A new commercial from Lexus:

“A good reputation is difficult to attain. A reputation for unsurpassed quality and industry-leading customer service, even more so.”

Following is the official press release from Lexus:

• Only Dedicated Hybrid Vehicle in the Premium Compact Segment
• 1.8L Four-Cylinder Engine Paired with Lexus Hybrid Drive
• Engineered for Dynamic Handling and Agility

NEW YORK – March 3, 2010 – The all-new Lexus CT 200h premium compact hybrid will be on display for the first time in North America at the 2010 New York International Auto Show March 31 through April 11. The sporty and versatile five-door, which had its global premiere at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show today, will be Lexus’ second dedicated hybrid and fifth hybrid vehicle in the line-up in the U.S.

“When the all-new Lexus CT 200h enters the market it will be the only hybrid vehicle in the emerging premium compact segment,” said Mark Templin, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. “The CT 200h combines luxury features, eye-catching styling, and driving excitement that we know will attract a whole new buyer to the Lexus brand.”

The Lexus CT 200h evolved from the LF-Ch concept unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and was styled with optimum aerodynamic efficiency. Its size, packaging and hybrid technology meet the requirements of the discerning, environmentally-conscientious consumer in the emerging premium compact market. It offers no compromise on the quality, refinement and driving pleasure which hallmark the progressive luxury inherent in every Lexus.

Lexus has offered consumers hybrid powertrain technology since 2005. Marking the introduction of Lexus Hybrid Drive technology to the premium compact segment for the first time, the all-new CT 200h not only reinforces the company’s clear leadership in hybrid technology, but also the unrivalled breadth of Lexus models available as a hybrid.

The CT 200h features a 1.8-liter gas engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), a high performance battery, power control unit, transmission with an electric motor generator, a power split device to re-allocate power from the engine and electric motor generator according to operational requirements.

Four drive modes enhance the capabilities of the CT 200h’s Lexus Hybrid Drive technology and change the rate of throttle opening for a given throttle-pedal angle. EV mode allows for ultra-quiet running on electric motor power alone. Normal mode has an essentially linear throttle response while Eco mode reduces throttle response relative to the pedal angle and adjusts air conditioning settings to emphasize fuel economy.

The new CT 200h has been specifically developed to combine superior handling agility and a sporty driving experience with the ride comfort expected of any Lexus. The Sport mode provides a more responsive throttle and modifies the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) settings to give a faster response to driver inputs.

In the interest of maximum fuel efficiency, particular attention has been paid to the aerodynamic efficiency of every aspect of the CT 200h’s design. The front and rear corners have been pulled in tight to improve the flow of air down the sides of the vehicle and minimize wind turbulence within the wheel arches. The sides of the cabin have been tapered, the rear edge of the roof lowered and even the lower body painstakingly detailed to optimize airflow. Completing the look are unique 17-inch alloy wheels and blue badging specific to Lexus hybrid vehicles.

The interior offers unprecedented levels of refinement in this segment. Efficient and elegant, the cabin combines superior ergonomics with hand-crafted, premium quality materials to create an outstanding driving environment. The extensive use of metallic finishes and dark, soft touch materials reinforces the luxury experience.

Despite the compact package, the CT 200h does not compromise interior roominess. Its long, 102-inch wheelbase offers front and rear seat passenger accommodation that is amongst the most spacious in the segment.

“Lexus has been at the forefront of luxury hybrid technology for the last five years. The CT 200h is just another example of our commitment to developing cars that are innovative and different from what’s already out there,” said Templin. “With its exceptional fuel economy, ultra-low emissions, dynamic handling, and beautiful styling, the CT 200h is a car that doesn’t sacrifice excitement for efficiency.”

Year-to-date sales figures:

1. MB: 30,028
2. Lexus: 29,304
3. BMW: 28,163

Lexus is a close second despite the massive Toyota recall fiasco (By the way, you can show your support to Toyota by signing the “I Support Toyota” petition). MB had a fabulous month which enabled them to take the lead, BMW remains at 3rd but still well within the striking distance. Seems like the Toyota recall is hurting Lexus but definitely not lethal, people are still buying Lexus products for their reliability, luxury and the legendary customer service.

