The 2012 Lexus LFA

The Lexus LFA represents the pinnacle of Lexus engineering and performance. On the outside, the LFA is wrapped in a body that communicates the car’s aggressive and athletic nature. Since a very limited number of the car was made, anyone lucky enough to own one is part of a highly exclusive club many other car enthusiasts would kill to be a part of. 

Part of the secret of the 2012 Lexus LFA’s potency is its advanced engine. The 4.8 liter V10 works with a six speed automated manual transmission, producing a peak 552 horsepower at 8,700 RPM and 354 pound-foot of torque at 6,800 RPM. Even though the engine is located in the front of the car, it sits behind the front axle, creating a balance that allows drivers to maneuver the car with grace.

The other part of the LFA’s brutal acceleration is its low curb weight. Weighing in at a scant 3,263 pounds, the V10 engine block does not have to do as much work as engines in competing cars. The car’s chassis, steering wheel, seats, most of the body panels and the overall body structure are both constructed of carbon fiber, providing good rigidity without the weight of metal alloys. The result is a 0 to 60 mile per hour acceleration of a mere 3.9 seconds, besting many of the other performance cars on the roads.

Lexus loaded the LFA with plenty of other technological goodies to make driving the car an experience to remember. Carbon-ceramic brakes provide quick stopping power and they don’t fade over time. The car also comes with traction control and stability control to help the driver keep the car going straight, even during less-than-ideal conditions. In the event of a collision, the LFA has the usual safety cage and assortment of airbags, as well as inflatable seatbelts that offer additional protection.

One of the best features of the Lexus LFA is its ultra-futuristic interior. The driver gets to feast his eyes on beautiful digital gauges that are works of art. The seats, dashboard, center console and other interior parts are unique to the car and provide an even higher-end look and feel than what’s found in other Lexus vehicles. The steering wheel has a flat bottom to it, as well as leather grips on each side and the engine ignition button, giving the driver a luxurious race car style experience.