Lexus LF

was first introduced on the LF Series concepts and has now extended to all new vehicles in the Lexus lineup. The LF Series vehicles include three coupes/convertibles, the LF-A, the LF-A Roadster, and the LF-C, two sedans, the LF-S and LF-Sh, and one crossover SUV, the LF-X. These vehicles feature new design cues which are emblematic of the L-finesse philosophy of Intriguing Elegance, Incisive Simplicity, and Seamless Anticipation, and are fitted with new vehicle technologies. The first concept vehicle of the LF Series, the LF-X, appeared in 2003. Several of the LF concept vehicles have appeared close to their production counterparts, while the design cues of other LF concepts appeared on more distinctly different production vehicles.

LF-A

The LF-A is a 2-door exotic concept car built as a prospective halo car for the Lexus division. The LF-A's 4.8 liter engine produces an estimated 552 horsepower (411 kW), propelling it to a top speed of approximately 210 miles per hour (336 km/h). [ [http://www.automoblog.net/2007/04/20/lexus-lf-a-concept/ Lexus LF-A Concept Overview] ] It debuted at the 2005 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). A revised version with more completely furnished interior was unveiled at the 2007 NAIAS as a possible future member of the Lexus F-marque performance lineup.

Toyota has given the LF-A concept car the green-light for production. [ [http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/03/02/report-lexus-lf-a-greenlighted-for-production/ Lexus LF-A Greenlighted for Production] ] Prototypes of the LF-A had been spotted being tested at the Nürburgring, the famous motorsport race track in Nürburg, Germany. [ [http://jalopnik.com/379837/2011-lexus-lf+a 2011 Lexus LF-A] ] The production vehicles are expected to carry V10 engines, putting the car in market competition with the Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari F430, the Porsche 911 (997), and the Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1. Pricing is estimated at $225,000. [ [http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=126380 Lexus LF-A Supercar Will Cost $225,000] , Retrieved May 25 2008]

In 2007, Lexus GB director Steve Settle confirmed that both a V10 and hybrid version of the LF-A would be produced. [ [http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/4044509a30.html Lexus hybrid supercar on the way] ] The hybrid version, combining a petrol engine with electric motors, would likely feature a V8 powertrain similar to that designed for the Lexus LS 600h L.

Racing on the Nürburgring

A Lexus LF-A prototype was entered on 10 May 2008 on the Nürburgring 4 hour VLN endurance race where it surprisingly won the SP8 class [http://www.ts-vln.com/valuation/2008-4-classes.html] with 6 entrants, as all others failed to finished. The best lap time of 9:06 on the 24,4km version was about 40 secs slower than the best Porsche GT3-RSR, and about on par with Cup-GT3. This resulted in finishing 77th [http://www.ts-vln.com/valuation/2008-4-place.html] overall among over 200 teams. The Lexus took also part in the 24 Hours Nürburgring [ [http://www.topgear.com/content/news/stories/2796/ Lexus LF-A concept Nürburgring race news - LF-A hits the 'Ring - 2008 - News - Top Gear] ] on 24/25 May 2008, with four Japanese drivers including Akira Iida leading the team. As car no. 14 [http://adac.24h-rennen.de/24hext/DB/round.asp?jahr=2008&v_id=1&l_id=1001004&stnr=14] , it qualified 27th [http://adac.24h-rennen.de/rennen-2008/ergebnisse/ergebnisdatenbank.html] among 223 cars, and finished 7th in the SP8 class of 11 entrants, and 121st overall, with a best lap average speed of 163 km/h, compared to 175 of the fastest cars.

Gallery

LF-A Roadster

On January 13 2008, Lexus displayed a roadster version of the LF-A concept car designated LF-A Roadster or LF-AR. Initial specifications for the roadster are a V10 engine under 5.0L with over 500hp and a top speed of over 200 mph. [ [http://www.lexus.com/fcv/lf_a_roadster.html LF-AR] ] The vehicle was shown for the first time at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The LF-A Roadster was also revealed to have a retractable rear spoiler for improved handling at speed.