Few interesting facts worth to point out…

1. Another bad month for the HS, a hybrid ES looks better than ever now?

2. The 7-series really took a charge in February, maybe the LS and S-class are showing their ages?

3. The Acura TL sales remain pathetic month after month, this might be the most epic fail in Honda’s history.

4. Audi’s sales number is steady but still isn’t where they want it to be with the big boys.

Following is the complete sales number break down for all luxury brands:

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1. Lexus: 15,517
2. MB: 15,158
3. BMW: 13,163

Lexus remained strong among the luxury brands even under the massive Toyota recall that’s currently going on and MB is a very close second. As for BMW… after the “supposed-to-take-over-as-number-one” year in 2009, the question now is where is it headed with all the niche products like the X6M, X5M and the 5-series GT.

Few interesting facts worth to point out…

1. The HS sales still isn’t as well as Lexus had predicted, maybe some “spice” is missing for this car?

2. The LS sales went up compare to last year… facelift and the addition of the sports model are working?

3. BMW sold 5,418 3-series in january… this thing usually goes for 8,000 – 9,000 units per month just not that long ago. BMW losing its magic or people are getting smarter?

4. Acura sold 1,986 TLs, considering that the previous generation was challenging the 3-series for the top entry luxury sedan spot this is just plain PATHETIC. Still think the beak and ugliness isn’t hurting Acura?

Following is the complete sales number break down for all luxury brands:

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Well… we’ve seen this for the last several years already, that cars from the same manufacture have similar looking interiors. Personally I think that’s reasonable because all manufactures share parts bin among models in their lineup in order to reduce cost. However, I think recently Audi and BMW have taken this “laziness” or cost-cutting into an entire level altogether. In the following 3 pictures you can see the interiors for popular Audi models and BMW’s newest addition to their lineup, the F01 7-series and F10 5-series, as well as the current 3-series and 5-series.

From a quick glance it’s almost impossible to indentify which interior is for which model. All Audis have the up-right standup center stack that’s molded into the gauge cluster and angles toward the driver; the major controls, vents and navigation screens are all in the same region, they all have the trim pieces (whether it’s wood or metal) in front of the passenger seat on top of the glove box. Also, all Audis have similar looking gauge clusters.

If you think that’s bad then let’s take a look at BMW’s masterpiece… Can you even tell that those are two different interiors from two TOTALLY DIFFERENT cars? Just for giggles, take a look at the A/C vents for both interiors… Yup! They are the same, EXACTLY the same. As for the current 5-series and 3-series? I’ll let the picture do all the talking.

Oh, and don’t forget to compare the steering wheels too…

I mean, I am not against family resemblance here, as matter of fact I do encourage cars from the same maker bear some sort of family resemblance in them. However, that does not mean they have to make them exactly the same or 90%+ similar. Lexus is a good example for designers actually put some effort into interior design in order to make them all unique but still shares some similarities (up-right center stack, same function wheel-column stalks…). Sure someone would prefer BMW and/or Audi’s designs over Lexus but I can definitely appreciate the effort that a company put into their products.

What do you think?

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Let’s take a look at the 4 major luxury automakers’ flagship lineups:

Audi:

A8
A8L (long wheel-base)
S8 (performance)

BMW:

730d/Ld (not available in US)
740d (not available in US)
740i/Li (not available in US)
750i/Li
750i/Li xDrive (AWD)
760i/Li (V12)
ActiveHybrid7/ActiveHybrid7L (hybrid)

Lexus:

LS460/LS460L
LS460/LS460L AWD
LS460 Sport (sports tuned suspension)
LS600hL (hybrid)

Mercedes Benz:

S550
S400 Hybrid
S600 (V12)
S63/65 AMG (high performance)

From the model listing it seems like BMW and MB offer more engine choices than Lexus, however when we take a closer look we can see that Lexus offers more variety than the other two brands. The LS460 has both standard and long wheel-base, with AWD options are available for both and the sports-tuned suspension available for the standard wheel-base version. Also there is a range toping hybrid that offers V8 gas mileage and V12-like performance to compete with the other V12 flagships in the segment.

One can really make a case for either three brands of having the most complete flagship lineup in the segment (Audi is a non-factor in this discussion…) but let’s not forget that Lexus is only 20 years old so I think it’s incredible for them just to be able to be included in this discussion with the more established brands.

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1. Lexus: 187,410
2. BMW: 176,374
3. MB: 170,403

One month to go and BMW is down by more than 11,000 units… The race has turned into let’s see who is going to capture the second spot, can MB pull out a miracle and steal it away from BMW?

