Lexus's $350,000 Sports Car

[DEDixon 39]

In an effort to create exclusivity, buyers of Lexus's LFA "supercar" must be approved by the brand; those who don't plan to flaunt the car need not apply

Lexus_LFA_250.jpg

AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye

The LFA on display at the Tokyo Motor Show in October.

The $350,000 Lexus LFA was one of the most buzz-generating vehicles at the ultra-luxury "Gallery" exhibit during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week. Coined the "two-seat supercar" by Lexus, the vehicle sits at the top of Lexus's "F" portfolio, its line of high-end sports performance vehicles.

But simply having the $350,000 to buy one of the 500 LFAs Lexus plans to produce won't be enough: Buyers must be tapped by the company to be owners. People selected to purchase the car will be based on factors such as the other cars they own, where they live, and how often and where they drive. Potential buyers must apply through an authorized Lexus distributor.

Lexus first introduced the LFA as a concept car at the 2005 Detroit auto show. LFA deliveries will start in early 2011, and only 20 of the hand-built cars will be produced each month, up to the maximum quantity of 500. Production starts in December at Toyota's Motomachi plant in Japan, and buyers can customize their cars with various colors and wheel designs, among other options.

On the road, the LFA will be able to accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in 3.6 seconds with a top speed of 202 mph, thanks in part to its 10 cylinder, 552-horsepower engine. The car is also made of strong yet lightweight carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer, which makes it about 220 pounds lighter than an equivalent aluminum design.

But in the end, the car's success may hinge on its exclusive ordering process and scarcity -- a tactic meant to boost the carmaker's image with the monied ultra-luxury set. While Lexus has built a respected reputation in the mainstream luxury market, the company has yet to successfully penetrate the ultra-luxury and performance car sector and compete with brands like Porsche and Lamborghini.

"We want people who will drive the car, who will be seen in the car," said Paul Williamson, national manager at Lexus College, Toyota's dealer training school. "We want it to be seen on the right roads, in front of the right restaurants and not just being enjoyed by one individual in their private garage."

Mr. Williamson said Lexus expects to sell about a third of the 500 vehicles in the United States.

[Amby 490]

meh my car is better and it's american

[spookyturtle 9,466]

meh my car is better and it's american

If I was spending 350K for a sports car, it would probably be made in Italy.

[Amby 490]

If I was spending 350K for a sports car, it would probably be made in Italy.

agreed

[Rhiannercakes 14]

I looked at the site, the customizing is fun to do even if you're not buying it

[Amby 490]

if I was going to lose my mind and spend an even more insane amount of money on a car I would get a veyron

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

only $2329 for 360 months..... no money down

[mawilson 2,133]

It's still a f*ckin Toyota.

[Ban Hammer 13,346]

It's still a f*ckin Toyota.

for 350k, you can go german or italian.

[IR5FORMUMSIE 850]

meh my car is better and it's american

Damn right!

if I was going to lose my mind and spend an even more insane amount of money on a car I would get a veyron

You've been watching Top Gear again, haven't you?

It's still a f*ckin Toyota.

Indeed. Holy sh*t this marks the first time in history I've ever agreed with Mark on anything.

Edited January 21, 2010 by IR5FORMUMSIE

[Darnell 8,478]

Oh I hope it doesn't get 'allowed for import' into the USA. One Can Hope.

[NickD 203]

My Toyota Supra Turbo take an astonishing long 4.6 seconds to hit 60 mph from a dead stop, and is governed for a top speed of only 167 mph. But still can only drive the damn thing at 55 mph, so who needs anything like that? Driving at a mere 20 mph over the limit would pull my license if I got caught and really have to tell, driving that thing at 55 is as boring as hell. Feels like I am going backwards.

Another bad thing about driving a car like that, is even if you park it three blocks away from where you are going to find a safe spot, some idiot driving a 78 Ford rusted out pickup will park within 2" of it and bang is rusty door into the side of your car. And people with keys, will key it, they are jealous you own such a car. Now let's talk about the cost of insurance, on second thought, let's not.

[Amby 490]

nick is correct. last year some idea hit my mom's parked vette and totaled it.

[IR5FORMUMSIE 850]

My Toyota Supra Turbo take an astonishing long 4.6 seconds to hit 60 mph from a dead stop, and is governed for a top speed of only 167 mph. But still can only drive the damn thing at 55 mph, so who needs anything like that? Driving at a mere 20 mph over the limit would pull my license if I got caught and really have to tell, driving that thing at 55 is as boring as hell. Feels like I am going backwards.

Another bad thing about driving a car like that, is even if you park it three blocks away from where you are going to find a safe spot, some idiot driving a 78 Ford rusted out pickup will park within 2" of it and bang is rusty door into the side of your car. And people with keys, will key it, they are jealous you own such a car. Now let's talk about the cost of insurance, on second thought, let's not.

Doesn't matter how nice or how crappy a car you drive this happens. I guess there's not much you can do about it. I've seen it all, been the victim more than a few times too.

[IR5FORMUMSIE 850]

nick is correct. last year some idea hit my mom's parked vette and totaled it.

That sux. Did you get the guy? Someone backed into the door of our car in McKeesport, PA, left a nice big dent and took off. Came out of the store and all we saw was the dent. Azzhole!