Lexus LF-A
Lexus LF-A
Lexus LF-A
Lexus LF-A
Top: Drivetrain settings are controlled via a dial beside the instrument cluster;Two chimneys vent exhaust heat or draw in cool air. Click image to enlarge

Carbon fibre by itself isn’t breaking news, but there’s a twist here. The company uses a proprietary method for spinning the fibres to form components, a nod to the original Toyoda Loom Works, the company formed in 1926 that eventually produced the Toyota Motor Company.

Numerous interesting features are found throughout the car. Getting the sound right was important, and so a “surge tank” was developed in conjunction with Yamaha – the musical division this time – that’s toned for frequency. The sound runs through three channels that funnel it to the driver for a surround sound experience of engine rumble. Two heat risers, which Lexus calls “chimneys,” stand on either side of the engine; these draw heat from the exhaust manifold and send it out through the hood vents. Brakes are carbon ceramic, of course, and the stock Bridgestone Potenza tires, developed specifically for the LFA, have an asymmetrical pattern but are not unidirectional, so they can be rotated. The radiators and electric fans are at the rear, fed their air through vents molded into the body behind the side windows, which helps to achieve a weight distribution of 48/52 front to rear. And the seatbelts have airbags in them – a first for an automaker, Lexus said, although Ford may actually have the jump on them with the similarly-equipped belts offered in the rear seats of the new Explorer.

With so few LFAs available, there was far more to it than just walking up to a salesman and haggling over the details. Dealers identified potential buyers, who were then met by personnel from Lexus’ head office. Names “went into a hat,” according to the company – the exact number wasn’t revealed – and ten people were selected. Those who missed out were given the opportunity to go on a waiting list, should any of the ten change their minds. To prevent the vehicles being flipped for profit, they’re leased for the first two years, with a small buyback at the end of it to purchase the car outright.

Lexus LF-A
Lexus LF-A
Top: Two chimneys vent exhaust heat or draw in cool air; The salesman’s case, with paint colour choices, interior options and wheel styles, is a $20,000 unit. Click image to enlarge

I was walked through the stages the real buyers experienced, with an opportunity to select colours at a special online site. There is much to be decided: Alcantara or leather seat fabric, colours for the seat fronts and backs, steering wheel, door grips and instrument panel, the carpet and headliner shades, the stitching and floor mats, and the interior trim. In addition to the car colour – ten standard and twenty optional shades, including Passionate Pink – I also had to pick from six brake caliper colours, three wheel designs, and whether I wanted my rear spoiler with little “winglets” or not. A computer screen isn’t always the most accurate for pigments, and so I then was taken to the “suitcase,” a salesman’s briefcase that contains miniature wheels and brake calipers, samples of fabric and stitching materials, and colour chips. The case itself costs $20,000 to produce, and I can only imagine what one might bring on eBay in the years to come.

When I was done configuring my car, the final pictures were printed out and handed over – the closest I’ll get to having one to take home. The ten cars will be going to buyers in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Windsor, Calgary and Vancouver and will be built sometime over the next two years. I’m guessing the new owners will figure it’s worth the wait.

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