Lexus Manila Unveils the LFA
Lexus Manila, Inc. has unveiled the LFA, its first supercar, at an exclusive event at their showroom in Fort Bonifacio Global City. Only 500 LFA units will be produced worldwide at a maximum rate of 20 units per month. The Philippines is fortunate to be allocated even one unit, with only Singapore and Brunei being the other countries in the region to receive allocation.
The Philippines is the only country in Asia to hold an official launch event for the LFA. “We want to share this rare and priceless automobile with the discerning public… our doors will be open to showcase the LFA, the ultimate testament to everything that Lexus is capable of” said Mr. Alfred Ty, Lexus Manila chairman during the occasion on Oct. 11, 2011.
The guest of honor that evening was the man behind the creation of the LFA who flew in from Japan especially for the occasion, Mr. Haruhiko Tanahashi, LFA Chief Engineer from Lexus Group at Toyota Motor Corporation. “The LFA is a thoroughbred supercar unlike any other before it. Astonishingly lightweight, powerful and balanced, it is engineered to achieve one single goal – to deliver a truly supreme driving experience,” shares C.E. Tanahashi about his masterpiece.
The LFA, which stands for the Lexus Fuji Apex, is a hand-assembled, rear wheel-drive supercar that C.E. Tanahashi and his team began developing in the year 2000 from scratch.
Its chassis and bodywork are made of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) instead of the usual aluminum. Tapping Toyota Motor Corporation’s heritage of traditional weaving looms, the team developed three-dimensional carbon fiber looms to manufacture the CFRP. This is internally-developed technology allows the vehicle to achieve a performance-enhancing light weight construction, which is primed for future mass production applications.
The engine is a high-revving 4.8L V10 which is as small as a traditional V8 engine and as light as a conventional V6 engine that enables the vehicle to reach speeds of 100kph in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 325kph. The LFA boasts of 412kW/560DIN hp and can rev up to 9,000rpm. One of its most striking features is the sound the engine generates, as its acoustics have been tuned by Yamaha to deliver a unique, Formula-1 inspired sound which C.E. Tanahashi likens to the “roar of an angel”.
The LFA is equipped with a 6-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG) and paddle-shifters. These are complemented by four driving modes: Auto mode for carefree shifting, Sport mode for extreme power, Normal mode for manual control, and Wet mode for enhanced safety to adapt to varying weather conditions. The ASG is located in a transaxle layout over the rear axle for an optimal 48:52 front-to-rear weight distribution.
Its active rear wing which has a Gurney flap on the leading edge enhances its aerodynamic downforce that works hand-in-hand with its wind-cheating profile resulting in a drag coefficient of Cd 0.31.
True to its racing roots, the LFA is fitted with a race-tuned, constant ratio rack and pinion steering system with a column-assist Electric Power Steering (EPS) which is designed to translate the driver’s inputs and seamlessly translate this to the vehicle’s 265/35R20 95Y front and 305/30R20 99Y rear wheels. In addition, the LFA’s motorsport-developed lightweight aluminum alloy suspension is complemented by Carbon Ceramic Meterial (CCM) brake discs.
Its design is clearly clean, muscular and athletic with supercar styling that remains faithful to the Lexus L-Finesse design philosophy of incisive simplicity, intriguing elegance, and seamless anticipation. This 2-seater coupe’s cabin is strategically divided into 3 zones: the Mechanical zone featuring the console and all its controls, the Human zone with ergonomically-designed bucket seats for utmost support, and the Driving zone as defined by its instrumentation interface with TFT LCD panel that delivers superior visual clarity under all conditions.
As for its safety features, due to the innate strength of the CFRP, it provides supreme impact protection as it is stiffer, stronger and lighter than any equivalent metal structure. This is further supported by its front and rear crash boxes and the standard safety equipment that includes SRS front and seat belt airbags for the driver and passenger, and single-stage knee airbag for the driver. In addition, the LFA is equipped with a sophisticated Sport Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system that integrates both braking and torque control with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC) systems.
As part of the development process of the LFA, the vehicle was entered into the Nurburgring 24 hour-race in 2008 and 2009. Among the 500 units that will be produced, 50 of them will be available with the
Nürburgring package. The Nurburgring package includes a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) front spoiler and fixed rear wing to enhance aerodynamic performance. It also comes with track tuned suspension and custom wheels to improve maneuverability and stability. Compared to the standard LFA’s output of 412 kW (560 PS), the output of the LFA Nürburgring package has been raised to 420 kW (571 PS).
The LFA was brought to the Philippines mainly as a halo model for the entire Lexus lineup, “It embodies everything that the Lexus brand stands for… and everything that Lexus is capable of”, explains Lexus Manila President, Mr. Daniel Isla.
Be among the first to view the sole LFA in the Philippines alongside the Lexus vehicle line-up at the Lexus Manila Showroom at 3402 8th Ave. cor. 34th St. North Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
