Lexus LF-A to make Australian debut at MIMS
Lexus will stage the Australian debut of its own supercar, the LF-A Roadster, at this year's Melbourne International Motor Show.
The 330km/h V10 (360kW) LF-A Roadster goes on display in Melbourne after headlining motor shows in Tokyo and Detroit.
Boasting a sleek design and utilising a rigid yet lightweight carbon-fibre and aluminium body the LF-A Roadster draws styling cues extensively from the Lexus L-Finesse design philosophy and has been designed to deliver maximum aerodynamic efficiency.
The rear of the Roadster is marked by a pair of wrap-around, arrowhead-shaped taillights and a trio of centrally positioned exhausts.
To attain the best possible weight distribution, Lexus engineers positioned the radiators at the rear of the vehicle, which also allows for a sleeker front-end design. Two rear-mounted radiators are fed cool air by two large intake ducts located forward of the rear wheel wells, and heated air is vented out behind the vehicle via a pair of large grilles.
The engine is mounted in front of the passenger compartment, but behind the front-axle centreline to better manage weight distribution and is connected via a torque tube and propeller shaft to a transaxle that is controlled by paddle shifters. The torque tube is a structural member that adds rigidity to the drive train and chassis, while also reducing vibration.
The LF-A Roadster also features wide high-performance tyres on turbine-styled alloy wheels.
Lexus Chief Executive John Roca said "The 2009 Melbourne Show will debut Lexus' most exclusive and powerful vehicle the LF-A Roadster concept. The LF-A is the ultimate representation of L-Finesse design and would be a fantastic halo vehicle for the brand, if produced. In addition to the LF-A, Lexus will display an all-new production model, the IS-F and our range of hybrid vehicles."
The Melbourne International Motor Show is on at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 27 February to 9 March.