The Lexus LFA is the absolute pinnacle of Japanese supercars. It has now been over a decade since the LFA's initial production started in 2010. With only 500 models the LFA is the definition of bespoke. There still has not been a Japanese Supercar to match the driver's package found in the LFA.

Some people believe, that not even Lexus could replicate the LFA if they tried. It begged the question, how good can a car be when money isn't a factor? Now, the LFA sits as a timeless piece of automotive history. The result of pushing the boundaries of engineering in search of driving perfection. The type of car that still pulls the heartstrings of enthusiasts globally to this day, even if you've never seen one. It's simple, there is no replacement for the Lexus LFA and there never will be.

RELATED: Eight Years After Production Ends, the Lexus LFA Still Pulls in More Than $1 Million in Sales

Lexus LF-A

9.00 / 10
Key Features
  • V-10 Engine Developed With Yamaha
  • Lightweight Titanium Exhaust Manifold Delivers F1-Inspired Sound
  • Carbon Fiber Construction
  • Active-Rear Wing Lightweight
  • Carbon-Fiber Rear Diffuser
  • Hand-Finished Interior
Specifications
  • Model: Lexus LF-A
  • Engine: 4.8-Liter V-10
  • Power Output: 553 HP
  • Torque: 354 LB-FT
  • Transmission: 6-Speed Automated Manual
  • Driveline: Rear-Wheel Drive
Pros
  • Limited Production Makes It Rare
  • Visceral Sounding V-10 Engine With Outstanding Handling Package
  • High-Quality Cockpit
Cons
  • Expensive To Buy And Maintain
  • Limited Range / Limited Practicality
  • Outdated And Clunky Cabin-Tech

Lexus LFA Performance And Capability

2011 Lexus LFA Track
Lexus

As most memorable driver's cars go, many find their origin on the race track and the Lexus LFA Prototypes were undergoing Nürburgring testing as early as the mid-2000s, six years before production started. Lexus wanted to ensure that when they released the LFA, it would be as close to perfect as possible. Time and money were not limiting factors.

From the beginning of the LFA concept, Toyota knew it was not going to be profitable. Rather, they took this halo car as an opportunity to develop new technologies. The LFA would become the car that shaped the brand for the next decade.

Understand that Toyota has sold more Corollas in the last one minute, than LFAs in the last ten years. Yet, that data was a non-factor. The LFA put to use, every resource available within Toyota's massive infrastructure. With their Formula One team assisting with development, you knew the LFA was bound to be special.

Lexus LFA Engine
Lexus

Sitting as the absolute statement piece of the LFA is the 4.8-Liter 1LR-GUE V-10 engine. It is no question that the LFA V-10 is one of the greatest pieces of automotive engineering ever. With 553 horsepower at an insane 9,000 RPM and 354 pound-feet of torque at 6,800 RPM, it's closer to an F1 car than a supercar. The 202 mph top speed and 3.6 second 0-to-60 MPH time were a cherry on top of the already landmark engine.

Many folks forget that this historic engine was completely co-developed with Yamaha. Their expertise in musical instruments would serve as their guide in exhaust tuning. They treated the design of the engine like a fine instrument. It needed to have incredible range. The lows needed to rumble your core and the highs make your hair stand. Toyota engineers called the exhaust note the "roar of an angel." Even if V10 made half the power, there still would be no other engine like it.

One of the few nitpicks about the LFA’s performance was the transmission. The single-clutch paddle-shift manual was direct technology out of the race car. While amazing on the track, it had shortcomings in daily use. Although downshifts were crispy and immediate, upshifts were jerky in low-load conditions. Compared to modern dual-clutch transmissions, the single-clutch is lackluster and outdated.

Lexus LF-A Specifications

Engine Capacity

4,805 cc

Engine Configuration

V10

Horsepower

553 HP @ 8700 RPM

Torque

354 LB-FT @ 6800 RPM

Transmission

6-speed automated manual

0 to 60 mph

3.5 seconds

Top Speed

202 mph

Quarter mile

11.8 seconds

RELATED: Details of the new Lexus LFA Exposed

Exterior Design

A white Lexus LFA
Lexus

In every aspect of design, the Lexus LFA followed the mantra of - 'Form Follows Function'. At the time, carbon fiber was not the versatile standard of material choice it is today. Technology related to the material was still young, especially in mass production. Thus, Lexus created a machine of which only two still exist in the world, to create complex carbon shapes. This machine would help shape carbon fiber mass production as we know it today.

The LFA would be the first vehicle to receive complete carbon pieces from this machine. This innovation allowed the angular aerodynamic profile of the LFA to take shape. 65 percent of its mass is CFRP (the carbon composite they developed). The remaining 35 percent is aluminum. Even if they had to spend a hundred million dollars, to save 220 pounds on the LFA, they were. It was a no-compromise automobile in every regard.

