Saturday, June 18, 2011

2012 Lexus LFA Review


The new Lexus LFA is an important moment in the story of two Lexus and development of the supercar. A true "blade" design, Lexus LFA was created by a small engineers, and dedicated fans whose achievement has been to expand the boundaries of technology and engineering of materials at each stage of producing a car like no other has made the flagship Lexus.

Built using advanced carbon-fiber technology, rear-wheel drive Lexus LFA is powered by a measure, present at high rpm 552bhp 4.8-liter normally aspirated V10 engine, rear-mounted six-speed sequential automatic transmission adapted to, the 200 miles to ' hour, plus benefits.

In the words of the Chief Engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi, "The Lexus LFA is a pure racing car, a machine designed to achieve one goal - to offer a superb driving experience over the last decade, we have pushed all boundaries to pursuing this goal, and I do. think we've created the most driver orientated car we have. "


Carbon Fiber Construction

Keep the vehicle's weight to an absolute minimum was one of the elements in the development of the Lexus LFA and this led to the decision to use aluminum for the construction of the car to the advanced fiber reinforced plastic carbon (CFRP) for the chassis and body.

In addition, Lexus has decided to CFRP structure must be built on a home provider or third parties. Here's how it used the Toyota Motor Corporation in the heritage of weaving technology limits its technical capabilities, the development of new carbon fiber is now in sight and a laser tracking system integrity of the material.

At four times the resistance of aluminum, CFRP Lexus LFA an exceptionally rigid and robust structure, which also gives the benefits of higher weight, saves about 100 kg with an aluminum body similar. CFRP represents 65 percent of the body in white. With the aluminum alloy used for the remaining 35 percent

Unlike some other vehicles on the market that uses CFRP construction, the user Lexus LFA the same resin technology favored by aerospace programs leading to superior weight and strength properties.


ENGINE

Heart Lexus LFA is a custom-made, naturally aspirated V10 engine that sets new standards for compact, lightweight architecture and scintillating performance. From the beginning, it was decided, the engine should have a capacity of 4805 cc, developing 552bhp and crying REV 9000-rpm red line. 72 degrees between the cylinder heads is to achieve an ideal balance between the engine exceptionally smooth, the same individual, electronically controlled throttle bodies for each cylinder gives excellent throttle response.

Using a system dry sump lubrication, allowing the unit is placed at the bottom of the engine compartment, lowering the car's center of gravity and moment of inertia, and allowing the engine to handle the sustained rate of high returns.

The V10 produces 480 nm of torque at 6800 rpm, 90 percent of what is available from 3,700 rpm all the way to 9000 rpm red line, thanks to the dual VVT-i technology, the exhaust manifold with equal length and high-volume, 12 - hole injection nozzles. This causes the combustion in the hearing of acceleration at all speeds and in any gear: zero to 62 miles I Timen takes only 3.7 seconds and top speed is 202 mph.

With a weight of 1,480 kg, the Lexus LFA has a power to weight ratio of 373bhp per ton, while the specific production of 115bhp per liter is the highest of any current supercar, aided by a high compression ratio of 12: 1 , low internal friction and optimize the flow of intake and exhaust.

Despite its power, the V10 is a lesson in a compact and lightweight, about the same size as a regular V8 and weighs about as much conventional V6. It is as reliable and refined than any other energy plan Lexus and more than Euro 5.

The engine is developed in collaboration with Yamaha was founded through the collaborative partnership between Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan, and specializes in engineering.



TRANSMISSION

Excellent performance and the V10 derived from the transfer itself advanced, specially designed six-speed sequential automatic gearbox (ASG), which drives the rear wheels through a limited slip differential. In order to achieve optimum weight distribution front and rear 48:52, includes transaxle mounted above the rear axle.

The ASG is operated by paddle shifters mounted on the steering column, and is designed for extremely fast switching: an upshift can be done in just 0.2 seconds.

The system features four driving modes: Auto, Sport, Normal and Wet activated by a switch on the dashboard. Each mode has a program to change the specific speed and the engine and brake logic control system allowing the driver to tailor the car's performance to suit the driving conditions.


