Lexus LFA

The Lexus LFA is a high-performance sports car produced by the Japanese automaker Lexus from 2010 to 2012. It was developed as a halo car for the Lexus brand and was designed to compete with other high-end sports cars such as the Ferrari 458 Italia and the Lamborghini Gallardo.

The LFA features a lightweight carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) body and is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V10 engine that produces 552 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a six-speed automated manual transmission and can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in around 3.6 seconds and has a top speed of around 202 miles per hour.

The LFA features advanced technology and features, such as a Formula One-inspired digital dashboard, a high-end Mark Levinson sound system, and a unique exhaust system that produces a distinctive engine sound. It also features a number of performance-oriented features, such as a rear-mounted transaxle for improved weight distribution, an active rear wing, and carbon-ceramic brakes.

Only 500 examples of the LFA were produced, making it a rare and highly sought-after sports car. It has been praised for its performance, handling, and unique design, as well as its advanced technology and features. The LFA has also been successful in motorsports, with wins in various races and championships around the world.

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What are some of the LFA's notable motorsports achievements?

The Lexus LFA has had a limited but successful motorsports career, with notable achievements including:

1. Class victory in the 2010 24 Hours of Nürburgring: A factory-backed LFA team competed in the grueling endurance race, with drivers including former F1 driver Takuma Sato. The team won the SP8 class and finished 18th overall.

2. Class victory in the 2010 24 Hours of Dubai: Another factory-backed LFA team competed in the Dubai race, winning the A6-PRO class and finishing 25th overall.

3. Class victory in the 2011 Japan Super GT Series: The LFA competed in the GT500 class of Japan's premier sports car racing series, with a team fielding two cars. The LFA won its class in its debut season, with a total of three wins and seven podium finishes.

4. Lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife: In 2011, a specially modified LFA set a lap record for a production car at the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife, with a time of 7:14.64. The record stood for several years before being broken by other cars.

Overall, the LFA's limited motorsports career showcased the car's performance and durability, as well as its unique design and engineering. The LFA remains a sought-after collector's item and a symbol of Lexus' commitment to high-performance engineering.

What modifications were made to the LFA that set the Nürburgring lap record?

The Lexus LFA that set the lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 2011 was a specially modified version of the production car, known as the LFA Nürburgring Package. This package included a number of performance-oriented upgrades designed to improve the car's handling, aerodynamics, and power output.

Here are some of the modifications that were made to the LFA for the Nürburgring record attempt:

1. Engine performance: The LFA's 4.8-liter V10 engine was tuned to produce 562 horsepower, an increase of 10 horsepower over the standard car. The engine also featured revised camshafts and a new intake system for improved power delivery.

2. Aerodynamics: The LFA Nürburgring Package featured a number of aerodynamic upgrades, including a larger front spoiler, a new front bumper with dive planes, and a larger fixed rear wing. These upgrades improved downforce and stability at high speeds.

3. Suspension: The LFA's suspension was revised with stiffer springs and shock absorbers, as well as a lowered ride height. This helped to improve the car's handling and stability in corners.

4. Brakes: The LFA Nürburgring Package featured larger carbon-ceramic brakes with improved cooling, providing greater stopping power and fade resistance.

5. Weight reduction: The LFA's weight was reduced by about 100 pounds through the use of lightweight components such as forged wheels and a titanium exhaust system.

These modifications, combined with a skilled driver and favorable weather conditions, helped the LFA to set a lap record of 7:14.64 at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, which stood as the fastest lap time for a production car until 2017.

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