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2011 Lexus LFA


Japanese luxury and now supercar marque, Lexus, has confirmed that Australia has been allocated five LFA supercars - out of 500 units worldwide - the brand’s newest F vehicle.

Unveiled at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show back in October, the LFA is Lexus' first ever supercar developing around 412 kW at a stratospheric 9,000 rpm and 480 Nm of torque from its F1-inspired 4.8-litre V10 engine.


“The fact that Australia has been allocated any LFA vehicles is testament to the importance of the Australian arm of the global Lexus brand.

“LFA is as much an engineering exercise as it is a clear demonstration of the passion that lies within Lexus. It will become the template from which future Lexus vehicles will be developed and measured.

“Our next challenge is managing the allocation process – we are already certain that we will not have enough LFAs to fulfil demand,”
said Lexus Chief Executive John Roca.



LFA Chief Engineer, Haruhiko Tanahashi, said that LFA pushed every conceivable boundary during its development.

“LFA development was unlike any Lexus before it, we tested it in the harshest driving environments – from the high-speed Nardo facility to the gruelling Nurburgring race track.

“LFA is a rolling showcase of Lexus’ advanced engineering capabilities,” said Mr Tanahasi.

“The result is a thoroughbred, a machine engineered to achieve one single goal – to deliver a supreme driving experience.”

Production of LFA will commence in December of 2010 and run for two years, with 20 hand-built vehicles delivered each month to customers globally.


LEXUS LFA SPECIFICATIONS:

Weight: 1480kg

ENGINE & DRIVELINE
Model: 1LR-GUE
Displacement: 4805 cc
Maximum Output: 412kW/8700rpm
Maximum torque: 480Nm/6800
Transmission: Six-speed ASG (Automated Sequential Gearbox)

PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed: 325km/h
Acceleration 0-100km/h: 3.7sec


[Source: Lexus Australia]









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Lexus LFA supercar unveiled in Tokyo

October 21st 2009 18:00
2011 Lexus LFA


The long-awaited and much-hyped Lexus LFA supercar has been unveiled at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show and its a cracker.

After years of speculation and countless prototypes spotted testing at the famous Nurburgring, the Lexus LFA will be heading into production at the end of 2010 and joining the Japanese car maker's line-up in 2011 as the pinnacle of the Lexus "F" range and stable-mate to the IS-F performance sedan.

2011 Lexus LFA


Providing power to the LFA is a newly developed 4.8-litre V10 that is compact in size (smaller than a V8) and made from expensive and lightweight materials such as aluminum, magnesium and titanium alloy). Power is a hefty 412 kW at a stratospheric 9,000 rpm and torque is 480 Nm with 90% of this available between 3,700 and 9,000 rpm.

Factoring in things such as a lightweight carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) cabin - 100kg lighter than a comparable aluminum cabin - unique CFRP-to-metal joining and front-to-rear weight distribution of 48:52, the LFA is a true supercar.

2011 Lexus LFA interior


As a result, the LFA storms from rest to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds and onto a top speed of 325 km/h.

Only 500 units - at US$375,000 a pop - are to be produced and sold worldwide. In spite of its hefty price-tag, the LFA should have no problems becoming a collector's item as the world economy continues to improve.

Learn more about the Lexus LFA below.

2011 Lexus LFA interior


The Official Lexus Press Release:

Tokyo, October 21, 2009 - Lexus announces today the official launch of the LFA, a two-seat supercar scheduled to go into production at the end of 2010 as the pinnacle of the Lexus "F" premium sports car series. Pre-sales start today.

Ultra-responsive and extremely stable even when taken to the edge, the LFA creates a sense of reassurance that opens up a new world of driving emotion, exhilarating the senses to move the driver in more ways than one.

The LFA combines high output, superb chassis design and meticulous aerodynamics to achieve instantaneous total-vehicle response characterized by high-rev, seamless acceleration echoed by a self-defining resonance from its 4.8-liter V10.