Few interesting facts worth to point out…

1. Looks like Lexus will have no trouble to sell 200,000 units again this year in a down market despite all the naysayers have been predicted earlier this year.

2. TL is fading fast, once sold for 7,000 units a month now can barely pass 2,000. For those of you still think that Acura doesn’t have a problem? Wake up…

3. What’s up with Infiniti? They in deeper doo-doo than Acura and if you are doing worse than Acura that means you really suck a**.

4. RX is going strong as usual and outsold the entire Infiniti and Audi brand in the month of November.

5. Audi A4’s sales are lackluster, I am sure this is not what they had in mind with the new and improved (or the lack of in terms of interior) A4. Still think Audi doesn’t have a problem with their pricing strategy here in the US? Stop drinking the kool-aids…

Following is the complete sales number break down for all luxury brands:

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Take a few minutes to watch the following video then you’ll realize how Lexus becomes a legit European luxury competitor in merely 20 years.

Lets repeat after me: The Passionate Pursuit of Perfection!

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Recently I ran across a post on an auto enthusiast forum about how the lacking of the fold-down rear seat in the HS250h is the deal breaker. The poster argued about how other hybrids like the Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Insight, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, Toyota Camry and Toyota Prius all have it so it appears Lexus is “cutting back” for not including the feature. Well, I did some “googearch” in my own spare time and found out the following…

Toyota Camry Hybrid:

In a closer look, this is the amount of access room (or the lack of…) that one gets from the fold-down seat with the batteries in the trunk:

Nissan Altima Hybrid:

According to about.com, in the Altima hybrid…

Hybrid battery eliminates a fold-down rear seat

Chevy Malibu Hybrid / Saturn Aura Hybrid:

The Malibu Hybrid is a mild hybrid, which means it’s a joke comparing to Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) system… Saturn Aura Hybrid uses the same system as the Malibu hybrid.

Sure in the picture it appears to be the Malibu hybrid has tons of access with the fold-down rear seat but the reality is that the battery pack is much smaller comparing to the Toyota/Lexus systems. The reason is due to the GM’s hybrid battery pack only powers the motor/alternator for engine assist as well as restarting the engine from AUTO STOP mode and does not independently driving the wheels like the Toyota’s HSD.

Toyota Prius:

Toyota Prius is a hatch back, which allows it to have more room in the trunk area. As you can see from the picture, in that area of interest, the cabin is also much taller comparing to the Camry hybrid.

Honda Insight:

Honda Insight almost has the identical shape as the Toyota Prius, so the reasons above can also be applied here.

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Image sources: [ About.com: Hybrid Cars and Alt Fuels ]

After living with the first ever Lexus dedicated hybrid for a week I have to say this is just not my kind of car. Sure the mileage is great for a midsize luxury sedan, sure the interior is solidly build, sure the powertrain is a magnificent piece of work but ultimately I just couldn’t see myself spending $40k on it. Like I’ve mentioned before the handling and ride just are not up to the normal Lexus standard and although beauty is in eyes of beholders I just couldn’t warm up to its styling. Even though the Lexus hybrid is really more, much more, than a glorified Prius but being as a Lexus owner I have to say that I’ve expected more from Lexus than this round of execution. In my honest opinion I truly believe that an ES hybrid with the same powertrain would be a much better car all around than the HS250h.

Enjoy the pictures below with the HS250h in Napa Valley and San Francisco:

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1. Lexus: 168,910
2. BMW: 160,666
3. MB: 153,606

BMW is fading fast, by leading over 8,000 units with two more months go Lexus appears to have the 2009 luxury crown in the bag… MB had a solid month but is probably a little too late to challenge BMW for the number two spot.

Few interesting facts worth to point out…

1. Lexus again sold more than 8,000 RX (8,316 to be exact), which makes it best selling luxury vehicle second month in a roll. The RX also single handily outsold the entire Audi, Infiniti line and the BMW 3-series.

2. Acura only send 2,512 TLs out the lots in the month of October, which is over 40% drop from last year… Still thinking the new TL isn’t a flop? Think again…

Following is the complete sales number break down for all luxury brands:

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The powertrain, in my opinion, is one of the few bright spots about the HS, the 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle powerplant delivers healthy 187 combined HP through the smooth CVT transmission. Although the hand-off between the gasoline engine and electric motor is noticeable but it is probably the best in the hybrid world up to date. Lexus claim 0 to 60 in 8.7 seconds and according to my butt-lerometer is about just right, which is not bad at all for a hybrid that returns 35 MPG combined.

