Lexus Lights The Wick

The Age

Saturday January 5, 2008

Toby Hagon

LEXUS will challenge some of the world's best-established supercars with a 350km/h V10-powered sports car intended to change the way people consider the luxury brand.

Less than two decades after its inception as the newest luxury brand on the market, Lexus is now targeting Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini in a bold move to inject some excitement into the marque and take the next step for the Japanese maker.

Lexus has confirmed its LF-A sports car - seen as a concept car in 2005 and as an updated version in 2007 - will be powered by a formula one-inspired V10 engine when it goes on sale in 2009.

The V10 is expected to deliver something like 380 kW, making it the most powerful engine from Lexus - and the most powerful production engine to come from Japan.

The potent Lexus LF-A could accelerate to 100 km/h in less than four seconds, introducing a new level of performance to Toyota's luxury brand.

The original Lexus LF-A concept from 2005 was more an indication that Lexus was serious about producing a supercar than a definitive look at a showroom version.

Lexus says the more recent concept car teaser - seen at the Detroit and Tokyo motor shows in 2007 - gives a clearer indication of what the production car will look like when it goes on sale in 2009.

The V10 engine is mounted in the long, sleek nose, which is characterised by angular shapes and dramatic air intakes.But in an effort to optimise weight balance by shifting more to the rear, Lexus is believed to have fitted a transaxle (with the gearbox mounted at the rear of the car on the axle).

There are also radiators at the rear of the car, which are fed air through the rear scoops behind the occupants.

Development cars spotted testing at the Nurburgring track in Germany also show a car with a high-mounted rear wing, suggesting the LF-A could be fitted with a retractable rear wing that rises at higher speeds and sinks into the boot at city speeds.

Currently, overseas reports have the LF-A nudging 330 km/h, which is apparently not good enough for Lexus engineers. It's believed Lexus is targeting a top speed for the LF-A of 350 km/h, ensuring it's viewed as a serious supercar contender against the more fancied European brands. -- TOBY HAGON

© 2008 The Age

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