Lexus LFA
From the moment they introduced the Lexus in 1989, Toyota’s luxury division has craved recognition and respect. For almost 30 years, Lexus has been trying to be better than any other luxury brand out there. They have covered their lack of heritage and tradition by going over the top in style and technology. However, sometimes, that is not enough.
In the early 2000’s, Lexus management realized they needed a “Halo car.” This was going to be the super luxury, exclusive model they hoped would show the world what Lexus can do. They decided to produce the best sports car in the world. After many years of development, the LFA saw the light of the day in 2010 as a production-ready model.
The heart of the new super capable sports car was a 4.3-liter V10 engine that produced 560 HP. The power went to the rear axle over a special six-speed robotized automatic transmission that shifted fast and accurate. The rest of the car was equally advanced with innovative materials, bespoke components and perfect craftsmanship throughout.
Although the LFA was expensive, it was worth every penny of the $445,000 base price. The magazine testers praised its handling, quality, driving and overall feel, so the verdict was clear. Lexus managed to hit its target with full accuracy and present a future classic. However, despite all that, the car buyers weren’t that eager to give almost half a million dollars for a Toyota, no matter how good it was.
In the end, the Lexus LFA failed to attract the same excitement as similar Porsches or Ferraris. Still, due to its excellence, the LFA will appreciate in the future, so it’s a great investment nonetheless.