New Lexus Introduces CT 200h F Sport

Lexus is currently running a close race with Mercedes-Benz for the title of the top selling luxury manufacturer in the United States market.

There are rumblings that the luxury division could be stepping up incentives in order to retain the title.

Regardless, a new product that Lexus counts on helping sales next year is the CT 200h hybrid hatchback. Lexus is aiming to add a little visual drama with a new CT 200h F Sport model.

Unfortunately, the new car appears to be all show and no go though. Exterior updates include a more aggressive and redesigned front fascia, body kit, honeycomb upper grille, and a new rear bumper and diffuser.

The electric Flame Blue color that has debuted on previous Lexus F performance models features. The color looks particularly striking with the darkened windows. There is also larger alloy wheels in a gun metal finish.

The most important update to the actual driving experience would have to be modifications to the suspension.

Inside there is an F-exclusive trim, steering wheel, sports pedals, as well as a redesigned instrument panel.

The biggest bummer is no performance enhancements to the CT 200h’s hybrid powertrain. The car’s standard 1.8-liter VVT-i four-cylinder engine makes 134 horsepower combined with an electric motor.

The engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission (E-CVT) and the setup provides a 9.8 second 0-60 time. As you can imagine, this isn’t the best car for those looking for performance. The F-Sport sure will sure look the performance part though….

New Lexus Projects 12,000 CT 200h Sales a Year

There is not much happening here lately Lexus in the U.S.. Latest campaign focuses on the HS and is convertible 250H hybrid.
Based on the Toyota Corolla, I've never been big fans. It seems the market. Announced as the world's first luxury hybrid Lexus dedicated service is expected to help younger population to 25,000 units per year.

At only 2,000 per month with an aggressive pricing policy that looked like an easy goal to achieve and even surpass them. We are probably not the final figure will be closer to 10,000 by the end of this year.
GS flop in mind, the Lexus is more conservative, setting targets for the new hybrid CT 200 hours, according to Automotive Ward. This period was set at 12,000 per year, only 1,000 cars per month, which again resembles the bar so low that success in sales to recover. However, a low response to the CT market and historical reluctance GS hatchbacks, with a good number is far from certain.
Interestingly, Brian Bolain, Lexus national advertising and marketing director, not a little friction in which CT HS: "Do you love or hate, as GS seems just a 3-box sedan," said Bolain. "It is not only visually characterized by the people. For someone who wants a declaration (), the HS does not get it where necessary."

CT is certainly different - but will that be enough? Lexus has Gen X and Y drive customers to buy CT hatchback. This demographic segment is growing incomes exceeding $ 100,000, and Lexus claims that its research shows 50-60% of buyers are men, three quarters of the new brand. It is obviously driven by an emphasis on sporty driving range.

I strongly doubt that the sale will be conducted, and the word sport is a lot of places in a car with 00-60 times of 9.8 seconds. The car runs 1.8-liter VVT-i four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine 134 hp, which, combined with an electric motor.

New Lexus IS To Share Platform with Toyota FT-86?

Lexus’ issues with the performance crowd are well known. A company that makes front-wheel drive luxury cruisers based off Toyota models isn’t exactly the best recipe for success. We’ve just been waiting for an ES F (that’s a joke).

The one standout in Lexus’ model range though has been the IS range, formerly known as the Toyota Altezza in Japan. With a rear-wheel drive platform and the lone Lexus F model, it is by far the most attractive Lexus model in our opinion.

Introduced in 2005 a a 2006 model, it is time for a replacement. Shockingly, it could be based on another car that Toyota enthusiasts have pinned their performance hopes on – the FT-86. That’s the word from Road & Track.

The FT-86 has been heralded as an important new vehicle for Toyota. With a new rear-wheel drive platform and expensive development for what it likely to be a pretty low volume model, finding another car to share FT-86′s platform with would be ideal.

The IS makes perfect sense, increasing economies of scale and reducing development expenses by having a luxury brand share the platform. Beyond that though, the IS’ standard model is in need of a more sporting character. Sharing with the FT-86 could be just the way to do that.

