(continued from above)
"From the very beginning of automobile history, supercars have represented
dreams, hopes and aspirations," explained Haruhiko Tanahashi, chief engineer of
the LFA's development program. "For Lexus, a brand that aims to provide
customers enlightened moments and memorable experiences, the development of a
world-class supercar was an indispensable next step".
That indispensable
next step centered on the creation of a supercar that would deliver the supreme
driving experience. To achieve this uncompromising goal, Tanahashi and his team
created the LFA from scratch - a true clean-sheet design. And in a radical
departure from standard Lexus development practice, they approached the LFA from
a non-traditional angle, pushing their technological, material and engineering
boundaries at every step.
The result is the rear-wheel drive LFA, a
dynamically styled supercar powered by a sophisticated new high-revving
4.8-liter V10 engine that generates 552 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque for
adrenaline-fuelled 202 mph (325 km/h) performance. This specially-developed
powerplant is hooked up to a unique six-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG)
with paddle shifters for ultimate driver control. Linked by a rigid torque tube
for excellent drivetrain integrity, the ASG is located in a transaxle layout
over the rear axle for an optimal 48:52 front-to-rear weight distribution.
Carbon Fiber Chassis
Lightweight, powerful and balanced, the
Lexus features advanced Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) construction for
its chassis and bodywork to deliver a light, incredibly strong and
impact-resistant structure. Rather than out-source this sophisticated materials
technology, in a radical move, the LFA team developed its own CFRP processes
internally for ultimate quality control and to make a sound engineering
investment in the future.
While this switch to CFRP construction pushed back the LFA's market debut, it
was exactly the kind of evaluation embodied by the spirit of the LFA team: to
push any and all new boundaries in the pursuit of excellence. The result was
that within a short three-year period, the engineers not only mastered carbon
fiber production for the LFA but also developed groundbreaking new processes to
create a new LFA that was stronger, stiffer and lighter than any metal-based
alternative could ever be.
Lexus LFA: Review (2/2)
