The Origin of F Sport: The Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package | Lexus
Lexus LFA Nurburgring Package
Reflecting on the Origins of F Sport
Test Drive! The Lexus LFA Nurburgring Package
Representing Lexus's second stage, theGSand theLShave been enhancing their completeness as driver's cars and emphasizing sporty driving, as experts have consistently stated on OPENERS. The pinnacle of Lexus driving, named 'F Sport,' is the 'LFA (Lexus F Sport Apex).' Developed to be a world-class supercar, it was announced at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, and all 500 limited units sold out before production even began the following year. Production of the 500th LFA concluded in December 2012. This is likely the last opportunity to experience the LFA. OPENERS, along with Yasuhisa Shimashita, took the wheel one last time for this final LFA, specifically the high-performance 'Nurburgring Package' variant, of which only about 50 units were produced, to reflect on the origins of F Sport.2009 Tokyo Motor Showannounced, and all 500 limited units sold out before production even began the following year. Production of the 500th LFA concluded in December 2012. This is likely the last opportunity to experience the LFA. OPENERS, along with Yasuhisa Shimashita, took the wheel one last time for this final LFA, specifically the high-performance 'Nurburgring Package' variant, of which only about 50 units were produced, to reflect on the origins of F Sport.
Text by YASUHISA SHIMASHITA
Photographs by MASAYUKI ARAKAWA
A Machine That Runs the 'Ring
Recently, Lexus announced the completion of production for all 500 planned units of the "LFA." What was this coveted Lexus sports car, with its full carbon body, 4.8-liter V10 engine, and a price tag of 37.5 million yen, truly about? To reflect on the value it brought, we decided to get behind the wheel one last time.
Transported to a winding road for our test drive was the "LFA Nürburgring Package," its orange body even more eye-catching. As the name suggests, this is a specification tuned with the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany as its focus. The engine boasts a maximum output of 571 ps and a peak torque of 480 Nm, an increase of 11 ps over the base model.
The tires fitted to the dedicated BBS mesh wheels are Bridgestone RE070s, and the suspension is a dedicated setup with a 10mm lower ride height.
Other exterior features include a large CFRP front spoiler, canards, and a large fixed rear wing. The interior is trimmed in Alcantara, with carbon door trim and full bucket seats creating a more Spartan feel.
Lexus LFA Nurburgring Package
Reflecting on the Origins of F Sport
Test Drive! The Lexus LFA Nurburgring Package (Part 2)
A V10 Sound That Can Only Be Described as Majestic
Opening the light doors and settling into the full carbon driver's seat. While I described it as Spartan, the interior finish is exceptionally high-quality, almost intoxicating just to look at. The steering wheel fits perfectly in the hand like a Formula 1 car's, the turn signal lever offers delicate operation, and the aluminum pedals – everything is made exclusively for the LFA, a testament to its luxury.
Surprisingly, the keyhole is on the steering column. Insert the key, turn it fully, pull both shift paddles to select neutral, and press the start button to awaken the exquisite V10 engine. The drive mode selector dial on the right of the instrument cluster remains in NORMAL. Pull the right paddle to engage first gear, and we're off. However, the Nürburgring Package sits even lower at the front than the base LFA, so we navigate out of the parking space with utmost caution.
The single-clutch gearbox isn't particularly adept at automatic upshifts, but thanks to the engine's ample torque, it's not jarring once you get used to it.
More importantly, the overwhelming sense of awe eclipses such minor details, pushing them to the back of your mind.
The awe stems from the V10 sound, which can only be described as majestic. The engine's response is as sharp as a racing engine's, yet its incredibly smooth, well-balanced feel from low RPMs alone brings a smile to your face. Push harder, and the sound becomes even more piercing, striving to reach the very top end. This engine alone gives the LFA immense value. Once you experience it, you'll surely understand.
To fully savor this pleasure, the SPORT mode is essential. The instrument panel, combining a TFT LCD with a movable meter ring, changes to a white background, with the 8,000 rpm mark positioned at 12 o'clock. For the LFA's V10, this is precisely where its true potential lies. Using the satisfyingly tactile paddle shifters for manual gear changes and reaching the exhilarating 9,000 rpm redline without pause is an unparalleled joy.
At this pace, the speedometer needle naturally climbs to astonishing speeds. However, the fact that you only notice it when you look at the numbers indicates that the chassis boasts a stability that, in a good way, makes you unaware of the speed.
