Lexus will launch an LFA Tokyo Motor Show Edition at this autumn’s 2011 Japanese show, CAR has discovered – and we can expect a brace of additional new Toyota/Lexus performance cars in the coming years, including a likely Supra replacement.
The Lexus LFA Tokyo edition will bring an M3-esque exposed carbon roof and (still hydraulically adjustable) carbon rear spoiler. Presumably this just means the weave is exposed, as the LFA is already made from carbonfibre.
CAR understands the LFA Tokyo will cost about €40k more than a ‘regular’ Lexus LFA.
What else is planned for the Lexus LFA?
A spider roadster was planned and its carbonfibre construction meant the open-top LFA was nearly as rigid as the coupe. But our sources in Japan have confirmed the roadster LFA has been canned owing to the economic uncertainty in markets around the world.
And what’s this about new performance cars from Toyota/Lexus?
Toyota is working on two other performance cars separate from the FT-86 and LFA projects.
Information is sketchy at this point, but CAR understands one is a front-wheel drive car (possibly a go-faster CT200h) and one is a potential successor to the Supra.
Officially, a Supra replacement is denied. But we hear a skunkworks, unofficial project is underway to replace the RWD coupe and some insiders predict a 2014 launch.
It also sounds like future fast Toyota/Lexus models will switch from high-revving naturally aspirated engines – as in the LFA, ISF and FT-86 – to smaller, turbocharged engines. Interesting times at Toyota, as it attempts to play catch-up after a decade away from the performance heartland.