First Drive: 2011 Lexus LFA

[svgallery name="11_Lexus_LFA"] Story and photos by John LeBlanc HOMESTEAD, FLA.–Citing certain "financial indicators," some experts are ready to proclaim the worst economic downturn in our generation as over. To see how the economy is faring, though, I prefer to use the Super Car Index (SCI). Judging by the recent flurry of new super cars coming to market, (Audi R8 V10, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, MacLaren MP4-12C and Ferrari 458 Italia), it looks like the index is pointing towards nothing but bullish times and smoking rubber for the next few quarters. Whether or not this mega-horsepower and sexy metal-based optimism is for real or just the automakers' version of a stimulus package, Toyota's premium Lexus brand has added to the positive side of the SCI with its new LFA super car. A little more than 24 hours after the LFA's world debut at this week's Tokyo Motor Show, and half a world away here at Homestead-Miami Raceway, Wheels got the chance to drive the new Lexus two-seat, rear-wheel-drive, V10 super car. It's a vehicle Toyota has been teasing us with since its debut as a concept almost five years ago, and for which orders will be taken starting in June 2010. Judging by the paper specs of the front-mid-engine LFA and some track time behind the wheel, Lexus has been anything but shy in taking on the supercar establishment. Initially spawned by Toyota's 2002 jump into the Formula One race circus (when the race cars were then powered by V10s), the Japanese automaker's plan was to win Grand Prix on Sundays, sell LFAs on Mondays. That plan, though, never really panned out. Despite a championship point in its first Grand Prix, the Toyota F1 team has not won a race yet – on any given Sunday. Its best finish so far was second on the podium in 2005. So with an empty trophy case, a massive public and political shift to green cars, and the above-mentioned recent economic downturn, the production version of an LFA seemed seriously in doubt of ever turning a wheel. Cue knight-in-shining-Nomex: Toyota's recently appointed new CEO, Akio Toyoda, the grandson of the founder of the Japanese automaker. Toyoda is unashamedly a "car guy." He thinks Toyotas need to be more fun to drive (hallelujah!). He's also the guy writing the cheques, so LFA prototypes could be entered in race competition – like the famed 24 Hours of Nürburgring – even before making the announcement that the production LFA was a go. In fact, Toyota's new CEO got into his race suit, donned his helmet and was one of the drivers of the No.14 LFA at this year's 'Ring event. Putting stickers on a car and entering races is one thing. Going up against well-established supercar makers like Ferrari and Lamborghini in a tough economy is another. Especially if you look at the LFA's price tag. Of the 500 examples to be produced between next year and 2012 (there will be no production roadsters), Lexus Canada will get 10 LFAs to sell at $375,000 (U.S). If that sounds like a lot, it is. The SLS AMG, Italia, and MP4-12C are expected to cost less. And all three have decades of (winning) F1 racing history and brand prestige that Lexus can't cash in on. The LFA's 4.8-litre engine pumps out 552 hp and 354 lb.-ft. of torque. Toyota says 0-to-100 km/h comes up in a quick 3.7 seconds, and the car will get up to 325 km/h. Those are impressive numbers. But Audi only wants $173,000 for its V10 R8 super car. A $245,000 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 has more juice. And a $235,400 Porsche 911 GT2 is as quick – heck, even a $98,900 Nissan GT-R is quicker. Some of the LFA's cost can be justified with the piles of high-tech that Toyota engineers have crammed into its low, wedge-of-brie body. The carbon-fibre and aluminum chassis tub, all-aluminum multilink suspension, V10 engine, six-speed sequential manual transmission, Bridgestone Potenza rubber and BBS forged alloys were specially designed for the new LFA. There's also a dry sump lubrication system for the engine, a speed-controlled rear wing, carbon-fibre underbody, carbon-ceramic brake discs, multistage titanium muffler ... you get the idea. The LFA's unique driving experience starts as soon as you open one of its two doors. Wedge yourself into the cozy cockpit and it's obvious there's little here borrowed from your aunt's ES 350 sedan. The entire instrument cluster is a thin-film-transistor display – like your big-screen TV. The coolest part is its massive central tachometer. Its configuration changes depending on which of the four transmission modes has been picked. And unlike some other exotics, the LFA's build quality and attention to detail is beyond reproach. Hey, it's still a "Lexus." After only a few laps on the infield course, the LFA's 0-to-100 km/h time becomes irrelevant: Toyota's nailed the LFA's handling characteristics. Period. Full. Stop. This is easily one of the most balanced super cars you (eventually) will be able to buy. Responses from the transmission, steering and throttle are the rare combination of both lightning quick and linear. The benefits of placing the LFA's compact engine low and just ahead of the cockpit and mounting the gearbox over the rear wheels pays off. Its 48:52 front-rear weight distribution allows the driver to feel like an extension of the car, not just a passenger along for the ride. It's a car that begs to be taken to the edge, but gives you the confidence to do it. The best part of the LFA's driving experience may be the sound of the V10. Unlike the truckish sounds from most 10-cylinders, this engine is Formula One raspy. Despite the ambitious price tag, Lexus will likely sell every LFA it brings to Canada. The chassis and engine soundtrack alone will ensure that. Plus, as a halo car for Toyota's premium brand, it's a big sledgehammer in smashing customers' perceptions that Lexus cars are "nice," instead of "exciting." 2011 Lexus LFA

PRICE: (est.) $375,000 U.S.

ENGINE: 4.8L V10

POWER/TORQUE: 552-hp/354 lb.-ft.

COMPETITION: Audi R8 V10, Mercedes-Benz SLS, Ferrari 458 Italia, Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4, Porsche 911 GT2

WHAT’S BEST: Sublimely balanced chassis; “right now” feedback; mellifluous engine song

WHAT’S WORST: Less expensive cars offer more straight line performance; lack of racing and brand history

WHAT’S INTERESTING: LFA will be hand built, one-per-day, by 1,540 handpicked Toyota workers in Japan

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