Only 500 units of the LFA are to be produced and sold worldwide.

A prototype of the LFA is now on display at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show, which is open to the general public from October 24 to November 4 at Makuhari Messe in Makuhari, Chiba Prefecture.

1. Packaging brings out the most in fundamental performance

Strong and light

The newly developed 4.8-liter V10 engine boasts exceptional power, while lightweight materials (aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy and titanium alloy) and a very compact size (smaller than a conventional V8) allows for optimal weight distribution and an exceptional power-to-weight ratio.

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) cabin enhances high body-rigidity and reduces weight. This unique cabin is 100kg lighter than a comparable aluminum cabin. Detailed analysis and precise matching of CFRP materials allows for high rigidity and low weight. LFA CFRP production technology, including unique CFRP-to-metal joining, was completely developed by Lexus.

Balanced
Relatively higher weight components such as the engine and transmission are placed within the wheelbase. A low center of gravity is made possible by the use of dry sump lubrication1, along with placing peripheral components (oil pump, water pump) behind the engine. Furthermore, optimal placement of the transmission and the fuel tank in front of the rear axle adds to this application of centralized mass. This minimizes weight shift during cornering and contributes to outstanding performance and stability. Lighter weight components, like the radiator and electric fans, are placed behind the rear axle.

Combined with a front-engine and rear-wheel-drive configuration, the short, wide and low body allows the LFA to achieve its target front-to-rear weight distribution of 48:52.

Driver-centered
The driver's seat is positioned near the LFA's center of gravity. The centralized seating concept (with the seat between the front and rear axles and closer to the left–right center) is made possible by the use of a rear transaxle and vertically stacked torque tube and exhaust pipes reducing the width of the center tunnel. The driver placement is aimed to provide maximum car-to-driver feedback, especially under sport or high G-force driving conditions.


2. Emotive performance embodies an extraordinary driving experience

High–rev engine

Titanium valves, ultra–light weight rocker arms with a diamond–like coating and a fully integrated lower crankcase that reduces pumping losses at high RPMs combine to provide the driver with overwhelming acceleration right up to the 9,000rpm redline. The LFA's purpose-built V10 delivers 90% of its peak torque between 3,700rpm and 9,000rpm.

Precise Response

Independent, electronically controlled throttle bodies ensure precise air-feed to each of the 10 cylinders, enabling immediate engine response from the accelerator pedal. The engine response time is approximately half the normal response time of a single-throttle valve.

The six-speed ASG transmission features heavy-duty synchronizer rings and a newly developed gearshift actuator, providing the driver with a very direct shift feel. Four selectable driving modes and a seven-stage shift-speed selector that results in upshift speeds down to 0.2 seconds provide a higher level of driver control.

Track-sized high-performance (Carbon Ceramic) CCM brake discs and Electronically Controlled Braking system generate ultra-powerful yet stable braking.

Responsive handling and engaging dynamics

The very light and rigid CFRP cabin, combined with a front double-wishbone suspension and a rear multilink suspension, result in a very stable, controlled ride. Detailed aerodynamic engineering results in elements such as a flat underbody, a diffuser and a speed-controlled rear wing, which allows precise vehicle response at all vehicle speeds, thus creating unity between driver and machine.

Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management integrates numerous vehicle dynamic functions that provide a high level of vehicle stability and preventative safety without interfering with the driver's intentions, especially when sport driving.

Exciting engine sound and L-finesse2 design
Equal-length exhaust manifolds combined with an equal-length dual exhaust system routed through a multistage titanium main muffler fine tunes the exhaust note.

An acoustically tuned surge tank linked to 10 individual throttle bodies creates a powerful induction sound. The coordination of intake and exhaust sounds overlap at various RPMs to create a unique, exciting and inspired soundtrack.

The exterior design includes carefully tuned aerodynamics and airflow management. The use of CFRP, in addition to strength and weight advantages, frees up the design of the exterior panels allowing a fresh supercar L-finesse design. The interior design combines state-of-the-art instrument-panel design and technology, along with a variety of custom-tailored interior trim packages to suit the most discerning driver.


