Lexus LF-A Roadster Concept

Lexus LF-A Roadster ConceptA roadster version of the LF-A concept and more details about the vehicle’s mechanical package.

The tease continues. Lexus, which introduced its LF-A supercar two years ago, was thought to be bringing the final production version to Detroit. Instead, it showed a roadster version of the concept and revealed more details about the vehicle’s mechanical package.

While Lexus was cagey at first on whether the LF-A would be front- or mid-engine, it now acknowledges that the car will use a mid-front-mounted V-10 that “approaches 5.0 liters in displacement”, confirming speculation that it would be 4.8 liters. Part of the confusion over engine placement is due to the fact that the LF-A employs rear-mounted radiators, which are typical in mid-engine cars. The LF-A’s horsepower is said to be in excess of 500 bhp and Lexus claims a top speed of more than 200 mph. To more evenly distribute the vehicle’s weight, the sequential paddle-shift manual transmission is rear-mounted.

Like the coupe, the roadster stands just 48’ in. tall and rides on a 102.6-in. wheelbase. It measures 175.6 in. in overall length. While overall styling is similar to the coupe’s, the open LF-A now has a speed-adaptive rear wing incorporated into the design. The LF-A rides on massive 20-in. alloy wheels shod with 265/35R-20 tires up front and 305/30R-20 rubber in the rear.

The LF-A now sports prominent “F” logos on each front fender signifying that it is part of Lexus’ new F marque for models developed outside the normal vehicle engineering and development process.