Count us as supporters of that idea. What seems be a bit sketchy though is the projected launch date for the next-generation car – 2013 The IS needs a replacement or very significant refresh before then in order to stay relevant.

New Lexus IS To Share Platform with Toyota FT-86?

Lexus' performance problems are well known in the crowd. The company that the front wheel drive luxury cruiser based on the model makes, Toyota is not exactly the best recipe for success. We just waited EC F (that's a joke).

One of the standout models in the Lexus IS series, however, formerly known as the Toyota Altezza in Japan. Powered rear wheel drive platform and an F-model Lexus, it's far from the most Lexus models, in our opinion.

Introduced in 2005, AA 2006 model, it is time to replace. Shocking, but may be based on half car, the Toyota fans hope their power - FT-86: e is a word of Road & Track.
FT-86 has been declared a major new car for Toyota. The new rear-wheel drive platform and a set for the development of what is likely a very low volume models, another car FT-86 has a platform would be ideal to find.

Makes perfect sense, increasing the scale and reduce development as a platform to share luxury brand. In addition, however, "standard model is the need for more sport. Share with FT-86 is only one way to do it.

Count us as supporters of the idea. What seems a bit vague, but the anticipated start date for the next generation of cars - 2013 to be replaced or very important to restore before that time would be relevant.

New Lexus IS To Share Platform with Toyota FT-86?

Lexus' performance problems are well known in the crowd. The company that the front wheel drive luxury cruiser based on the model makes, Toyota is not exactly the best recipe for success. We just waited EC F (that's a joke).

One of the standout models in the Lexus IS series, however, formerly known as the Toyota Altezza in Japan. Powered rear wheel drive platform and an F-model Lexus, it's far from the most Lexus models, in our opinion.

Introduced in 2005, AA 2006 model, it is time to replace. Shocking, but may be based on half car, the Toyota fans hope their power - FT-86: e is a word of Road & Track.
FT-86 has been declared a major new car for Toyota. The new rear-wheel drive platform and a set for the development of what is likely a very low volume models, another car FT-86 has a platform would be ideal to find.

Makes perfect sense, increasing the scale and reduce development as a platform to share luxury brand. In addition, however, "standard model is the need for more sport. Share with FT-86 is only one way to do it.

Count us as supporters of the idea. What seems a bit vague, but the anticipated start date for the next generation of cars - 2013 to be replaced or very important to restore before that time would be relevant.

New Lexus CT 200h Pricing Information

He is the last we heard Lexus CT 200 hours earlier this month when the brand has set a goal with just 12 000 sales per year. Flop comes from the bottom of GS 250H hybrid.

This car is a Lexus expects to sell between 20 and 25,000, and a younger audience. It did not work so well, as planned, and CT 200 hours is another attempt at it, this time on the market for "power twist.

Hope to hit the (admittedly very conservative) goals should be set low prices. Using data Lexus enthusiast one day earlier than planned Lexus.
As expected, CT 200 hours has an aggressive price, fell below the key (for advertising) $ 30,000 mark - $ 29,120 $ (29,995 U.S. dollars after shipping), to be exact. This makes CT 200 hours Lexus cheapest on the market, coming in at $ 4,695 below the IS 250 and $ 6,480 for the GS 250H.

This is the basic price includes standard equipment as collateral Connect XM Satellite Radio, iPod/MP3 USB port and Bluetooth audio streaming.
CT 200 hours provides first class to $ 30,900 ($ 31,775 after birth) and an excessive moonroof and heated seats. CT 200 hours may be an attractive package if you fell hybrid powertrain and is designed in the style of the IS, a number of ideas we've seen. Ah, missed opportunities.

Lexus offers many possibilities for personalizing R Sports coverage can be replaced with real bamboo is available, the real Ash Burl or metal surfaces. Go to the full Lexus enthusiast feedback options.

New Lexus CT 200h Pricing Information

He is the last we heard of the Lexus CT 200 hours earlier this month when the brand's objective, only 12 000 sales per year. Flop comes from the foot of the GS 250H hybrid.

