The Lexus supercar, the LF-A, is going topless. In one of the rare surprises to sneak past our auto show spies, TheCarConnection.com has learned
Like the concept coupe, that debuted last year, the LF-A Roadster will be powered by a high-revving, 5.0-liter V-10 reportedly producing in excess of 500 horsepower, and pushing either version of the LF-A to somewhere in excess of 200 mph.
The front-mid engine configuration is used to drive the rear wheels. The V-10 is connected to a manually shiftable automatic.
The basic styling cues of the LF-A Coupe remain, and reflect the new L-Finesse styling philosophy that’s influenced recent production Lexus models. On the supercar roadster, that translates into a low-slung, aerodynamic front end. With the top up, the roadster stands just 48-inches tall.
The oversized rear-mounted radiators are fed through a pair of large intakes above the rear wheel wells. One distinct addition with the open-air LF-A is a new, speed-adaptive rear spoiler.
With an overall length of 175.6 inches and a wheelbase of 102.6 inches, the LF-A Roadster rides on 20-inch wheels and tires, with 14.2-inch cross-drilled brakes, up front, and 13.2-inch vented discs in the rear.
The “F” designation has been used for advanced projects since the original LS sedan was conceived, 20 years ago. It recently was added to a production model, in the form of the high-performance version of the smallest Lexus model, the IS-F.
While Lexus officials insist the LF-A is just a show car, they whisper that they’re giving serious consideration to a production version, which could debut around the end of the decade.
2008 Detroit Auto Show Coverage. Ford F-150, Hyundai Genesis and more. by TCC Team
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