In a first from Lexus, the Japanese brand yesterday invited over 150 international and local media to Toyota’s Woven City complex near My Fuji to witness the unveiling of its all-new LFA Concept, a battery electric vehicle (BEV) sports car concept model.
Born from the strong conviction of Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda, a.k.a. Master Driver Morizo, that certain car-making techniques and skills must be preserved and passed on to the next generation, the Lexus LFA Concept is a BEV sports car concept model being developed alongside TOYOTA Gazoo Racing’s GR GT and GR GT3.
Following in the footsteps of the Toyota 2000GT and Lexus LFA, the Lexus LFA Concept embodies “Toyota’s Shikinen Sengu,” a uniquely Japanese phrase that means ‘preserving and passing down techniques and skills from craftsmen’ and, based on the aspirations of those veterans, not only passes on such techniques and skills to the younger generation but also evolves them. While pursuing both driving performance and styling excellence, Lexus is striving in a one-team effort to create a BEV sports car with the goal to exceed its customers’ expectations.
The Lexus LFA Concept is a next-generation sports car concept model that embodies, along with the GR GT and GR GT3, “Toyota’s Shikinen Sengu”philosophy. Centered on the three key elements of a low center of gravity, low weight with high rigidity, and the pursuit of aerodynamic performance, it shares the techniques and skills used in developing the GR GT and GR GT3 while exploring the potential that is unique to BEVs.
Not bound to vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, “LFA” is a model name that symbolizes a vehicle model that embodies the technologies that engineers of its time should preserve and pass on to the next generation, explained Simon Humphries, Toyota’s Chief Branding Officer.
Featuring the same ideal driving position as the GR GT and GR GT3, the new supercar not only looks the bees knees, but its aerodynamic package delivers superior stability and downforce at speeds of over 200 km/h.
The interior has been crafted with simplicity, says Toyota, with refined functional components concentrated around the cockpit, awakening a sense fun and anticipation. The steering wheel was suitably designed for use in a sports car, while steering operation that eliminates the need for regripping with a different hand, together with a switch layout that makes blind touch operation possible, enables intuitive vehicle control. Overall, a minimalist worldview that weaves together the appeal of mechanical design and a simple interior space creates a uniquely immersive environment.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
As expected, Toyota and its luxury brand Lexus have combined forces to offer a comfortable selection of a supercar trio, including a fully electric coupe, a V8 twin-turbo grand tourer, and a race car based on that chassis and V8 powertrain. Toyota will stay true to their multi-pathway powertrain approach.