The styling cues developed with the LFA shape Lexus' design language to date. An obvious example is the Lexus LC 500, which is the closest thing to an LFA that most of us will ever get to. With its roots in the LFA, it comes as no surprise that the LC 500 is one of the best-looking cars on the market.

2011 Lexus LFA Rear Studio
Lexus

Dimensions

Length

177.4 in

Width

74.6 in

Height

48.0 in

Wheelbase

102.6 in

Track Width

62.2 in (front) / 61.8 in (rear)

Cargo Space

N/A

RELATED: 10 Fun Facts About The Lexus LFA

Interior Quality And Technology

Red Interior Lexus LFA
Lexus

The most understated aspect of the LFA is the interior. Yet, cabins were completely designed to the buyer's exact specifications. Interior colors, leather options, and trim were customizable to the heart's content.

One of the most famous aspects of the LFA's interior is the instrument cluster. The engine would rev too fast to get an accurate reading from an analog tachometer. Thus, a unique digital display with a single large central tach took its place. This central tach design still finds its way onto F-Sport Lexus models to date. At its time, it was one of the first digital clusters available. Simple, but clean was the Lexus motto then and still is.

The Lexus' Remote Touch infotainment system is lacking compared to its modern counterparts. No surprise there. Even then, the 12-speaker Mark Levinson sound system is still quality. Yet, we doubt you'll be using it much. There are dual ducts that bring sound in straight from the intake manifold. We guarantee there will be nobody else around with access to your soundtrack.

RELATED: Here's Why The Lexus LFA's Successor Will Not Live Up To The Name

Lexus LFA Price And Availability

A white Lexus LFA
Lexus

Lexus LF-A Price

2012 Lexus LFA Base Model

$375,000 (est)

2012 Lexus LFA Nurburgring Package

$445,000 (est)

When first launched, the Lexus LFA retailed at $375,000 MSRP. With only 500 models available, it was going to be a collector's car from the get-go. The most exclusive version was the Nürburgring Edition, which started at $445,000 MSRP. With only 64 made, most of us will never see one of these limited models.

Even as late as 2020, a single original LFA had remained unsold. In 2019, there were four LFAs that were still brand new, waiting for a buyer. Lexus was lucky to sell even a handful a year and U.S. sales dropped to single digits by 2015.

This was in part due to how Lexus sold the LFA. U.S. buyers first had to "buy" the car through a two-year lease. This tactic attempted to prevent flippers or reselling the car for profit. They later allowed customers to buy the car outright after backlash on their stance. Even then, buyers had to sign a contract that would return the car to the dealer if sold within the first two years.

A white Lexus LFA
Lexus

Now over a decade later, it is not uncommon to see used LFAs going for over twice the MSRP. Since 2017, the average sale price of a used Lexus LFA is $746,211. Nürburgring Package models have an average sale price of over a million dollars.

Currently, only two used LFAs are available for sale, a base model for $666,582 and a Nürburgring Package for $1,250,799.

Enthusiasts complained about the LFAs exorbitant MSRP when it was first released. Imagine how it feels now? Current LFA owners state that reliability issues with the car are negligible. At the end of the day, it is a Toyota. The only consideration is its rarity. Servicing a Lexus LFA isn't as easy as it looks and not any Toyota dealership will be able to service your LFA. Yet, there isn't a single compromise we wouldn’t be willing to make to have one.

To sum it up, the Lexus LFA is the definition of a Japanese supercar. It is a timeless machine that creates a driving experience unlike any other. There are countless faster and more luxurious cars in the modern supercar market. Not one will give you the experience this Lexus can. If you're fortunate enough to own one, drive it at every chance you can and never let it go.

FAQ

Q: How much does a LFA Lexus cost?

When first launched, the Lexus LFA had a sticker price of $375,000 MSRP. The more exclusive Nürburgring Edition limited to just 64 examples started at $445,000 MSRP.

Q: Why did Lexus LFA fail?

When the Lexus LFA hit showrooms in 2011, it was overpriced compared to the competition at the time. But over the past decade, given its limited production run and visceral V-10 soundtrack, demand for the LFA is on the rise.

Q: What makes Lexus LFA so special?

As Lexus' Halo Supercar of the 2000s, the LFA packs an amazing F1-inspired V-10 engine tuned by Yamaha, top-notch aerodynamics with an active-rear wing, and a bespoke light-weight carbon-fiber body, all to deliver top-notch driving dynamics.

Q: How much is an LFA worth today?

The average sale price of a used Lexus LFA according to classic.com is $832,631. Nürburgring Package models have an average sale price of well over one million dollars.

Q: Is the Lexus LFA rare?

Limited to just 500 hand-built examples for the entire world, the Lexus LFA is extremely rare and is increasingly becoming a highly sought-after supercar.