Lexus LF-A Supercar Goes Hybrid

The Lexus brand's first supercar — the Lexus LF-A — will be offered with a hybrid powertrain. This car will not be an adaptation of anything that already exists – it will be something entirely different says officials in Lexus.

It promises to set a fresh standard in the hybrid technology to which Lexus is totally committed.

Rumors of a hybrid LF-A first surfaced in late August 2006, when was reported that a version of LF-A would be offered with the same hybrid system as the Lexus 600h sedan. The 5.0-liter V8 coupled with an electric motor will produce a total output of 435 horsepower, the magazine said. The regular LF-A is expected to be offered with a high-revving V10 producing over 500 horsepower.

Lexus revealed an updated LF-A concept in January, design to closely preview the production car, expected to arrive in late 2008 as a 2009 model.

The LF-A sports-car concept was originally shown at the 2005 NAIAS to express a bold new direction in styling for the Lexus brand. The goals for the new LF-A are no different than they were with the original concept: To build a supercar with world-class performance that is uniquely Lexus.

As with all new Lexus vehicles, the styling of the LF-A is rooted in a design direction called L-finesse. The concept of L-finesse was used to shape and detail the original LF-A, and it was used to reshape, redetail and redefine this latest version. Lexus has further refined the styling of the new LF-A to enhance its exotic nature with a greater use of curved surfaces and interesting details.

The running gear of the LF-A is just as it was with the original, powered by a high-revving 500-plus horsepower V10 engine. Its front mid-engine placement, along with a rear-mounted transaxle and rear-mounted radiators, allows for excellent weight distribution. The horsepower, superior aerodynamics, and revised styling make a top speed of 200 mph not only possible but probable.

An “F” logo, indicating the vehicle’s status as a part of the new “F” marque, is located on each front fender.

“The first LF-A was a pure concept, but one that we went so far as to conduct engineering analysis on,” said Carter. “This latest concept is much closer to a vehicle that we would bring to market, and one in which we will be gauging consumer interest.“

Lexus LF-A Preliminary Specifications

Powertrain
Engine: V10 (under 5.0 liters)
Horsepower: More than 500
Top Speed: Approximately 200 MPH

Tire Size
Front: 265/35R20
Rear: 305/30R20

Dimensions (inches)
Overall Length: 175.6
Overall Width: 74.6
Overall Height: 48.0
Wheelbase: 102.3