 SOUND

Lexus LFA is note acoustic intake and exhaust systems are specially calibrated to provide an impressive "soundtrack", which expresses extreme performance of the car, both outside and inside the cabin. Mentioned by the team sound like "Harmony Octave" is inspired by the sound of a Formula 1 engine at full capacity and is opposed to it, any car from the road, with different qualities harmonics created by the engine moves to the maximum 9000 rpm.

BRAKES

The Lexus LFA is one of the most advanced and powerful braking and equipped with a production car that is suitable to meet the demands of its 200 miles per hour, more performance.

The brake discs are carbon-ceramic material (CCM), which, although lighter than steel, giving a fade-free performance in all conditions. The front discs are 390 mm in diameter and 34 mm thick in the grip of six aluminum pistons, a measure on the rear discs 306mm diameter, 28mm thick and are equipped with clips of four vessels. Any use of high friction pads microns, manufactured exclusively for use with CCM brakes.

SUSPENSION, wheels and tires

The track-tuned suspension is the result of development work done by Lexus on the vast circuit of Nurburgring Nordschleife to provide the best balance between control and comfort.

Custom front fork / rear multi-link design makes extensive use of aluminum alloy for strength and low weight, and aluminum monotube shocks are the same as those used for LFA Lexus car race in Nurburgring race 24 hours.

The 20-inch forged aluminum BBS wheels are shod with 265/35ZR20 Bridgestone 305/20ZR20 front and asymmetric at the rear.

AERODYNAMICS

Lexus LFA has first-class aerodynamics to achieve cooling transmission and excellent handling at high speed and stability. Extensive wind tunnel testing has a profile of wind-cheating with a drag coefficient of 0.31, a remarkable achievement given the level of downforce in the car at high speed creates.


Airflow is controlled precisely over, under and around the car. Carbon fiber rear diffuser and smooth surface for the production of downforce significantly, with a rear wing Gurney flap active tip, which has raised the level even more.

CONTROL

The race director listened to the exceptional response and feedback to create a dynamic link between the car and the perfect conductor. The constant flow rack and pinion steering column used to support innovative power that does not sap engine performance.

The tree of large diameter column is mounted directly on the central frame structure that allows exceptional rigidity executive layout. The steering wheel carbon fiber has a flat bottom section and houses the button to start the engine and switch information instrument. It is adjustable in height and tilt.


Exterior design

It is dictated by the front-mid engine layout, a long wheelbase and short crossings, sophisticated aerodynamics and low cabin roof Lexus LFA flow lines from the threshold in a seamless convex concave line. As well as its lightness and high strength carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) has given more freedom to designers to create shapes, curves and corners that would have been impossible for the metal.

Styling is a fact that the principles of justification of L-finesse design behind all current Lexus models. Form follows function, as evidenced by the air intakes No details and aerodynamic design and even the exterior mirrors, shaped to channel the air on the shoulders of the car in the rear entrance.


INTERIOR

The cabin floor is divided into three areas: mechanics, including the skeleton of building the car, the area of ​​human, with two seats placed right in the middle of the car, and the area of ​​behavior, high-tech instrumentation that brings the driver and the machine together.

The interior is hand made, with driver-oriented ergonomics. The seats, covered in fine leather and Alcantara, the high back support and the required side in a car capable of 200 miles per hour, more performance. Trim echoes of advanced materials used in construction Lexus LFA, with areas exposed to both matte and glossy carbon fiber. Trim detail is made of brushed metal and a floor articulated brake and accelerator are forged aluminum. As with the exterior finish, owners can choose different interior colors and details for all tastes.



INSTRUMENTATION

The compact, the instrument panel combines a hood LCD display panel with a thin film transistor (TFT) and a mobile ring motor. It has a unique circular dial with a central speedometer with an LCD screen of the needle. When the engine speed exceeds 9,000 rpm, the area of ​​the screen turns red in the first pilot to establish a change. Can also be programmed to yellow or green when the motor speed reaches a range selected by the user. The line also features a digital speedometer and the speedometer, the mode of transmission, data control and display travel information.

About the switch on the left side of the steering wheel allows the driver to navigate through the various functions, including display adjustment data to adjust the cabin lighting and the track ready to run the system clock.

When the car is started, a sequence of screen of the device triggered, creating a sense of occasion, culminating in the cycle to four digital showing the oil temperature and water, fuel level and pressure of Oil from the center of the tachometer to make their positions on either side of center dial.

