highest of any current supercar.

 The formidable performance of the V10 is managed through an equally advanced transmission, a purpose-designed six-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG) that drives the rear wheels via a limited slip differential. The system has four driving modes: Auto, Sport, Normal, and Wet, activated by a selector dial on the dashboard. The Lexus LFA's acoustics, induction system and exhaust notes have been specially tuned to deliver an awesome "soundtrack" that expresses the car's extreme performance, both outside and inside the cabin.

The track-tuned suspension is the result of intensive development work carried out by Lexus at the Nürburgring's Nordschleife circuit to give the best possible balance between control and comfort. The Lexus LFA boasts class-leading aerodynamics to achieve drivetrain cooling and superb high-speed handling and stability. Extensive wind tunnel testing helped produce a wind-cheating profile with a drag coefficient of 0.31. The Lexus LFA will be hand-assembled at the Motomachi plant in Toyota City. Only 500 examples will be built, at a maximum rate of 20 per month to ensure the finest build quality and attention to detail. Each V-10 engine will be assembled by a single engineer, and will bear his signature as testament to each Lexus LFA's bespoke status.

Vehicle Specs

Engine - 4.8 liter V-10
Horsepower - 552 hp @ 8,700 rpm
Torque - 354 lb.ft @6,800 rpm
0-60 mph - 3.7 seconds
Top speed - 202 mph
Weight - 3,263 lbs
Tires - Front: 265/35ZR-20,  Rear 306/30ZR-20

 

source: http://www.dupontregistry.com/autos/NewsCenter/NewsCenterDetails.aspx?mmysid=3525