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The Lexus LF-A is already an exclusive super car in its own right. And as it the case when exclusivity begets more exclusivity, Lexus has announced that they are releasing a new track edition LF-A optimized for circuit driving. It’s called the Nürburgring Package and references the world-famous race track in Germany where the legend of the LF-A came to life. The Lexus LF-A is powered by a 4.8 liter V10 that delivers a maximum output of 560 HP, but for the LF-A Nurburgring Track Edition the output will be raised to 570 HP. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph will be made in 3.7 seconds, and top speed will go up to 210 mph. The Lexus LF-A Nürburgring Package will be offered in only four colors: Matte Black, Black, White, and Orange. Interior colors options are also limited: black and red, black and purple, or just black. It goes without saying that Lexus struck gold in its first foray into the realm of the super car; a remarkable achievement considering that before the LF-A came to life, the words ’Lexus’ and ’supercar’ were as synonymous to each other as peanut butter and carrots. UPDATE 09/07/2011: It’s official! The LFA Nurburgring has lapped the famous Nurburgring in only 7 minutes and 14 seconds! This new record was achieved at the hands of Akira Iida using the Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires that come standard with the LFA Nurburgring Edition. The 7:14 time beats out the competition provided by the Porsche 911 GT2 RS (7:18), the Corvette ZR1 (7:19.63), and the Dodge Viper ACR (7:22.1). Check out the video of the lap by clicking on the image above! UPDATE 10/30/2011: One of the only 50 LF-A Nurburgring units have been brought by Lexus at its SEMA stand in las vegas. And this was the perfect opportunity for us to bring you a new set of high res images. Find them in the picture gallery. Hit the jump to find more about the LF-A Nurburgring Package. Exterior and InteriorThe Lexus LF-A special edition will be distinguished by the addition of new CFRP components - a larger front spoiler, fin-type side spoilers, and a fixed rear wing. These components are combined to offer improved high speed downforce. Customers will have to choose between four exterior colors: matte black, black, white or orange, with interiors finished in black and red, black and purple, and all-black. On the interior, the LF-A Nurburgring edition will add a carbon fiber center console and door trims, while the carbon fiber bucket seats are trimmed in Alcantara. EngineFor the LF-A Nurburgring Edition, the 4.8-liter V10 engine has been tricked to deliver an extra 10 HP to a total of 562 HP. The engine is mated to a six-speed sequential transmission that shifts in just 0.15 seconds. With the extra HP, the LF-A will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7-seconds, while top speed goes up to 210 mph. The package also features suspension tuning and a 10mm reduction in the ride height. Exclusive mesh-type wheels are introduced, fitted with dedicated high-grip tires. Record Attempts and SuccessesDuring the ADAC 24 hour race in June 2011, the Lexus LFA Nurburgring Package proved it was worthy of its name as Gazoo Racing’s Akira Iida used the special edition to lap the Nurburgring race track in 7:22.85 purely for exhibition purposes. Lexus stated that this wasn’t an "official" lap time, but just a warm up to a possible official attempt later this year. This "warm-up" lead to an official lap time of 7 minutes and 14 seconds in September 2011. The new record was achieved at the hands of Akira Iida using the Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires that come standard with the LFA Nurburgring Edition. The 7:14 time beats out the competition provided by the Porsche 911 GT2 RS (7:18), the Corvette ZR1 (7:19.63), and the Dodge Viper ACR (7:22.1). PricesThere will only be 50 units built of the LF-A Nurburgring Package, but customers interested will have to pay an extra $70,000 in addition to the standard $375K. If you opt for the matte black edition then you will have to pay an extra $20K. CompetitionThe Lexus LF-A takes on models like the Ferrari 458 Italia and the Mercedes SLS AMG. The 458 Italia is powered by a 4.5 Liter V8 engine equipped with the traditional Ferrari flat crankshaft that delivers a total of 570 HP. With this amount of power, the Italia will sprint from 0 to 60mph in 3.4 seconds and won’t stop until it hits a top speed of 202 MPH. However, the Italia is much cheaper than the LF-A: it only costs $275,000. The Mercedes SLS AMG is powered by 6.3-liter V8 engine located front-mid that will develop 571 hp and up to 650 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and will sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, while top speed will go up to 197 mph. The SLS is the cheapest of all three models at $183,000. 34 comments: Lexus LF-A Nurburgring Package I’ll take mine in the F-Sport blue if they’re offering it, which it makes sense that they would. Are they offering the 2-year lease option on this as well?
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Posted on
03.29.2010 @ 23:24