Spy Shots: Lexus LF-A's carbon-fiber cabin

Posted Wed May 7 2008 7:41 AM by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

Prototypes for Lexus’ upcoming LF-A supercar have been spotted testing at the Nurburgring for the good part of a year but until now we haven’t been able to get a good look at the car’s new interior. As these latest spy images reveal, the new LF-A sports an almost identical cabin to the concept version (also pictured below) and includes its full carbon-fiber dashboard and large centralized tacho.

We also get to see the car’s unpainted carbon-fiber roof for the first time as well as some switchgear around the dash. Interestingly, the car’s steering wheel appears devoid of any buttons. However, this could easily change before the introduction of the final production version early next year.

Most reports claim the LF-A will be powered by an F1-derived, high-revving V10 engine displacing 5.0L and developing in excess of 500hp. There are also rumors a hybrid version could be offered but how much power it will have or what affect the batteries and electric motor will have on handling and weight is still unclear. Zero to 60mph acceleration times for the LF-A should fall below the four-second mark and top speed will almost certainly exceed 200mph.

Following the launch of the coupe early next year, Lexus will add a roadster model based on January’s Detroit Auto Show concept car. However, the car will make its first public debut – albeit in full race mode - at this month’s Nurburgring 24 hour endurance challenge where it will compete alongside Porsches, Aston Martins and Corvettes.

Lexus LF-A interior spy shots

Lexus LF-A spy shots

Gallery: Lexus LF-A carbon-fiber cabin

Gallery: Lexus LF-A

Reader Comments

Wed May 7 2008 8:04 AM
Alan says

I'm actually really excited about this car, i think it looks fantastic and a V10 engine will be much more exciting than a V6 GTR. Honestly though, it's being in development for long long long time, just release the thing!
Wed May 7 2008 10:44 AM
Kevin says

Everyone keeps saying that the LF-A has been in development for so long. My question is: how long was the GT-R in development??? The GT-R concept first came out in 2001, the first production GT-R went on sale in Japan in December 2007. That's six years of development time for the GT-R. Just for reference the LF-A concept came out in 2005.
Wed May 7 2008 12:22 PM
chris says

Kevin; yes it came out in 2005, but it's 2008 and this car is just starting to make appearances in racing circuits. expect this to come out as a 2010 model.

remember, toyota has said that this will be a "performance hybrid", probably the first performance oriented hybrid to hit the market. Expect a lot of development time yet.

as for the CF, it's an absolute waste. use it where it matters

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