2005 Lexus LF-A Concept
Transforming Perceptions with 500-HP Super-Coupe
Lexus, the worlds most dependable nameplate according to third-party analytical firm J. D. Power and Associates, doesnt sell as many luxury sedans as market leaders BMW and Mercedes-Benz, despite offering as many features, equally luxurious interiors and lower prices.
Whats the problem? Bland styling. Years of criticism from the automotive press, and other sources, have caused those that lead the Toyota division to rethink its conservative image, allowing the artistic stylists that make up its design team the opportunity to stretch their collective muscles in order to dream up a new kind of Lexus.
The result has been a design language Lexus calls L-Finesse, and three, extremely attractive concepts shown over the last couple of years.
"Over the last two years, a new styling philosophy that we call L-Finesse, has taken shape at Lexus Design," said Wahei Hirai, Toyota Motor Corporations global managing officer of design. "What has emerged from this two-year journey is not just a new direction in philosophy. It is a new design language, based on the dynamism and inherent contrast between simplicity and elegance."
The first L-Finesse concept was the HPX concept, a stylish station wagon cum sport utility crossover that would fit very well into the Japanese brands current lineup, is expected to get the nod for production - or at least something similar should be forthcoming.
LF-S sedan came second, the direct inspiration for Lexus designers who penned the new GS 300/430, due out this coming spring. While the production car is clearly less dramatic than the concept, the midsize four-door is a great deal more attractive than previous Lexus cars, while delivering that all important premium product attribute, distinction.
The LF-S was quickly followed by the LF-C, s retractable hardtop coupe/convertible which bowed in New York last April, causing many would-be prognosticators to question whether it, or something derived from the racy concept would spawn the next generation IS 300.
With any more talk on the subject merely being speculative, Lexus has been considering attacking the premium sports car/coupe market in a much more aggressive manner than its current SC 430 roadster can. While no hint as to whether a new super-coupe would replace or be sold side-by-side the luxuriously appointed retractable hardtop, Lexus gave the automotive press at Detroits annual auto show more fodder to chew on with the introduction of the LF-A sports car concept.
"The Lexus LF-A is like no sports car we have ever built--or even imagined," stated Jim Press, Toyota Motor Sales executive vice president and COO. "Currently only a concept, it is a realistic vision of how we might address the boundaries that define the exotic sports car landscape."
More akin to a top-tier Aston Martin or Porsche 911 Turbo, the exotic Lexus should provide supercar performance with 500-horsepower on tap and an estimated 200 mph top speed.
Such high velocities are normally only achieved by Toyotas Panasonic-sponsored Formula One car, a program the automaker says it aligned with in order to achieve superiority among its rivals in "speed, quickness, agility and reliability".
But while incredibly quick and agile, the LF-A boasts high levels of refined luxury appointments and once again, a very un-exotic expected reliability rating, the usual Lexus fare.
Lexus made no mention of the vehicles engine other than its V8 configuration, more than 500 horsepower output and displacement of less than five liters. Most likely the engine is derived from the brands velvety smooth 4.3-liter V8, but it is entirely possible that the LF-A, if built, would possess an entirely new engine architecture.
"The LF-A is theoretically developed to run a parallel course to our companys efforts in Formula One racing," added Press. "It would probably feature a powertrain and drivetrain configuration strongly influenced by whatever is being used in competition at the time."
F1s 2006/2007 season will see the introduction of all-new V8 engine regulations. This will work very well for Lexus compared to BMW and Mercedes-Benz, which both have invested heavily in new V10 engines for use in their flagship models, BMW in its M5 and M-B in its radical SLR.
Toyotas F1 experience also helped the engineers develop optimal gearing, weight and aerodynamics, critical issues when constructing something that has the capability of topping the 200 mph mark.
The LF-As interior is one part supercar, one part luxury coupe, said to be accommodating for two large adults in more ways than just dimensions. But that in mind it stands two inches shorter than the Porsche 911 Turbo at 48 inches, which is exactly the same height as F1 rival Ferraris new F430, while its wheelbase is nine inches longer than the aforementioned Porsche, which should give it superb high speed stability without compromising its handling characteristics through twists and turns. At 73.2 inches in length, it fits between the Mercedes SL 55 AMG and Aston Martin DB9.
Like the beautiful Mercedes sports car and even more desirable Aston Martin, the LF-A is both daring and elegantly styled, melding complex angles with fluid-like curves, finalized in a very cohesive, and very alluring design statement.
While a "fundamental shift in both styling and design for Lexus", or so the automaker says, the LF-A also seems to be a paradigm shift in philosophy. Where quiet, smooth luxury was once the order of the day, now the Japanese brand is confident enough to take on the worlds best in driving dynamics.
In the end the new LF-A is an important debut for Lexus, and not because of the expected profitability of such a car, or an estimated gain in market share, but rather the new super-coupe gives a clear indication of future styling trends, and the realization that the Toyota division is about to transform itself into a very competitive performance vehicle builder.