Racing

Japanese weblog レクサスとの道[LEXUS] is reporting that the Lexus LFA will be available in a track edition optimized for circuit driving:

If Google’s translation serves, this Nürburgring edition looks to include a fixed rear wing, larger front spoiler, sports tuned suspension, high grip tires and a boost of 10 horsepower—and will only be available in four colors: black, matte black, a color Google couldn’t decipher, and this vibrant orange:

No word on price, but more details are sure to appear shortly. (I wonder what percentage of potential owners would consider this package—10%? Lower?)

[Source: レクサスとの道[LEXUS] (translated)]

We saw the video portion of Chris Harris’ Lexus LFA review for EVO Magazine, and now we have the written instalment as shared by Edmunds:

The only engine as free-revving and responsive as this that we’ve ever experienced has been the Porsche Carrera GT’s 612-hp 5.7-liter V10. The resemblance is uncanny, from the heavy, lash-free action of the throttle pedal to the rabid way the engine accumulates revs.

The LFA’s ride is busy but not jarring, and the refinement is pretty good given that the subframes that locate the suspension are hung from a stiff carbon-fiber tub that is bound to transmit vibration…overall the 2011 Lexus LFA feels about as relaxed on the pavement as a Ferrari 599 GTB, which makes it entirely happy as we trundle away.

Flawlessly made carbon-fiber trim pushes up against exotic metals, while the hand-stitched leather is supple and expensive. As a place to enjoy, be comfortable and operate a machine, this might be our favorite supercar cabin of them all. Never thought we’d hear ourselves say that.

This is the very first review of the LFA that takes place entirely on public roads rather than a race track, and as a result, there’s a much clearer sense that the Lexus supercar is equal parts performance & luxury.

For only having four hours of seat-time, Chris Harris turns in a review filled with plenty of insight. Recommended reading.

[Source: Edmunds]

Wednesday’s Lexus F-Sport Event at the Homestead-Miami Speedway has come and gone, but some of those lucky enough to attend have published their photos & videos from the track, including some beautiful LFA shots from Eric Ho:

Be sure to check out his full gallery on Flickr—some very nice 1SC & 2GS photos from the event as well.

Also covering the event was Motoring Exposure, who not only posted a massive amount of photos on their site, but also filmed the IS F & the LFA powering down the speedway:

Even after all the videos I’ve seen of the LFA, I still get chills watching it scream through a track. What a beautiful day to have an event.

Lexus is hosting an F-Sport event this Wednesday at the Homestead-Miami Speedway in Florida—if you’re in the area, get yourself some free tickets and take the the F-Sport IS, GS and the IS F around the track. Even better, one person from every session will be randomly selected to take a lap with Scott Pruett in the LFA.

Tickets are limited, so be sure to sign up ASAP.

Sign up for this event

Earlier today, the Lexus LFA made its Top Gear appearance—first off, you can watch The Stig’s lap around the track (likely on Youtube for a limited time only):

The LFA, in wet track conditions, made it around the track in 1:22.3, which beat the Lamborghini Gallardo as the fastest wet lap on the show so far.

The full episode will be on and off of Youtube for the next couple days, if you’re familiar with BitTorrent, you can always download the episode at Final Gear.

Update: Just watched Richard Hammond’s LFA feature on Youtube, and it’s pretty much amazing despite the expected Top Gear putdowns:

I would watch it quick, though, chances are it won’t last on Youtube for the day.

It was inevitable—Lexus UK has announced that Top Gear driver The Stig has taken the LFA around the track for an upcoming episode of the British car show.

The Lexus UK Twitter account posted earlier today that a Stig lap at the Top Gear test track had taken place, but didn’t mention just how well the new supercar performed. A hint was later posted:

The Lexus LFA might (I did not say is) be slower around Top Gear test track than the R500, but the driver will be dry

The R500 in question is the Caterham Seven R500, currently 5th place on the Top Gear list and faster around the track than the Bugatti Veyron or Ferrari Enzo.

Very exciting news!

[Source: Lexus UK Twitter]

UPDATE: It’s been announced that the LFA will be appearing on the January 3rd show of Top Gear.