This car is a Lexus expects to sell between 20 and 25,000, and a younger audience. It did not work so well, as planned, and CT 200 hours is another attempt at it, this time on the market for "power" slant.

Hoping the (admittedly very conservative) target should be set low prices to hit. Using information Lexus enthusiast one day earlier than planned Lexus.

New Lexus IS 200d F-Sport car reviews

What is it?

Well, it's unusual. Not that Lexus is now a cleaner version of the diesel-powered compact sedan has a premium, but the relationship with the environment at the expense of power and performance, and you have a choice.

IS200d replaces IS220d keeps the same 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, but with changes in the combustion chamber and a piezo-electric injectors. It is now a diesel particulate filter to the Euro 5 emissions to achieve the specified combined economy figure of 55.4mpg (50.4mpg on) and CO2 emissions of 134g/km (from 148g/km). However, the power and torque is also reduced, IS200d has 148bhp and 27bhp and £ 251 m £ 44 m below the model it replaces.

See photos of the Lexus IS 200d in action
How does it feel?

In city traffic is not so much a problem, and the spread of torque is enough to smooth, but outside the city IS200d be for her performance, and even then it's slower than some competitors.

Lexus asking price "of £ 28,290 for sports equipment tested here F (which also gets some exterior updates in 2011) is unchanged from the comparable price IS220d. Although it makes it £ 1000 cheaper than the BMW 320d M Sport, in every other respect, BMW (181bhp, £ 280 m, 60.1mpg and 125g/km) belabor Lexus. Since Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI Sport, but it's still expensive. Goes in the opposite direction of price, the BMW 318d M Sport, but less than IS200d, faster and cheaper.
Should I buy?

If you can get over the fact that competition IS200d overcome, it remains an interesting alternative, which I find more satisfaction than the subjective objective studies suggest.

Five years and M Sport trim, it's still an attractive car. Ride and handling mix meets modern than many competitors, and the transfer of this model is much better than our original road test IS220d car. Unfortunately, our critics wrong when the rear seats and cargo space, plus a pretty sophisticated engine, and remain, and now supplemented by the fact that it feels too slow.
Jamie Corstorphine

Lexus F Sport IS200d

Price: £ 28,290, top speed: 127 kmh 0-62 km / h: 10.2sec; Economy: 55.4mpg (combined) CO2: 134g/km, Empty Weight: 1635 kg Engine: 4 cyls in line, 2231cc, turbo diesel, Power: 148bhp at 3600rpm, torque: £ 251 m at 2000 rpm Transmission 6-spd Manual

Magnet new Yellow" Lexus LF-A Surveys The Beige

Amid the beige of the Toyota display is one blisteringly bright light of excitement in the form of a Lexus LF-A, seen here quietly planning a reverse Battle of Midway.

Lexus CT 200h USA Price

The Lexus CT 200h USA price list has recently been announced, That model will go on sale in early March with a starting price tag of $29,120 – making it not only the cheapest hybrid from Lexus but the cheapest model offered by the brand.

Standard features on the 2011 Lexus CT 200h include push button Start Stop, touch sensors on exterior front door handles, leather wrapped steering wheel a 6 speaker audio system with CD player, USB.iPOD connectivity and 17 inch aluminium alloys.

Power is provided by a 98 hp (73 kW / 99 PS) 1.8-liter petrol engine and an 80 hp (60 kW / 82 PS) electric motor. Producing a combined 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS), the hybrid powertrain enables the CT 200h to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 9.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h). While the performance won't blow you away, expect to get 43 mpg city / 40 mpg highway.

Optional features will include a sixth-generation navigation system with a backup camera, a moonroof, heated seats, and a Premium Audio Package, which includes the Lexus premium audio system with 10-speakers and six-disc CD changer, HomeLink and electrochromic rearview mirror with compass.




