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LEXUS SUPER CAR RACES TO MELBOURNE MOTOR SHOW

Lexus will stage the Australian debut of its own supercar, the LF-A Roadster, at the Melbourne International Motor Show on 27 February.

The LF-A Roadster goes on display in Melbourne after headlining motor shows in Tokyo and Detroit.

The Roadster’s V10 engine is capable of producing more than 360 kilowatts and test-track speeds greater than 330km/h.

Its sleek design utilises a lightweight carbon-fibre and aluminium body that ensures structural rigidity is maintained, even without a roof.

Styling of the LF-A Roadster draws extensively from the Lexus L-Finesse design philosophy and has been designed to deliver maximum aerodynamic efficiency.

The rear of the Roadster is marked by a pair of wrap-around, arrowhead-shaped taillights and a trio of centrally positioned exhausts.

To attain the best possible weight distribution, Lexus engineers positioned the radiators at the rear of the vehicle, which also allows for a sleeker front-end design.

The two rear-mounted radiators are fed cool air by two large intake ducts located forward of the rear wheel wells, and heated air is vented out behind the vehicle via a pair of large grilles.

The engine is mounted in a “front-mid” configuration – in front of the passenger compartment, but behind the front-axle centreline.

The engine is connected via a torque tube and propeller shaft to a transaxle that is controlled by paddle shifters. The torque tube is a structural member that adds rigidity to the drive train and chassis, while also reducing vibration.

The LF-A Roadster features wide high-performance tyres on turbine-styled alloy wheels.

Lexus Chief Executive John Roca said the Melbourne International Motor Show signals a new era for Lexus.

“The 2009 Melbourne Show will debut Lexus’ most exclusive and powerful vehicle the LF-A Roadster concept.

“The LF-A is the ultimate representation of L-Finesse design and would be a fantastic halo vehicle for the brand, if produced.

“In addition to the LF-A, Lexus will display an all-new production model, the IS-F and our range of hybrid vehicles,” said Mr Roca.

The Melbourne International Motor Show is on at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 27 February to 9 March.

Lexus LF-A Roadster Concept – Hi-res. Images

Lexus LF-A Roadster Concept Preliminary Specifications
Body type: Two seat roadster

Powertrain
Type: Front-mid-engine, rear-mid-transaxle
Engine: V10 (under 5.0-litres)
Transmission: SMT (sequential manual transmission)
Horsepower: More than 360kW
Top speed: More than 330km/h

Wheels
Front tyre size: 265/35R20
Rear tyre size: 305/30R20
Front brakes: 361mm cross-drilled, vented discs; six-piston calipers
Rear brakes: 345mm cross-drilled, vented discs; four piston calipers

Dimensions (mm)
Overall Length: 4460
Overall Width: 1895
Overall Height: 1210
Wheelbase: 2606