From Titanium Valves to Triple Exhausts: The Engineering of The 2012 Lexus LFA

2012 Lexus LFA

Few cars transition from concept to legend as quickly as the LFA. This machine represents over a decade of dedicated engineering effort. We are examining an exclusive example, unit number 180 of only 500 built. The car is a striking Metallic Silver 2012 Lexus LFA V10. It shows just 6,000 miles since leaving the factory in Virginia.

Carbon Construction and Exterior Design

Kengo Matsumoto led the highly specialized design of the LFA. The car utilizes carbon-composite bodywork for lightness. This is mated to a chassis made from carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer. Aluminum subframes support both the front and rear ends. This construction results in incredible structural rigidity.

2012 Lexus LFA

Key Exterior Features

The car is finished in brilliant Metallic Silver paint. Exterior styling includes a vented hood and side air intakes. Bi-xenon HID headlights provide excellent visibility. The LFA also features large F fender badges. Its speed-sensitive rear wing automatically deploys at speed. Triple central exhaust outlets signal the car’s extreme performance level.

Handling and High-Performance Running Gear

The LFA employs a highly sophisticated suspension setup. A double-wishbone design controls the front suspension. A multi-link setup manages the rear end. Remote-reservoir monotube dampers control body movements. The car utilizes 20-inch mesh-spoke BBS forged alloy wheels. These wheels wear Lexus-branded center caps.

2012 Lexus LFA

Brembo Carbon-Ceramic Stopping Power

Braking is handled by an exceptional system. Red-finished Brembo aluminum monoblock calipers provide clamping force. Six-piston calipers are fitted up front. Four-piston calipers handle the rear axle duties. They grab large cross-drilled carbon-ceramic rotors. The front rotors measure 15.4 inches. The rear units are 14.2 inches.

2012 Lexus LFA

The Technological Interior Cabin

The bolstered bucket seats adjust in 10 different ways. They are trimmed in luxurious gray leather. Gray upholstery extends across the door panels and dashboard. Carbon-fiber trim pieces accent the cabin beautifully. The car features a Mark Levinson 12-speaker surround-sound system. Bluetooth connectivity and a CD stereo are included.

Driver Interface and Infotainment

The cabin offers a comprehensive Lexus Insider infotainment system. It includes voice command and full navigation capability. The flat-bottom steering wheel features leather and carbon-fiber trim. Column-mounted paddle shifters control the transmission. A TFT LCD gauge cluster dominates the view.

2012 Lexus LFA

Engine and Performance Specifications

The 4.8-liter 1LR-GUE V10 engine is an engineering marvel. Lexus developed the engine with technical help from Yamaha. Internals include titanium valves and connecting rods. Forged pistons improve durability at high RPMs. The V10 features dry-sump lubrication and individual throttle bodies. Lexus rated the output at 552 horsepower. Torque figures reach 354 pound-feet. The engine screams to a 9,000-rpm redline.

Drivetrain and Power Delivery

Power is routed exclusively to the rear wheels. It travels through an Aisin six-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox. A Torsen limited-slip differential manages the power distribution. This single-clutch gearbox provides rapid shifts. The sequential unit contributes to the car’s aggressive character.

2012 Lexus LFA

Summary

This rare 2012 Lexus LFA V10 represents peak Japanese engineering. It is one of only 500 examples ever produced worldwide. The car features a high-revving V10 engine and a carbon-fiber chassis. This specific model shows very low mileage. It offers an incredible blend of rarity and performance.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The information provided is based on market trends and personal opinions and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Readers should always conduct their own research and consult with a professional advisor before making any decisions.

Source & Details: bringatrailer.com

2012 Lexus LFA
2012 Lexus LFA
2012 Lexus LFA