Lexus LFA Nurburgring Package
Reflecting on the Origins of F Sport
Test Drive! The Lexus LFA Nurburgring Package (Part 3)
A Car Worth Pushing
However, the suspension is quite stiff. Even minor undulations or bumps that are usually unnoticeable cause the car to bounce, and occasionally, the feeling of contact with the road is lost. Honestly, at first, I wondered, "Will this be okay on a rough Nürburgring?" But upon exiting the car and inspecting its surroundings, I noticed the rear underside was unusually dirty. That's right – the air flowing beneath the car was kicking up a significant amount of dust.
This is evidence of the Venturi effect, where air flowing under the car is accelerated towards the rear. In essence, the LFA's body is designed to generate powerful downforce. Surely, if approached at even higher speeds, the stability would increase further. The speeds frequently used at the Nürburgring are in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th gears. Everything is geared towards that.
Of course, this is a public road. While I restrained myself from pushing too hard, I could easily feel the exceptionally sharp turn-in. The steering response is so quick, it's hard to believe there's a V10 engine mounted at the front.
Yet, the traction is also sufficient. While rough inputs are strictly forbidden, you can feel the rear wheels firmly gripping the road as you accelerate. Utilizing this, rather than just steering, you can boldly turn in and then adjust with the throttle. This style of driving feels more natural. In other words, it's a car that invites you to push its limits.
While the V10 engine's maximum torque of 480 Nm isn't exceptionally high, given the FR layout where the load on the driven rear wheels is inherently smaller, it might actually be well-suited for this kind of aggressive acceleration driving. Any more torque would likely just lead to increased traction control intervention, making it less enjoyable.
Lexus LFA Nurburgring Package
Reflecting on the Origins of F Sport
Test Drive! The Lexus LFA Nurburgring Package (Part 4)
The LFA's Character
On the other hand, what I found lacking – and this applies to the base model as well – is the general lack of information transmitted from the car. My hands and hips don't receive much feedback about the car's current state, making it difficult to push to the absolute limit. Professional drivers with excellent visual perception and extensive experience might not have an issue, and casual driving wouldn't highlight this, but for drivers like myself, who love the car but aren't quite that skilled and still try hard, it's quite challenging.
Perhaps this would change at higher speeds, with greater load on the car. It seems the car, and the environment it's suited for, are specific. After all, this is the Nürburgring Package.
Of course, this is a minor point. If the car were truly frightening and unmanageable, I would have stopped immediately. However, on this day, using the excuse of photography, I found myself driving this 571 ps rear-wheel-drive car repeatedly on the winter winding roads, without boredom and, naturally, without fear. Thinking, "This might be the last time I experience the LFA..."
The term "flavor development" was used in relation to the LFA's development even before its debut, and Lexus actively participated in motorsports. Although production has ended, the knowledge gained here – the secret sauce, so to speak – will be passed on to future Lexus models.
Still, the feeling of "what a waste..." lingers. My apologies to those who are still awaiting delivery, but having driven the car again after some time, and considering the dramatic improvements in its rivals over the past two years, I did notice some aspects of the LFA that felt slightly dated.
Wouldn't it be possible to create an even richer "sauce" by updating those aspects and incorporating new technologies?
But there's no point dwelling on that now.
For now, I can only be grateful that this car was created. And I eagerly anticipate that future Lexus models will exude a character that makes us say, "This is all thanks to the existence of the LFA."
Lexus LFA
Body Dimensions | Overall Length 4,505 x Overall Width 1,895 x Overall Height 1,220 mm
Wheelbase | 2,605 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,580 / 1,570 mm
Minimum Ground Clearance | 110 mm
Weight | 1,480 kg
Engine | 4,805cc V10 DOHC
Maximum Output | 412kW (560ps) / 8,700 rpm
Maximum Torque | 480Nm (48.9kgm) / 7,000 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed semi-automatic
Drivetrain | FR
Suspension Front/Rear | Double Wishbone / Multi-link
Tires Front/Rear | 265/35ZR20 / 305/30ZR20
Top Speed | 325 km/h
0-100 km/h Acceleration | 3.7 seconds
Price | 37.5 million yen
*Test car is equipped with the Nürburgring Package.
The engine's maximum output is increased to 420kW (571ps), and it features a CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) front spoiler, fixed rear wing, suspension for circuit driving, and dedicated wheels.