During the week that I had the HS250h I have put over 1,400 miles on the car, the distribution is about 2/3 highway and 1/3 city. According to the trip computer I have achieved over 34 MPG (34.3 to be exact) over the entire week, almost identical to the EPA numbers:

Overall the HS is very impressive in the powertrain department, it is just a better suspension tuning away from being another Lexus masterpiece.

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During my 3-day, 1000-mile trip up north to San Francisco and Napa Valley, I’ve learned a lot about the HS’ ride and handling characteristics in both high speed and city crawling conditions. Following I’ll try to break down the pros and cons of the dynamics side of Lexus’ first ever dedicated hybrid.

Handling: During low speed one could easily mistaken the HS for one of the FWD sports sedans since the steering wheel has a nice weight to it, although the steering isn’t insanely sharp like the BMW and Porsche but it is precise nevertheless. The car felt confident on long and wide curvy roads as long as one doesn’t push it to the limit; once push it, heavy understeer will occur to remind you that this is not your typical sports sedan. Like I have mentioned before, the heavy weighed steering wheel will make you think this car has a whole different characteristic than the lighter and softer ES, and if you do think like that then you have been greatly mistaken. The low speed steering feel is what Lexus want you to think about the HS but high speed handling is what’s real about this car, the car felt floated and steering felt vague at high speed cruise just like its big brother ES. As matter of fact, due to the HS being higher, those characteristics sometimes felt even stronger on the Lexus hybrid.

Ride: At first impression the suspension on the HS felt much firmer than the ES, in some degrees it almost felt like the GS on smooth pavements. However, on uneven pavements the HS bounces just as much as the ES but due to the firmer suspension, it felt kind of weird. It is kind of hard to explain that through words because normally it’s easy to understand how a soft suspension to bounce up and down all over the place but for a firmer ride like the HS, one would expect a more stable ride. HS seems to be able to defy all that logic and deliver a firm and yet bouncing ride… Let me just put it this way, this is definitely not the best setup I’ve experienced in my driving life.

To sum it up, the HS is not one of the best Lexus executions in terms of ride and handling, to be a bit extreme, I have to say that it could be one of the worst from Toyota’s luxury division. It is not a bad luxury daily driver that delivers decent fuel economy; however, I’ll pick my IS350 or even the softer ES350 over the HS for long road trips without a second thought.

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During the whole week, the most frequent comment I got from the people who saw the HS in real life for the first time was:

“Wow, the car is much bigger than I expected, isn’t it smaller than the IS?”

So I always tell them that the HS is actually sized in between the compact IS and the almost-full-size ES, however the that’s-unbelievable look from their eyes always makes me chuckle. On paper the HS is 4.5 inches longer, 3.2 inches taller but about half inch narrower than the IS from the outside; from the inside the HS has almost full 4 inches more legroom for the rear passengers. It is kind of hard to picture all that from imagination so I took a few pictures with the HS side by side with my IS350 to make HS250h’s actual size more obvious:

It’s really amazing how Lexus is able to make to make the HS look A LOT smaller than it really is, whether that’s good or bad is entirely up to each individual…

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When the power button is pressed, the car is in full silent except for the instrument lights lighting up; then after about 10 seconds the engine will fire up, it is a totally different experience than any ICE cars.

Also, the car will travel on full EV mode for a period of time if the speed does not exceed 15 mph. It seems a bit pointless on paper but is very useful when entering and backing up from garage.

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So, after coupe months of waiting, I finally got my hands on a HS for the week-long test drive. I plan to write about the car whenever something interesting or informative pops up, kind of like Twitter, so stay tuned…

The one that was given to me is a base model with navigation, light maroon (Lexus calls it Metador Red Mica) exterior and tan interior. The first impression I got from this car is that it is definitely bigger than it appears in the pictures, especially when comparing to other Lexus models then one can clearly see that it is sized right between the IS and ES. The interior is very straight forward and pleasant and Remote Touch is fairly easy to use with virtually no learning curve (unlike those knobs on the Germans…). Overall the interior is standard Lexus and the leather padded center stack/console and top of the gauge cluster are definitely nice touch. However, I did spot a few cost cutting executions around the cabin, first the lower part of the door panels are made out of hard plastic, then I noticed that the reading lights for the front passengers aren’t LED and there are not reading lights for rear passengers at all. Obviously those aren’t deal breakers considering how Lexus was able to make such a high tech car at a very obtainable price.

