Lexus LF-A snapped at the 'Ring

DETAILS

Japanese luxury brand Lexus hopes to shed its reputation for low-character luxury cars when it launches its first supercar later this year. It plans to copy the success the NSX had for domestic rival Honda, which helped to transform that brand into one associated with sporty dynamics. As mission statements go, this prototype LF-A has a definite swagger: the low-slung, bespoilered supercar was seen pounding the Nurburgring in Germany at high speed and bystanders reported a shrieking V10 wail unlike any of the more serene Lexus models we're used to. Click 'Next' to read the full mechanical spec on one of next year's most intriguing supercars.
Haven't I seen this before?
Lexus has shown the LF-A concept car in numerous guises since 2005, most recently at the 2007 Detroit Motor Show, where officials were briefing journalists that, yes, it was becoming more and more likely for production. Now we can see why. The finished car will be unveiled on home turf at the Tokyo Motor Show in October, and it's destined to go on sale in 2008. Although lightly disguised, it's not hard to see that Lexus has barely toned down the concept car for the road. There are still outrageous styling cues never before seen on a Lexus limo - including cooling scoops on the bonnet and a huge great spoiler sprouting from the rear deck.