Lexus gets an allocation of one LF-A sports car

A wave-like shape behind the front door adds a bit of flamboyance.

Lexus’ hand-built, limited-edition full-on exotic flagship. How exotic? Only 500 units will be built at the rate of 20 per month. The Philippines gets exactly one unit.

DESIGN: Never has Lexus’ L-finesse design philosophy been given free rein as in the LF-A. Triangles and combinations thereof are the dominant shape, seen in the headlamps, front and side air intakes, and greenhouse. The front engine, two-seat cabin layout features a long wheelbase and short overhangs. The requisite air ducts and aerodynamic protrusions of exotic sports cars are neatly integrated.

The interior features heavily-bolstered seats with a split backrest, all the better to hold you with on high-g maneuvers. The gauge cluster is centered on a 10,000 rpm tachometer with a virtual LCD needle.

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION: A normally aspirated 4.8-liter V10 sits with its center of gravity behind the front axle. It generates 552 hp at 8700 rpm, and 480 Nm at 6800 rpm. Acceleration to 100km/h is less than 4 seconds, and top speed is 325 km/h. Developed in cooperation with Yamaha, the engine is smaller than a traditional V8 and lighter than a conventional V6. Quick response is built into the design, with the engine capable of revving from idle to 9000 rpm redline in 0.6 seconds.

A six-speed sequential semi-automatic gearbox channels torque to the rear wheels. Shifts can take as long as one second in cruising mode, and can be banged off in as quick as 0.2 seconds.

CHASSIS: For lightness and stiffness, Lexus specified carbon-fiber reinforced plastic, developed in-house. Double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension were honed on the famed Nurburgring Nordschleife. 20-inch tires were specifically developed for the LF-A by Bridgestone.

POSITIONING: If Lexus started out as Toyota’s answer to Mercedes-Benz, it has certainly succeeded, surpassing its German rivals in American unit sales. Lexus has built its reputation on comfort, reliability and content, offering features that are standard versus optional on its rivals. The luxury brand is known for its large sedans and SUVs, and its hybrid technology. The LF-A is a welcome addition to the marque, adding exotic appeal and performance to the brand’s repertoire.

THE Lexus LFA: exotic appeal and performance.

BUILD: By hand, by skilled technicians at the Lexus LFA Works at the Motomachi Plant at at Toyota City in Nagoya. Philippine price is TBA; US list price is set at $375,000.

As of press time, the Philippines’ single-unit allocation is still up for grabs-what are you waiting for?