Driving impression will be coming later.

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Following are the performance specs released by the manuactures for both cars:

Lexus LFA / MB SLS AMG

Power Rating: 552 HP / 563 HP
Torque Rating: 354 lb-ft / 430 lb-ft
Curb Weight: 3,263 lbs / 3,571 lbs
Engine Type: 4.8L V10 / 6.3L V8
Engine Placement: Front-mid / Front-mid
Drive Type: RWD / RWD
0 – 60 Acceleration: 3.6 sec / 3.7 sec
Top Speed: 202 mph / 197 mph
Price: ~ $375,000 US / ~250,000 US

As you can see, these two cars match up pretty well on all aspects, including mechanical setup, performance and weight (The SLS is heavier by ~300 lbs). The only difference seems to be AMG prefers the high displacement, high torque V8 but Lexus went with the small displacement, high revving (redline at 9000 rpm) V10.

If that’s not enough to convince you that this is the match-up made in heaven, how about this: The MB SLS AMG is the first car ever developed solely from the ground up by MB’s performance department – AMG. The Lexus LF-A on the other hand is the first supercar from Toyota and many would argue that it is the first true exotic from any Japanese automakers. With that in mind when both cars go on sale in 2010 (or 2011…) we can expect to read all about their head-to-head comparison from all the major automotive publications. So…

Let the hype begin!

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Being one of the advocates who support Lexus to build the LFA super car prior of the premier I was literally staring at my monitors all day on 10/21 because I want to know about the car as soon as any information is out. I couldn’t hold my joy when I first saw the leaked pictures and videos because this car is everything that I imagined it would be and that interior is simply gorgeous. However, I must say that when I saw the released specs, my heart has suddenly dropped because although the performance puts the LFA well in the thick of the current super cars, it is just not as “magnificent” as it should be. The worst has yet to come, after learning that the MSRP of the LFA could be around the $400k range instead of the previous speculated $250k I became a bit disappointed at Lexus’ first ever super car, if not at Lexus…

After hours reading the reviews, visiting auto enthusiast sites and watching video I finally realized what’s my beef with LFA: I just simply couldn’t justify the sticker price and that is a first to me about any Lexus products. Lexus to me is a tier-one luxury brand that offers the same if not better products and service as their competitors but with better values, so naturally I was expecting the same from the Lexus super car. I was hoping that the LFA will be a $400k-caliber car with a $250k sticker but in my opinion we got a $250k-caliber car with a rumored $400k price.

I am not going to deny that this car is definitely an automotive technological marvel with executions such as: 65% of the engine is Titanium, it makes 114hp per liter, weighs 3200 lbs and 65% of the car are Carbon Fiber. Also not to mention that gorgeous and well designed interior which has been universally praised regardless how people think about the car. But it’s just a bit of a bummer that all those incredible achievements and technologies didn’t translate into “crazy” performance specs. I mean yes, talking about the couple tenth difference in 0-to-60 acceleration is silly, sure, the LFA stacks up very well with other super cars and of course I will reserve my final judgment until I see the full test result. However, for Lexus to charge $400k (same price range as all other well established exotic manufactures) on something that is not truly extraordinary is just something I couldn’t understand.

After I was able to gather my thoughts and think about the LFA from a more logical and less objective point of view, I have to say that this is a nice first effort from Lexus to enter the super car arena just like how they did with the IS F. It won’t “crush” the competitors but at the same time it’ll hold its own among other super cars. Also, by producing only 500 units, Toyota/Lexus will be able to avoid the questions such as “Does this car really worth the price?”, smart move I guess.

At last, I would like to summarize my thoughts on the Lexus LFA with one sentence:

This car will be the best thing since sliced bread if Lexus has priced it around $200k.

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Lexus LFA Supercar to Make North American Debut at 2009 SEMA and Los Angeles International Auto Shows

• Lexus’ First Supercar Redefines the Segment for the 21st Century
• 4.8L V10 Engine Generates 552 Horsepower for Powerful Rear-Wheel Drive Performance
• Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Helps Provide a Light and Strong Structure

TORRANCE, Calif. (Oct. 21, 2009) – The highly anticipated LFA supercar, which just made its global debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, will be on display for the first time in North America at two back-to-back premier venues — the 2009 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show in Las Vegas this November and the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show in December.

