Lexus LFA: supercars and supermodels

07.03.2011/ Nuerburg - Cairo - Dubai /

Lexus is a very well-known and segment-leading brand not only in the USA but also in the Middle East region in general, and the Gulf region in specific. And although Lexus is in no need for testimonials for its quality cars, the Japanese premium manufacturer still decided to get its new LFA supercar associated with supermodel Rianne ten Haken and celebrity starlet Paris Hilton (check videos in our video section here on Auto Arabia or click ).

In spite of that appearance with supermodels and Hollywood celebrities, Lexus has formally unveiled in Geneva a set of improvements for their LFA supercar. The Nurburgring Package, which was first announced in March 2010, includes a series of improvements to the basic LFA to make it a track-oriented benchmark-setter.

Buyers who decide to go for the Nurburgring package will also get so-called Ring Driving Lessons on the 21-km-long circuit as well as one year pass for it in order to be able to exploit the potential of this car in a safe driving environment all year long.

To keep this package exclusive, it should be mentioned here, that this upgraded model will not be available on all LFA units, as the company is only producing 50 limited edition units. In terms of numbers this means, that only 10 percent of LFA owners will be able to purchase and enjoy the upgraded version, and till date of publishing it is not clear if the package can be retrofitted to first production year models.
Engineers tweaked the 4.8-liter V10 engine, boosting the engine output by 10 hp (7.46 kW / 10 PS) to 562 hp (419 kW / 570 PS).

In addition to this, the six-speed sequential transmission will be able to change shifts faster, by shaving off 0.05-second of the of the already impressive time to an astonishing 0.15-second time.

Included in the kit are several carbon fiber body pieces, including a static rear spoiler with fins, finned side spoilers, a huge front spoiler, a 10mm drop in ride height, retuned suspension, as well as lightweight alloy wheels wrapped in racing tires to reduce the unsprung mass with the ultimate target is to improve the handling and traction of the car.

All aforementioned changes have led to a 0-100 km/h sprint of 3.7 seconds, but with no change of top speed, which remains the same of 325 km/h (202 mph).

The Lexus LFA N?¼rburgring Package was announced as costing $70,000 (€50,939), but exterior paint options are limited to black, matte black, orange and white. European units on the other hand, will also get carbon fiber sport seats lined in Alcantara, as well as a carbon fiber center console and door inserts.

Hopefully Lexus will pay also some attention to the Middle East market, where exclusive and limited models are highly demanded and thought after by many collectors.

AE