BMW M3 & Lexus LFA videos

Lexus LFA Super Car Launched!

This fire breathing Lexus is definitely a highlight of the Tokyo International Motor show. Lets get down to the juicy details. Under the hood of the LFA you will find a 1LR-GSE 4.8 liter DOHC V10 that cranks out 552hp at 8,700 rpm and 480Nm of torque that is achieved at 6,800 rpm (90% of which is available from 3,700 rpm). This engine co-developed with Yamaha has Dual VVT-i technology, equal length exhaust manifolds and high-volume, 12-hole fuel injectors, a total of 40 valves,12:1 compression ratio and is Euro 5 compliant. ------

As for the transmission, the Lexus LFA has a 6-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox which is operated by paddle shifters located on the steering wheel. The drivetrain also has four driving modes that is made up by Auto, Sport, Normal and Wet modes. All this power transmitted results in the LFA making a century sprint in 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 325km/h or 202mph. Breaking power is provided by Brembo's carbon ceramic 390 mm front discs and 306 mm rear discs.

The Lexus LFA sports a drag coefficient of 0.31, has its body mostly made up of Carbon-Fiber (natuarally) is 4505 mm in length and weighs 1480kg or 115kg heavier then the Ferrari Enzo. Bridgestone-sourced 265/35ZR20 tires are to be found in the front while 305/20ZR20 tires are fitted at the rear.

The LFA will be limited to 500 units and pricing in the US starts from approximately US$375,000. For that price you get your LFA hand assembled in the Motomachi plant located in Toyota City Japan.

























Source : Lexus

AutoAlert : JDM Lexus HS250h

The Japanese version of the HS250 h Hybrid car made its debut recently with a 2AZ-FXE 2.4 liter engine found under the hood coupled with an electric motor. The engine puts out 150 PS of power and 187Nm of torque while the electric motor which gets its juices from NiMH batteries makes 143 PS with 270Nm of torque. The two power source is brought together by the e-CVT to give a maximum of 190ps at any time. Interestingly there is an exhaust heat recovery system to shorten engine warming time.

Well other then the usual design cues found on most Toyota today, there is the LED headlapms and tail lamps to differentiate it from other non-hybrid vehicles. Other then this external 'signs' that tells other drivers on the road that you care for mother nature, the rest of the external body panel is very similar to a standard IS250.

But fear not because Lexus has kept the best part of the car exclusively for the interior. (My personal View). To keep both drivers & passengers safe the vehicle is equipped with a Pre-crash Safety System using millimeter-wave radar detects whether driver’s eyes are properly open and also determining direction of driver’s face. In the case the driver loose concentration on the road, the system will alert the driver with a buzzer & apply apply some break force. The Hazard lights will go off if there is a risk of crash & the headrest will be shifted to a proper position to reduce whiplash injury. Click on the thumbnails to view a larger picture.

Next on the list we have Lexus G-link system to grant you access to a concierge that assists you in various ways. If you really crash your car, the system will automatically communicates with the remote Lexus center to contact the police and fire department. The call center will then give you a ring to see if you are OK & if they don't get a feedback from you the ambulance will be dispatch as well. Talking about good service...of course this service will only be complimentary for the first 3 years of your ownership after which a fee will be charge to continue the service.

The area where the gearshift is usually found is occupied by Lexus "Remote Touch" system to operate most of the cars functions. Think BMW's iDrive & Audi's MMI system and you will get the idea.Audiophile will be delighted to know that this car is fitted with a 10 speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system as a standard feature with the option to upgrade to 15 speakers altogether. In conclusion HS250h is a good choice for buyers who find the Prius under equipped or just enjoys the finner things in life. Prices in US are set at $34,200 for the base model and $36,970 for the better equipped Premium version with arrival date around August.Cheers :)

AutoAlert : New Land Cruiser Spotted In China

Fans of the rugged Toyota off-roader will be glad to know that the they will be expecting the new Land Crusier soon. Spy shots available reveal the external shape of the vehicle borrows alot of features from its smaller sibling the RAV-4. Which is not a bad thing actually as these big off-roaders often suffer from lack of character & depth in terms of design. The front grill becomes chunkier while the headlamp bears uncanny resemblance to the ones found in the Lexus range. Having said that, one can opt for the Lexus version if he or she has luxury high on the priority list.