[Source: Lexus]









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TAS 2009: Mugen NSX RR

January 14th 2009 22:30
Mugen NSX RR


Tough economic times has forced Honda to cancel development of the next-generation NSX but thankfully that hasn't stopped in-house tuning arm Mugen from working their magic on the everyday supercar


[ Click here to read more ]
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Video: Nissan GT-R SpecV

January 9th 2009 22:30
Nissan GT-R SpecV


Yesterday, we were left feeling more than just a little short changed with the official unveiling of the much-hyped Nissan GT-R SpecV (formerly known as 'V-Spec'). Too many questions were left unanswered in the press release and the lack of any substantive power upgrades must've left many a Godzilla fan tossing and turning in bed overnight


[ Click here to read more ]
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Official: Nissan GT-R SpecV Model

January 8th 2009 22:00
Nissan GT-R SpecV


The much anticipated 'hotted-up' version of the Nissan GT-R has finally arrived in the form of a limited edition GT-R SpecV, a vehicle that has been designed and targeted "specifically at enthusiast drivers who desire race car-level performance in a street-legal vehicle


[ Click here to read more ]
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2009 Nissan GT-R Black Edition


The venerable Nissan GT-R, aka 'Godzilla', has received an upgrade for the 2009 model year that sees a small hike in power to a maximum of 357 kW (an increase of 3.7 kW), a new set of bespoke Dunlop SP Sport 600 DSST tyres as standard, a new colour (Storm White), black RAYS alloy wheels for the Black Edition and a small price increase


[ Click here to read more ]
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Nissan GT-R wallpaper


While the world financial tsunami has caused a sharp decline in new vehicles sold, there are exceptions and one such example is the Nissan GT-R which has sold up a storm since it went on pre-sale locally at the recent Australian International Motor Show


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VIdeo: Nissan GT-R hits 311km/h

May 2nd 2008 23:59
Kazunori Yamauchi drives Nissan GT-R


In this latest video of the Nissan GT-R, Kazunori Yamauchi of Gran Turismo fame pilots the most talked about high-performance car around a damp Nurburgring and hitting a top speed of 311 km/h in the process


[ Click here to read more ]
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Nissan GT-R Nurburgring


The all-new Nissan GT-R - affectionately known here as the 'Godzilla' - has cracked the 7min 30sec mark at the famous Nurburgring circuit in Germany with a blistering time of 7min and 29seconds


[ Click here to read more ]
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2008 Nissan GT-R
Goes fast and sells fast too!


Car nuts over in the UK have understandably gone bonkers over the awesome Nissan GT-R with news that Nissan (UK) racked up approximately 700 customer deposits within the first 48 hours after accepting pre-order reservations for the Japanese supercar


[ Click here to read more ]
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2009 Nissan GT-R dyno test

March 13th 2008 23:30
Nissan GT-R dyno test


Late last year, Edmund's Inside Line became one of the first to test-drive the new Nissan GT-R and they were left shaking by the exhilarating performance of the resurrected Godzilla


[ Click here to read more ]
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Nissan GT-R wallpaper


The hottest new car in the world right now is the Nissan GT-R and the Melbourne Motor Show starting on February 29 will see the car affectionately dubbed "Godzilla" make its highly anticipated Australian debut


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Nissan GT-R in motion...on snow!

January 25th 2008 10:30
2009 Nissan GT-R


As if to boast about the new GT-R's handling prowess and the superiority of Nissan's ATTESTA all-wheel drive system, the all-new Godzilla was put through it paces on a snow-laden road somewhere in Japan


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Nissan GT500 GT-R race car

January 21st 2008 23:15
Nissan GT500 GT-R


Here's what Team Nissan will be entering into the 2008 SUPER GT series - the GT500 GT-R


[ Click here to read more ]
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