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The 2011 Lexus LFA brought a high-revving V10 and carbon-fibre construction to Lexus’s first supercar. The production model debuted at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. Its character comes from the relationship between the engine, lightweight structure and carefully developed sound.
2011 Lexus LFA specifications
The table uses Lexus’s US launch figures for the standard LFA. Horsepower conventions differ between markets, so the 552 hp figure should not be confused with a metric PS rating.
| Engine | 4.8-litre V10 |
|---|---|
| Power | 552 hp (US specification) |
| Torque | 354 lb-ft (approximately 480 Nm) |
| Redline | 9,000 rpm |
| Transmission | Six-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Claimed top speed | 202 mph (approximately 325 km/h) |
Why the V10 sound matters
Yamaha Corporation and Yamaha Motor worked on the LFA’s acoustics, while Yamaha Motor also helped develop the engine. Their approach used physical acoustic design to carry the engine’s sound into the cabin. It did not rely on electronic sound processing.
The goal was more than volume. Yamaha wanted the sound to respond clearly to small changes in the driver’s inputs. This makes the acoustic work a useful part of the engineering story, alongside the power and redline figures.
Carbon fibre and layout
The LFA uses carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer for its chassis and much of its bodywork. Its engine sits ahead of the cabin, while the gearbox is mounted at the rear axle. That arrangement helps explain why the car’s proportions differ from many mid-engined supercars.
A production run of 500 cars
Production at the Motomachi plant ran from December 2010 to December 2012, with 500 LFAs completed. The Nürburgring Package was a separate specification within that total. Lexus announced 50 package cars, rather than an additional run of 50 beyond the original limit.
For another interpretation of an ambitious supercar programme, explore the 2013 Ferrari LaFerrari. