Despite an endless string of sightings of prototypes of the Lexus LF-A at the Nürburgring for at least a year, the automaker continues to deny plans for a production version. Designed to take on Audi’s R8, the 911, and Nissan’s GT-R, Lexus has given the LF-A prototype a few tweaks in the styling department.

While retaining the same shape, the design of the LF-A appears much more muscular, likely to address the criticism that the LF-A concept was a little too elegant and not butch enough. Up front, the new prototype sports larger headlamps and a revised front fascia with larger air inlets. But the changes don’t stop there, a third set of air intakes have been added behind the doors to feed more air to the engine — whatever it is. Out back the air vents are now larger than before and have moved down the car’s body.

As for what will power the LF-A, it’s all speculation, but the common rumors are a mid-mounted V10, which is expected to develop over 500-hp, but with Formula One ditching it V10s last year a V8 powerplant with the same output is another option. Whatever the powerplant is, expect it to be mated to an eight-speed manumatic. C&D is speculating the the larger rear wing is a sign that Lexus is working on an even higher top speed since Audi’s R8 will reach 187 mph.

The production version of the LF-A is expected to be available in 2008 and will have a price tag of over $100,000. The LF-A is expected to debut as the pace car at the 2007 Japanese Grand Prix and be unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.

## Source: Car & Driver ##

Posted in: Lexus, Concept Cars, Spy Shots, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Tokyo Motor Show
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