Lexus LFA History

The LFA originated from an early-2000s research project, with the first prototype completed in 2003. After years of showing concepts (2005, 2007, 2008), Lexus unveiled the production LFA at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. Production ran from December 2010 to December 2012 — exactly 500 cars total, 20 per month, hand-built at Toyota's Motomachi plant.

The LFA is defined by its 4.8L 1LR-GUE V10 engine, developed with Yamaha, producing 553 hp and revving to 9,000 rpm. The exhaust note was so instantaneous that the digital tachometer couldn't keep up with conventional technology — Lexus commissioned a bespoke analog-digital hybrid gauge. The body is 65 percent carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer, with aluminum, titanium, and magnesium elsewhere. Base price was $375,000.

Though never intended as a commercial volume model, the LFA proved Lexus could build a world-class supercar and elevated the brand's engineering credibility. Low-mileage examples have appreciated substantially on the secondary market.