LF-C

The Lexus LF-C is a concept car Lexus unveiled at the 2004 New York Auto Show. This concept featured a retractable hardtop design which allowed for coupe, convertible, targa, or speedster configurations [ [http://www.rsportscars.com/eng/cars/lexus_lf-c.asp Lexus LF-C Concept] ] via a four-position glass roof. The designation stands for "Lexus Future-Coupe". [http://lexus.jp/brand/concept_car/ Lexus.jp concept cars] ] The LF-C is fitted with a V8 engine and rear-wheel drive. Unique features included a one-touch activation button, crystal LED taillamps, suede bucket seats, a 3D instrument panel, drive-by-wire, and a translucent crystal center console with blue backlighting. [ [http://samanathon.com/atlanta-auto-show-lexus-lf-c-convertible-concept-car/ Atlanta Auto Show: Lexus LF-C Convertible Concept Car] ] The LF-C also featured retractable rear-view cameras in place of side mirrors on the doors and rear bumper.

Rumors persist that that LF-C hints at the general design direction for the next-generation Lexus SC. It may, however, hint at a future convertible version of the IS 250/350. Design cues from the LF-C, particularly in the front fascia, appeared in production form with the debut of the second generation Lexus IS.

LF-S

The LF-S is a concept luxury sedan which Lexus unveiled in 2003 at the Tokyo Motor Show, signalling its intentions to launch Lexus in its home country. The designation stands for "Lexus Future-Sedan". Unique features of the LF-S concept included side-mounted cameras instead of mirrors, an air stream style windshield cleansing system, transparent panoramic roof with security illumination, and keyless entry. Design cues from the LF-S, particularly the slingshot cabin, sleek profile, and rear deck lid, appeared in the third generation Lexus GS production sedan. The vehicle was designed to seat 5 passengers.

The LF-S was powered by a high-output hybrid V8 system with all-wheel drive, marking the conceptual debut of a Lexus vehicle with hybrid technology (the first luxury hybrid, the RX 400h, subsequently premiered in 2005 with a V6 hybrid powertrain, and in 2007 the LS 600h and LS 600h L hybrids debuted with hybrid V8 systems). The LF-S and GS sedans were displayed together at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2005, alluding to the design similarities between concept and production model. Overall length was Auto in|193.3|0., width Auto in|74.6|0. and height Auto in|53.0|0.

LF-Sh

Production concept luxury sedan, later developed into the fourth generation Lexus LS. The LF-Sh featured LED headlamps, hybrid all-wheel drive, and exhaust vents integrated into the rear bumper. The designation refers to "Lexus Future-Sedan hybrid". The LF-Sh body style transitioned to an actual production vehicle, the LS 460, more closely than any of the other LF Series concepts, with identical exterior dimensions as the standard wheelbase version of the fourth generation LS sedan.

However, multiple details on the LF-Sh were changed for production. Among them, the integrated exhaust vents were shifted from a seamless one-piece design to a chrome-plated version. The LED headlamps did not appear on the standard production LS 460, but did later debut on the hybrid ultra-luxury LS 600h / LS 600h L. The long wheelbase model LS 460 L is a lengthened version of the LF-Sh/LS 460 standard wheelbase design.

The LF-Sh concept premiered at the Tokyo Motor Show in late 2005, following the debut of Lexus in the home market of Japan, and predating the January 2006 debut of the LS 460 North America. The LF-Sh concept was not fitted with an interior, allowing the interior reveal of the LS 460 to occur at the North American International Auto Show in 2006.

LF-X

Concept crossover vehicle. The designation stands for "Lexus Future-Crossover(X)". This vehicle was the first to appear in the LF Series, and was initially revealed using the prior Lexus concept nomenclature. The LF-X design fits between the RX crossover and the GX large SUV. If produced (possibly under the VX or JX designation), the LF-X would offer three rows of seating, compared to the RX's two rows.

LF-Xh

vehicle. The designation stands for "Lexus Future-Crossover(X) hybrid." This vehicle was first shown in October 2007 at the Tokyo Motor Show, and is thought to be a concept version of the third generation Lexus RX. The LF-Xh featured a V6 engine with electric motors, LED headlights and taillights, and a concept interior. [ [http://thepassionatepursuit.com/2007/10/10/tokyo-motor-show-the-lexus-lf-xh-concept/ Tokyo Motor Show: The Lexus LF-Xh Concept] ]

References

* [http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=203 "Lexus confirms 500hp V10 for LF-A"] , a "Leftlane News" entry
* [http://www.lexus.ca/lexus/experience/en/home/concept/concept_vehicles.jsp "Lexus website claims more than 500hp] , "Lexus.ca"