Press Release

Pricing for All-New 2011 Lexus CT 200h to Start Below $30,000

• Fun-to-drive hybrid with sport-tuned suspension priced at $29,120
• Best EPA combined rating in luxury segment at 42 mpg
• Fifth hybrid and the most wallet-friendly vehicle in the Lexus lineup

TORRANCE, Calif. (December 15, 2010) - Lexus today announced the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the all-new 2011 CT 200h hybrid, which will be priced at $29,120. The MSRP does not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $875. When it arrives at dealerships in early March, it will be the fifth hybrid in the Lexus lineup and have the luxury industry's best overall combined fuel economy at 42 mpg. With its starting price of $29,120, CT 200h will have the most attractive price point in the Lexus lineup and offer the level of refinement, quality and reliability that customers have come to expect.

"For just $1,000 more than the cost of a non-luxury hybrid, buyers can indulge in a CT 200h with our proven Lexus Hybrid Drive technology," said Mark Templin, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division. "Lexus hybrids currently make up 90 percent of all luxury hybrid sales in the U.S., so you can imagine how excited we are to continue our leadership in this market with the CT 200h."

The CT 200h emits approximately 60 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new car, and has EPA-estimated ratings of 43 mpg city and 40 mpg on the highway utilizing regular 87-octane gasoline. Moreover, the CT 200h can be operated in a switchable EV mode which generates zero emissions.

In addition to the EV and Normal drive modes, the CT 200h offers Sport and Eco modes which can help enhance either performance and dynamic ability or driving efficiency, fuel economy and emissions. EV, Eco and Normal drive modes emphasize ride comfort and smooth acceleration.

Sport mode maximizes the CT 200h's performance and agility. The throttle and Electric Power Steering (EPS) settings are modified. In addition, Sport mode provides less intrusive operation of the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) systems. When Sport mode is selected, instrument panel lighting changes from blue to red and the hybrid power indicator is replaced with a tachometer.

To further enhance the overall driving experience, CT 200h features a sporty, wide-grip steering wheel and strategically angled pedals, and drivers sit in a low, 10-way power seat with a long seat cushion, lumbar support, and aggressive side bolsters. The hybrid also features a unique Yamaha front and rear lateral performance damping system. It's designed to absorb and minimize undesirable body vibrations, offer a more linear steering feel, and further contribute to ride comfort.

"With its low emissions, great fuel economy, four driving modes, and performance dampers, CT proves that you can use ‘fun-to-drive' and ‘hybrid' in the same sentence," said Templin.

Standard features on the CT 200h include SmartAccess with push-button Start/Stop and touch sensors on exterior front-door handles; leather steering wheel; a six-speaker, audio system with a CD player, and Bluetooth® for phone and music streaming capabilities; integrated satellite radio receiver (includes complimentary 90-day trial subscription); USB/iPod® connectivity; 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels; and dual zone automatic climate control. The CT 200h also incorporates a standard eight-airbag Supplemental Restraint System.

Lexus has developed a unique electronic device holder that will be included in every CT. This simple console-mounted holder can easily accommodate most cell phones, music players, or portable navigation devices, keeping the device in close proximity to the power and USB ports on the console.

The optional sixth-generation navigation system features a backup camera and Lexus' exclusive Remote Touch controller with user-adjustable haptic feedback. The innovative controller, similar to a computer mouse, eliminates the need for touch screen controls, allowing the pop-up navigation system screen to be mounted further up the center stack and away from the driver. This helps the driver benefit with a clear, high-resolution screen, improved site lines and reduced eye movement.

For comfort and convenience, the CT 200h is available with a moonroof and heated seats. Consumers can also add an optional Premium Audio Package which includes the Lexus premium audio system with 10-speakers and six-disc CD changer, HomeLink and electrochromic rearview mirror with compass. An optional Leather Package includes perforated leather seats, heated front seats, driver memory, and rain sensing wipers. Other optional equipment available for the CT 200h includes: LED headlights with headlamp cleaners, backup camera in rearview mirror, and Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

Improving its environmental performance, several of the CT 200h's larger components including the loadspace deck sides, deck board and deck board trim have been fabricated from a bioplastic material containing 30 percent plant-based resin. This helps in reduction of carbon emissions over the life of the vehicle. New for the CT 200h is the standard NuLuxe seat material that looks and feels like leather to driver and passengers, but is manufactured with the environment in mind.