SAFETY

Provisions of passive and active safety are in line with the exceptional performance Lexus LFA. Carbon fiber reinforced plastic center of the central structure is very strong and provides excellent protection against impact. Crash boxes are equipped with front and rear that are designed to deform in a controlled manner in the case of a collision. This front is made of carbon fiber on the back of extruded aluminum. Side Impact Protection includes solid and rigid carbon fiber spars and structures is composed of an inner aluminum panel and a sheet of glass reinforced molding compound (SMC-G) outer skin.

Lexus LFA Lexus is equipped with Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), which coordinates the function ABS, vehicle stability systems and traction control when approaching the vehicle's performance limits based on critical data on the functioning of brakes, yaw and roll rate, individual wheel speed and longitudinal, lateral and vertical acceleration

Passive safety features include two adaptive front airbags and seatbelt airbags for driver and passenger and a driver knee airbag.


Production and sales

Lexus LFA program was launched in 2000, a simple R & D project, but received a boost with the appointment of Haruhiko Tanahashi will lead a team of dedicated engineers, committed to developing tailored Lexus. Lexus LFA first prototype was completed in 2003 and the study of the project has made a public debut at the Detroit Motor Show 2005. Between 2008 and 2009 Lexus LFA is entered in the race at the Nurburgring 24 hours, it is hard to drive the car under test conditions before its official launch, so the production model ready for the Tokyo Motor Show 2009.

The Lexus LFA is assembled by hand at the Motomachi plant in Toyota City. Only 500 units will be built at a maximum rate of 20 per month to ensure the highest quality construction and attention to detail. Each V10 engine is assembled by a single engineer, and must be signed as proof of their status in each measure of Lexus LFA.

The introductory price in the UK for the Lexus LFA is € 368,000 (approx. £ 336,000). Owners can choose from a wide range of options to customize their cars, including 30 different paint jobs. Some elements of the standard equipment can also be removed, as the audio system to reduce vehicle weight.

SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE

Engine Type: GSE-1LR

Cylinders / arrangement: V10

Valve mechanism: DOHC 40-valve

Displacement: 4805 cc

Bore and stroke: 88.0 x 79.0 mm

Compression ratio: 12.0:1

Type of Fuel Injection: EFI

Octane rating 95 or higher

Max. Power: 552 hp @ 8700 rpm

Maximum torque: 480 Nm @ 6800 rpm

Max. engine speed: 9000 rpm

Exhaust emissions certification: Euro 5

PERFORMANCE

0-62 mph (0-100 km / h): 3.7 s

Max. Speed: 202 mph (325 kmh)

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 4505 mm

Width: 1895 mm

Height: 1220 mm

Wheelbase: 2,605 mm

Track

front: 1580 mm

rear: 1,570 mm

Projection

front: 940 mm

Rear: 960 mm

Coefficient of drag: 0.31 Cd

Fuel tank capacity: 73 liters (16.1 gallons)

Weight (kg)

Curb Weight: 1.480 to 1.580 kg

Total weight: 1,700 / 1,750 kg

TRANSMISSION

Transmission: 6-speed automatic sequential gearbox

Front counter gear ratio: 1.259

Gear ratios

1: 3231

2nd: 2188

3rd: 1609

4: 1233

5. Day: 0.970

Sixth: 0795

Final drive ratio: 3.417

The speed limit

1: 52 mph

2nd: 76 kmh

3rd: 104 kmh

4: 136 mph

5th: 172 mph

Sixth: -

BRAKES

Front: ventilated cross-drilled rotors, 399 x 34 mm

Rear: ventilated discs drilled 360 x 28 mm

SUSPENSION

Front: Double wishbone with anti-roll bar

Rear: Multilink with stabilizer bar

CONTROL

Gear type steering: rack

Power Steering Type: Electric

Ratio: 14.3

Turns to lock: 2.35

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Battery capacity: 12V-48AH

Generator power: 2640 W

Starter power: 1.7 kW

TIRES AND WHEELS

Wheels

Front: 20x9.5J BBS alloy wheels

Rear: BBS alloy 20x11.5J

Tyres

Front: 265/35R20 95Y

Rear: 305/30R20 99Y

 

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