Word of Lexus LFA Nrburgring track edition emerges from Japan

[mikeyb]

Word of Lexus LFA Nrburgring track edition emerges from Japan

Remember when Lexus was synonymous with cushy, spongy rides that were anything but performance oriented? That all seems a distant memory since Toyota's luxury division set its sights on the likes of BMW with the IS-F, even more so with the release of the exclusive LFA supercar. But according to the latest, Lexus ain't done yet.

Back in October when we were in Miami test driving the LFA, we brought you a report on the possibility of a stripped-down, competition-focused version. Now it appears that this track edition is upon us.

Apparently called the Nrburgring edition in reference to the legendary German road course where the competition prototypes that led to the production LFA cut their proverbial teeth this extra-special LFA will benefit from a large, fixed rear wing, a splitter up front, a stiffer (and more adjustable) suspension, lightweight alloys coated in track rubber and an extra 10 horsepower (likely resulting from a revised exhaust system).

Aside from the four paint options which reportedly include glossy black, matte black, orange, and an unknown fourth color that's about all we've got for now.

 

[Kymerik]

still overpriced to hell and back

 

[Kymerik]

Still a Lexus at the end of the day.

that too

does it come with a complimentary course on putting your head in the clouds?

 

[mikeyb]

Lexus unleashes the ultimate lfa

Now available with new track-focused Nrburgring package

KEY POINTS

* Lexus introduces Nrburgring package for the LFA supercar, aimed at hardcore track driving enthusiasts
* New aerodynamic elements for greater downforce, including fixed rear wing
* Power increased to more than 562bhp, gearshift times cut to just 0.15 seconds
* Nought to 62mph acceleration in 3.7 seconds and top speed of 202mph maintained in spite of higher downforce
* Performance package launched in celebration of LFA's entry in the Nrburgring 24 Hours race
* Just 50 examples to be built, within the total LFA production limit of 500 cars

In celebration of its LFA supercar taking on the challenge of the Nrburgring 24 Hours race in May, Lexus has launched a new performance package designed to appeal to customers seeking full-blooded track performance.

The new Nrburgring package provides additional aerodynamic features and technical revisions that improve handling and downforce without compromising the exceptional speed and acceleration that are central to the LFA's driving character.

Greater downforce, essential to peak track performance, has been gained through revisions and additions to several of the LFA's CFRP components, including a larger front spoiler, side fin-type spoilers and a new fixed rear wing.

Maximum power from the mid-front-mounted 4.8-litre V10 engine has been increased by 10bhp to more than 562bhp and gear shifts in the six-speed sequential transmission have been cut to just 0.15 seconds. Thanks to these changes, nought to 62mph acceleration in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 202mph are maintained, in spite of the extra drag created by the new aerodynamic elements.

Handling modifications include sports tuning of the suspension and mesh-type wheels shod with dedicated high-grip tyres.

Just 50 LFA will be available with the Nrburgring package, within the car's strictly limited global production run of 500 examples. If they wish, customers will be able to take advantage of individual driving instruction on the legendary Nordschleife circuit from the Nrburgring's chief instructors. They will also receive a one-year driving pass to the track.

[Lexus]

 

[Newf]

the...um..."stock" one looks better by a mile.

but way overpriced.

 

[mikeyb]

It is still a Lexus at the end of the day.

 

[sephiroth]

I *was* having second thoughts on buying one, but another 10BHP makes this half a million dollar lexus seem like a real gem now! Aern't they 'selecting' people to purchase them? I guess to make it seem like an honor, since no one in their right mind would buy one willingly.

 

[CorkSport]

The car is cool on paper but after looking at the concept car at SEMA I am not really feeling it.

The doors look really short in proportion to the car body.

 

[altspace]

The front is ok at best, but the rear end....damn....baby got back! And it's flat!

 

[sephiroth]

The car is cool on paper but after looking at the concept car at SEMA I am not really feeling it.

The doors look really short in proportion to the car body.

An average(and soon obsolete)supercar for three times the price is what this is. I could understand if this were an exercise by Lexus to test their abilities but they spent the better part of a decade and millions creating this and we get something no better than the established range of supercars.

 

[Flash5]

just what lexus needs to do, up the price on a car that already is overpriced, smart