Lexus Enform® with Safety Connect® is a telematics system available by subscription. Lexus Safety Connect is standard on all CT 200h models, while Lexus Enform is only available with navigation-equipped vehicles. Complimentary one-year trial subscriptions of Lexus Enform with Safety Connect are included. The Lexus Enform and the Safety Connect response center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - every day of the year.

Lexus InsiderTM, a complimentary, opt-in service available without a subscription, is also standard on Lexus Enform-equipped CT 200h vehicles. The service offers in-vehicle audio casts with useful vehicle tips and event information, as well as insights into exclusive owners' benefits. As part of the Lexus Enform navigation platform, XM NavTraffic® and XM NavWeatherTM are available via individual XM® subscriptions. Navigation-equipped vehicles also have the availability of XM® Sports and Stocks, a service that is included with an XM® satellite radio subscription. All XM services include a complimentary 90-day trial subscription.

Lexus LF-A Supercar Still Alive Despite Cost Cuts

What is expected to end up happening is that the 500hp Lexus will be built to a limited number of only 500 examples. Whether that includes the cabriolet or not remains to be seen.


Toyota is really serious about bringing to market the Lexus LF-A sports car by 2011. This despite the current economic situation, especially pronounced in the financial services and automobile manufacturing sectors. The company is holding firm on its commitment to Formula One as well, even though "to keep it up at the current level [of spending] is extremely difficult", according to CEO Katsuaki Watanabe. Rival Honda recently pulled the plug on its NSX as well as its F1 programme.


Earlier this year the LF-A teased crowds at the Nurburgring 24 hours and more recently at Toyota's Motorsport Festival at the Fuji Speedway. A small number of LF-A prototypes are rumoured to be on a short list to compete at various racing championships once again in 2009.
More Photos



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LA Show Photo Galore: Hummer, Jeep, Kia, Lamborghini, Lexus, Mazda and Mercedes-Benz

Here's our second part of the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show Photo Galore that includes live pictures of the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder, the Lexus IS Convertible and RX350 / RX450h Hybrid and the third-generation Mazda3 Sedan. Click through to check it out or point your mouse here to view LA Show photo roundup.
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SEMA 2008: Five Axis Project GS 460

The Toyota and Lexus modifying veterans at Five Axis have put together a seriously hot-rodded Lexus GS 460 for the SEMA show. Following up last year’s IS F concept, the Troy Sumitomo-designed super sedan was revealed on Tuesday.


As the teaser illustrations hinted, the Five Axis GS 460 features a widebody kit housing massive 20-inch offset wheels, 8.5 inches up front and 10.5 at the rear. Custom-formatted PPG paint contrasts with the blackout wheel trim.


That striking bodywork is wrapped around a lowered and stiffened suspension, and Five Axis has added a big-brake kit and custom fabricated exhaust as well.


The GS 460 shares display floor space with last year’s IS F concept, which has returned with more power, as well as a range of F-branded Lexus modification products.
via:wippz.com



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Lexus GS 460 by Five Axis Display at SEMA

Lexus is gearing up for a big showing at SEMA. In addition to bringing four tuned IS Fs, including one from our friends at 0-60 magazine and another from Fox Marketing/Artisan Performance, long-time Toyota collaborator, Five Axis, will be debuting a heavily reworked GS 460 in Vegas.More Articles



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Lexus IS Facelift Caught at Nurburgring?

The Nurburgring obsessed guys over at bridgetogantry.com have caught what they describe as a mystery Lexus IS featuring a fair bit of camoflage. After a quick history check, it appears this could well be the facelift for the second generation model which has been on the market since 2005.

The low resolution photos and the black clad camouflage make details difficult to make out. The covering around the front headlights leads us to believe they will get a slight redesign, but the part that interests us most on this model is that bulge we see on the hood. Could the IS be the next model in the range to benefit from the Lexus' Hybrid Synergy Drive? We can rule out the possibility of a higher-spec model above the current top of the range 306hp IS 350, the IS-F fills this void more than adequately.

via: worldcarfans

Lexus Announces LF-A Super Car to contest 24 Hours Nurburgring

Confirming last weeks spy story of a race prepped LF-A photographed at Nürburgring, Toyota has now issued a press release on their Japanese global site announcing luxury subsidiary, Lexus, will make a racing/public debut for their LF-A supercar at the legendary 24-hours race at the German Nürburgring in May.

