Toyota officials let slip in Tokyo that the LF-A is going to have a V10 engine, developed from the engines in Toyota's F1 cars, which is thought to develop over 500bhp and give 200mph-plus capability. Although the engine is front- rather than mid-mounted, the LF-A will be rear-wheel drive, and Lexus has promised "the ultimate weight balance", "extravagant comfort" and "precision operation."

2005 Lexus LF-A

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2005 Lexus LF-A
  • Horsepower: 0@0

While we can't see the car's roof clearly under all this disguising, word is that the Lexus LF-A could well come with the option of a metal folding roof, as Lexus aims to take on the likes of the Mercedes SL65 AMG as well as the Porsche 911 Turbo, Ferrari F430 and Aston Martin DB9 coupes and their drop-top counterparts.

Though this engine is front-, rather than mid-mounted, the LF-A is, nonetheless, rear-wheel drive, and Lexus has assured that it will have "the ultimate weight balance", "extravagant comfort" and "precision operation." If that sounds ambitious, then remember that, in Detroit, the company named the Porsche 911 Turbo, Ferrari F430 and Aston Martin DB9 as the cars it planned to take on...

The LF-A hasn't yet been confirmed for production, but the continued and sustained testing of prototypes like this, plus the repeat appearance of the concept car at international motor shows, suggests that it's a pretty definite contender.