Next year, Lexus will show the LFA at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Chicago Auto Show, Dallas Auto Show and New York International Auto Show.

As the first Lexus supercar, the LFA serves as the flagship for the F portfolio of Lexus performance models and redefines the supercar for the 21st century. The Lexus F brand complements the core Lexus DNA by emphasizing serious performance. The LFA was carefully developed from a blank canvas by a small and dedicated team of hand-picked engineers that pushed every possible dynamic boundary.

“The development of the LFA was unlike any other Lexus,” said Mark Templin, Lexus division group vice president and general manager. “Minute details were engineered to provide an engaging and serious supercar that delivers impressive performance on and off the race track. Only 500 will ever be built worldwide, and each will be assembled to customer order, offering a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be part of a small, exclusive group of individuals.”

All 500 LFA supercars will be hand-assembled by skilled technicians in the “Lexus LFA Works” at the Motomachi Plant in Toyota City at a rate of no more than 20 per month.

The rear-wheel drive LFA is dynamically styled and powered by a sophisticated new high-revving 9,000 rpm (redline) 4.8-liter V10 engine that generates 552 hp and 354 lb.-ft. of torque for adrenaline-fuelled 202- mph performance. This specially-developed powerplant is paired with a unique six-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG) with blazing-quick paddle-activated shifts for ultimate driver control. Linked by a rigid torque tube for excellent drivetrain integrity, the ASG is located in a transaxle layout over the rear axle for an optimal 48:52 front-to-rear weight distribution. Motorsport-developed lightweight aluminum alloy suspension components are complemented by Carbon Ceramic Material (CCM) brake discs and an innovative electrically assisted rack and pinion steering system.

Lightweight, powerful and balanced, the LFA features advanced Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) construction for its chassis and much of its bodywork to deliver a light, incredibly strong and impact-resistant structure. Rather than outsource this sophisticated materials technology, the LFA team took the radical step of developing its own CFRP processes internally for ultimate quality control and to make a sound engineering investment in the future.

The LFA’s sporty styling is distinguished by coherent lines that flow from roof to sill in a seamless convex to concave line for sophisticated aerodynamics. Its front-mid engine layout, long wheelbase, short overhangs, and snug, low-slung cabin identify it as a supercar. CFRP also gave the LFA’s designers a far higher degree of design freedom, allowing them to create shapes, curves and edges that would have been impossible with metal. For example, the sharp trailing edges at the rear of the LFA that help provide superlative aerodynamics would not have been possible had traditional metal been used for the bodywork.

A dramatic low-slung cockpit has been intelligently designed and hand-assembled with the finest materials to reflect the car’s driver-centric dynamics. The intimate two-seat cabin has been conceived at every stage – ergonomics, acoustics, materials, comfort, versatility and visibility levels have all been painstakingly engineered – to put the driver at the center of the driving experience.

Production of the LFA supercar will begin in December 2010 with deliveries continuing for the following 24 months. Consumers may contact the Lexus LFA Information Center at 866-LFA-4794 to express interest or visit www.Lexus-LFA.com for more information.

Official LFA images from Toyota Pressroom:

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After many years of delay the first ever super car from Lexus has finally arrived, first up is the specs:

• 4.8-liter 72-degree V10 putting out 560 hp at 8,700 RPM (that’s 116.5 hp/liter) and 354 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,800 RPM
• Redline: 9,000 RPM
• Titanium valves, connecting rods, forged aluminum pistons, dry sump lubrication and a titanium exhaust manifold
• Six-speed sequential gearbox
• Torsen limited slip differential
• 3,263 pounds with a 48/52 front-to-rear weight distribution
• Power-to-weight ratio of 5.8 pounds/hp
• 65 percent of the body is carbon fiber
• 20-inch BBS wheels wrapped in 265/35 ZR20 Bridgestone tires in front and 305/30 ZR20 in the rear
• 0-62 MPH (100 km/h) in 3.7 seconds
• Top speed of 201.94 MPH
• Production limited to 500 units
  

Following you’ll see the video of the production LFA making its way around the Nurburgring GP course, along with a whole bunch of still shots that show the Lexus supercar:

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Image sources: [Motor Trend, Autoblog]