Lexus wants to keep expectations low, by stating they have no intentions of winning the challenging endurance race which will put them bumper to bumper with well established competitors, but instead focus on extracting valuable development data under real world racing conditions.

Since the LF-A road-going production version will not be present, it is easy to speculate that the work being done at the 24-hours of Nürburgring is for a future race version and not the LF-A production road car. With all of the huge press received by Nissan's new halo car, the Nissan's GT-R and it's supporting Super GT race car, Toyota is feeling a bit envious.

Source: Autoblog.com via WorldCarFans

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Lexus LF-A Roadster European Geneva Debut

At Lexus, 'F' is their exclusive designation for high performance. Not that a fiery red advanced lightweight supercar, aggressive in stature and design, bore any clues in itself. The LF-A Roadster concept makes its European debut at Geneva this week, presenting showgoers with a re-interpretation in drop-top guise of the LF-A Coupe concept.

The F-Sports programme overhauls numerous technological components including powertrain, suspension and braking system to produce a concept car every bit as refined as it is exclusive. The result: a highly-polished driver-oriented vehicle highly capable in performance and handling precision.

Its design can be largely attributed to Lexus' L-Finesse philosophy and to the engineering requirements of a refined, lightweight performance vehicle. Based on the lightweight construction of the coupe, the roadster retains rigidity and structure strength by utilising lightweight but durable aluminium and carbon-fibre panels.

A low-profile stance and short overhangs contribute to an aggressive persona and also improve aerodynamic flows, while modified versions of the coupe concept's front and side profile air intakes, the latter based on single-seat racing cars, aid cooling. Large cooling duct grilles stylise the rear which incorporates a re-interpretation of the coupe's 'arrowhead' design.

Under the bonnet, a lightweight V10 unit, placed in what engineers call a 'front-mid' configuration, delivers 500 hp from less than 5.0-litres capacity and propels the LF-A Roadster to speeds in excess of 200 mph. Off-the-line sprints are as yet unpublished.

Maximising cabin space, functionality and further reducing weight, numerous components have been refined and condensed. Therefore inside, where exclusivity is key, a driver-focused environment reinforces space via a low-level console and support via sports seats and deep footwells. Stylish and exclusive touches include an F-Sports steering wheel, floor hinged alloy pedals and a unique instrument cluster.

Press Release

A development of the second generation LF-A coupe which was first unveiled at the 2007 Geneva Motor show, the roadster further reflects the genesis of the Lexus ‘F’ designation; an ultra-high performance sports range for the premium automotive segment.

The F-sports programme exhaustively refines and re-defines powertrain technology, chassis dynamics, superlative braking systems, sports tyre technology and even vehicle sound signatures in the most minute detail. It is passionately committed to the design and production of peerless sporting vehicles which reward their drivers with the ultimate in performance, handling precision and, above all, unparalleled involvement, whether circuit racing or in everyday use.

Combining the cutting-edge technology and luxury refinements appropriate to the brand with the ultra-high performance and outstanding driving dynamics of an open-top, two-seater sportscar, the LF-A roadster is more than merely a radical statement of supercar performance. Incorporating the very latest developments in precision high-performance engineering technology with the core values of the L-finesse design philosophy, the Lexus F-sports special vehicle programme has realised a fundamental reappraisal of both styling and engineering in supercar design, which redefines the boundaries of the ultra-high performance sportscar landscape.

Lexus designers have taken a radical approach to proportion and packaging. “The LF-A programme is a fundamental shift in both style and design.” explains Wahei Hirai, Global Managing officer of Lexus design. “The positioning and sizing of major components have been redefined and condensed. By taking an entirely different approach to proportion and packaging we have achieved the ultimate weight balance, so vital to high-speed handling and stability.”

