Lexus LF-A Roadster: Japanese Super Car

Motoring Channel Staff - 14/January/2008

Detroit, America — As the first of Lexus's highly-strung performance models (the IS-F) wings its way to Australia this year, the premium Japanese car maker has delivered another knock-out blow with the unveiling of the LF-A Roadster.

Powered by a 5.0-litre V10 engine outputting a ferocious 373kW (500hp) to the rear wheels, this new convertible concept follows in the footsteps of the Lexus LF-A coupe and cements Lexus' commitment to creating a new super car.

The Lexus LF-A Roadster made its debut at the 2008 Detroit Motor Show, as North America will be one of its major markets.

It will be one of the fastest and most powerful production cars that a Toyota-owned company has ever built.

With the coupe version of the Lexus LF-A having already been given the green light for production, there is now a good chance this drop top version will also be offered for sale in the next few years.

With it's V10 engine sitting between the front axle and passenger compartment, the LF-A Roadster is being touted as one of the most balanced convertible sports cars to come out of Asia and will be capable of surpassing 322km/h (200mph).

From a design viewpoint, the new model looks similar to the Lexus LF-A Coupe though there are a number of differences. While the aerodynamic, low-to-the-ground shape has been retained, it's gets new look headlights that flank the new front apron. 

The front end has a touch of the Lexus IS250 to it, though the large air intakes and aerodynamics moulding emphasise the vehicle's objective - speed.

Situated behind the car's doors are aggressively styled air inlets which would normally feed a mid-mounted engine. But the engine is under the hood and as Lexus explains these air dams lead to a pair of rear mounted coolers/radiators.

Lexus explains that the rear-mounted cooling radiators "allowed the designers to keep the car's front profile low and tight but also aided the LF-A's chassis engineers in their search for optimal weight distribution."

Viewed from behind, the car shows off twin buttresses that form behind the seat headrest and lead down across the rear deck towards a subtle lip. Under this are new-look brake light clusters, which surround large vents. Positioned low is a very special-looking central exhaust system comprising of three outlets. 

Lexus has also integrated a rear diffuser as part of the rear apron, which helps to smooth out the turbulent airflow passing underneath the car. This improves stability at higher speeds and can also increase downforce.

Lexus is very keen to develop it's 'F' series of sports cars, particularly as parent company Toyota has been contesting the F1 Championship for some years now. 

The Japanese luxury car maker's new V10 engine will rival the 10-cylinder engine that BMW built for its M5 and M6 sports models.

According to Lexus, the LF-A Roadster is based on the "sturdy yet lightweight carbon-fibre and aluminium body used for the LF-A coupe, which helps maintain the structure's strength and rigidity even without a top".

The 2-seater exotic sports car features plush but sporty white leather bucket seats and the driver can use steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters to change gears. Digital instruments deliver the vital telemetry, and the infotainment system appears to use an Apple iPod inspired input method.

The new model will be benchmarked against the quickest convertibles in the world, as Lexus is very serious about having a crack at the current speed kings. The car maker's new V10-powered LF-A coupe and convertible models could upset a lot of established sports car makers if they live up to expectations.

The hugely powerful new model benefits a "torque tube" which connects the engine and propeller or drive shaft to the rear transaxle. According to Lexus, this torque tube is a structural member that adds rigidity to the drivetrain and chassis while also reducing vibration.

Riding on stylised 20-inch alloy wheels measuring 265/35 R20 at the front and 305/30 R20 at the rear, the Lexus LF-A Roadster should provide high levels of grip, and a number of chassis aids are also expected to be offered on production versions.

Stopping power comes from 360mm (14.2-inch) cross-drilled, vented discs brakes up front, and 345mm (13.6-inch) cross-drilled, vented discs at the rear. The brake calipers are large, heavy duty six-piston units at the front and the rear calipers use four pistons each.

Lexus 'F' History: An "F" logo, located on each front fender of the Roadster, indicates the vehicle's status as a part of the new "F" marque. The name is derived from the original "F" designation for the first Lexus LS prototype. 

That vehicle was internally coded "Circle-F," with the "F" standing for "flagship." 

The Circle-F designation further evolved into the code name Flagship One, or F1, and the first F1 concept developed into Lexus' first vehicle, the LS. Since then, the "F" code has come to signify a special vehicle program within Lexus that falls outside the normal engineering and development process. 

In addition, Fuji Speedway is the IS F's home circuit, and the shape of the F-logo was inspired by many of the track's turns. The all-new Lexus IS F sport sedan is the first production vehicle to carry the F marque.

Related Articles:
- Lexus IS-F (2008)
- Lexus GS450h (Road Test)
- Lexus IS250 (Road Test)
- Lexus LS 600hL (2007)
- Lexus LS460 (2007)
- Lexus LS 600h L (2007)
- Lexus GS430 (Road Test)
- Lexus LF-Sh (concept)