Under the Pen: Lexus LF-A

The LF-A's digital dashboard.

The LF-A is the newest addition to the ridiculously small Japanese supercar shortlist. This is the 3rd Japanese supercar of all time [5th if your conservative] which is tiny considering Ferrari is pushing out 4 models this year alone. The fact is Japanese laws restrict hp to go above 276hp, which has limited Japan to only making sports cars [which they are doing well at]. The Honda NSX is the only super car to be built within this 276hp rule and has managed to hold off big dogs due to its light weight and good aero. It was such a good car that Gordon Murray used it as a template in the design of the McLaren F1, which reigned as the king of the supercar for 14 years. The second Japanese supercar I feel is the Nissan GTR which became famous by using technology to improve its performance to supercar levels while keeping the price at Nissan levels.

So enough about the past.... on to the present. The LF-A has been in development for 10 years. Each new concept was a new design, with a new layout, like Toyota was scanning every possible inch to perfect their automobile. Unfortunately there are flaws, but these are the flaws that all supercars live by. However I do like this car as it and the GT-R represent what true Japanese design is [the NSX looks like a Lotus Esprit still aka the cliche supercar shape] Curves and shapes formed by the wind [tunnel] and not inspired by some Italian supercar of the 80s.

At first seeing it, the LF-A is a unique step away from the Lexus [or Toyota] way of thinking. Lexus is the beige-est of the beige cars and has been known for illicitly copying Mercedes-Benz's designs [LS430 vs Benz S430 for starters] But when you look down into it, this is as Lexusy as any other vehicle in it's line-up. It is a proper Halo car.

Top Gear's view on it.

My Design Review, complete with grammatical errors :D!