Featuring significant styling and detail enhancements, the LF-A roadster is based on the ultra-rigid, yet lightweight, carbon fibre and aluminium construction of the 2007 coupe, maintaining the structure’s outstanding strength and torsional stiffness despite its open-topped format.

As with its coupe counterpart, the LF-A Roadster is powered by a radical, lightweight, all-alloy V10 powerplant capable of developing more that 500 DIN hp from a cubic capacity of less than 5.0L. The V10’s front-mid engine placement, along with a rear-mounted transmission and rear-mounted radiators, allows for perfect front/rear weight distribution. The engine is connected to the transmission via a torque tube and propeller shaft, and gear changing is controlled by a high-speed, steering wheel-mounted, semi-automatic paddle shift system. The torque tube itself acts as a structural member, adding rigidity to the drivetrain and chassis whilst minimising drive-train vibration. Allied to optimum gearing, weight and aerodynamics, the drive-train is designed to afford the vehicle a maximum speed in excess of 320km/h.

The exceptionally powerful, fade-free braking system employs 360mm cross-drilled, ventilated front discs with six-piston callipers, and 345mm cross-drilled, ventilated discs with four-piston callipers to the rear. High-performance, 265/35 R20 front and 305/30 R20 rear tyres are fitted to bespoke, turbine-styled, 20” alloy wheels.

Standing just 122cm high, the LF-A Roadster’s styling exudes the core principals of the L-finesse design rationale, in which simplicity and dynamism go hand in hand. Bold and incisive forms that build on the inherent structure of the vehicle create an authentic dynamism that does not rely on simple exaggeration. The purity and clear intention of the vehicle stance is overlaid with the confident integration of numerous functional elements to create a striking, yet sophisticated simplicity.

The ultra-compact design -4460mm long with a 2606mm wheelbase- features the shortest possible front and rear overhangs. The Roadster’s low-profile, aerodynamic front end features numerous revisions to the LF-A coupe concept, including a remodelling of the air intakes and enlarged headlamp clusters generated by a powerful ‘arrowhead’ motif inspired by Kirikaeshi, a symbol of traditional Japanese culture that expresses dynamism through a rapid, yet fluid change of direction, which is a key L-finesse styling element.

Large intakes ducting cooling air to the rear brakes and rear-mounted radiators dominate the LF-A roadster profile, and include prominent, high-level, ‘turn-upstyle intakes informed by the sophisticated, wind-tunnel honed aerodynamics of single-seat racing cars.

Astern, the LF-A roadster is hallmarked by an enlarged, restyled interpretation of the coupe’s unique, ‘arrowhead’ tail light cluster design which incorporates large cooling duct grilles for the rear mounted radiators. Flush mounted within the bodywork when inoperative, an automatic, speed-sensitive rear wing has been incorporated to enhance the roadster’s high-speed stability. Below bumper levela triple exhaust cluster in an inverted triangular form indicates the presence of the complex, Venturi-effect underbody aerodynamics essential to optimise high-speed handling and stability.

On board, the positioning and sizing of all major components has been redefined and condensed to create a striking, exceptionally driver-focused cockpit highlighted by unique instrumentation and floor hinged alloy pedals. Eschewing conventional dashboard design, the LF-A Roadster features a prominent, full-width, low level console supporting the compact driver’s instrument binnacle and F-Sports steering wheel. This simplicity of form reinforces both the upper level width of the spacious, full leather interior, and the optimum security and support offered by deep footwells and strongly bolstered sports seats.

An ‘F’ logo located on the front wings indicates the Roadster’s special vehicle programme pedigree. The name is derived from the Fuji Speedway, the shape of the ‘F’ logo itself inspired by many of the bends on the circuit.

LF-A Roadster Preliminary Technical Specifications:

Power train
Engine: Sub-5.0L V10, front-mid placement
Horsepower: Over 500 DIN hp
Top Speed: Over 320 km/h

Body & Dynamics
Aluminium and carbon-fibre body
Speed-activated rear spoiler
Torque tube encased drive shaft

Dimensions
Overall length: 4,460 mm
Overall width: 1,895 mm
Overall height: 1,220 mm
Wheelbase: 2,605 mm

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

Source: Lexus

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