The 2011 Lexus LF-A Supercar

In markets across Europe and the US, Lexus has always been a luxury brand without a real performance heritage, and therefore, without a soul. The cars have always been very well built and appropriately luxurious but they never really appealed to buyers that trend towards the driver’s car/performance end of the spectrum. They are upscale Toyotas after all, a maker that has smartly, business-wise at least, focused on the everyday and the reliable. But that is all about to change…somewhat.

Way back in 2005, Lexus showed a very aggressive supercar concept that was pretty well received. Its gone through a very long gestation with rumors of it being canceled and brought back making the rounds a few times, spy shots of it at race tracks all over the world, and of course a global economic recession mixed in all mean that this car hasn’t been a sure thing for some time. Despite a lengthy and rocky development, Lexus has just now showed off the real thing at the Tokyo Auto Show, also announcing details about performance, price, and availablity.

Customers still have a ways to go before they can park one in their garages, that time will come starting in 2011. Only 500 will be made, with prices starting at $375,000. A pretty steep price but the volume means you do get serious exclusivity. You also get a front-mounted 4.8-liter V10 packing 552hp that propels all 3,263lbs to 60mph in 3.6secs and on to an elite 200mph+ top speed. 202 to be exact.

Toyota’s masterpiece has a body made mostly of carbon fiber, a six-speed sequential box, and carbon ceramic brakes. Pricey components to be sure, but still not enough to justify the asking price. Exclusivity, and a drawn out development period is what you’re paying for. Even at almost $400k, Toyota says they are taking a loss on each one.

So is the LF-A enough to give Lexus the pedigree it’s always needed? Bottom line is that there will be an exotic Lexus branded legitimate supercar out there making a name for itself and that absolutely does matter. But the other bottom line is that 500 cars for planet Earth and little likelihood of succeeding generations means that one very rare car has far too much weight on its aerodynamic shoulders.