Lexus will challenge some of the world's most established supercars with a 350km/h V10-powered sports car aimed to change the way people consider the luxury brand.
Less than two decades after the inception of the newest luxury brand on the market, Lexus is now targeting the likes of Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini in a bold move to inject some excitement into the marque and take the next step for the Japanese maker.
Lexus has confirmed its LF-A sports car - seen as a concept car in 2005 and an updated version in 2007 - will be powered by a Formula One-inspired V10 engine when it goes on sale in 2009.
The V10 is expected to deliver something like 380kW of power, making it the most powerful engine from Lexus - and the most powerful production engine to come from Japan.
The potent Lexus LF-A could accelerate to 100km/h in less than four seconds, introducing a new level of performance to Toyota's luxury brand.
The original Lexus LF-A concept from 2005 was more an indication Lexus was serious about producing a supercar than a definitive look at what the showroom version might look like.
Lexus says the more recent concept car teaser - seen at the Detroit and Tokyo motor shows in 2007 - gives a clearer indication of what the production car will look like when it goes on sale in 2009.
The V10 engine is mounted in the long, sleek nose, which is characterised by angular shapes and a distinctive Lexus personality.
However, in an effort to optimise weight balance by shifting more weight to the rear Lexus is believed to have fitted a transaxle (with the gearbox mounted at the rear of the car on the axle). There are also radiators at the rear of the car, which are fed air through the rear scoops behind the occupants.
Development cars spotted testing at the Nurburgring track in Germany also show a car with a high-mounted rear wing, suggesting the LF-A could be fitted with a retractable rear wing that rises at higher speeds and sinks into the boot at city speeds.
As for when the Lexus LF-A will appear in dealerships, the company hasn't set an exact date yet.
But Lexus insiders suggest the car's on-sale date has been delayed while the company fine-tunes everything from styling to performance.
It's believed Lexus is targeting a top speed for the LF-A of 350km/h, ensuring it's viewed as a serious supercar contender against more fancied brands such as Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini.
Currently, overseas reports have the LF-A nudging 330km/h, which is apparently not good enough for Lexus engineers.
Like any supercar, though - or elite athletes - the remaining performance gains will no doubt cost millions of development dollars as the law of diminishing returns kicks in.
As well as the most expensive vehicle to ever wear a Lexus badge - pricing hasn't been hinted at yet, but few expect it to sell for less than $300,000 - the LF-A will become the most exclusive Lexus ever.
Lexus is said to be limiting production of the LF-A to just a few hundred cars a year, ensuring it as least has the exclusivity of a true supercar.
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