Lexus LF-A Renamed: LF-L
August 12, 2009 by Adam Zillin
Filed under Japanese News, Latest Articles
A few weeks ago we heard about a possible name change for the Lexus LF-A but it was more of a total name change to indicate the cars power output and “super sports” moniker (SS550). Holiday Auto go on the record to claim that the new Lexus supercar will be simply named “LF-L”.
We’re told by Holiday Auto (HA) that the last letter of LF-A will be changed to “L” to signify its appearance at Le Mans next year and to draw on its pre-production racing development. Also, there will be no numbers to signify the engines output or displacement as some sources were led to believe. We’re told that this information has been leaked ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show in October specifically to generate hype among long time followers of the LF-L. Not convinced? With the amount of changes the LF-A/L has gone through in recent times it seems anything is possible in the lead up to October. As far as the engine and driveline are concerned there isn’t anything new, the LF-L is still expected to debut with the 4.8L “1LR-GEU” V10 with rear mounted transaxle and sequential six-speed gearbox.
HA has also put together a diagram to show what functions the controls on and around the steering wheel will have. Apparently the ASG (Automated Sequential Gearbox) will have four modes, Auto, Normal, Sport and Wet, and will be capable of making shifts via Formula 1 style paddles in 0.2 seconds when in Sport mode. While the ASG is in auto mode one bank of cylinders will shut down when at idle and in light throttle situations to conserve fuel. With four modes to choose from, HA say the LF-L will “adapt” to almost all driving conditions, from circuit work to stop-start inner city driving. The VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management), launch control and rear wing angle are all subjected to different settings depending on the mode selected.
The total production number remains at 500 with 120 – 150 units bound for the Japanese market and the asking price is still expected to be around 22,000,000 JPY.
Words: Justin Karow
Images: Holiday Auto
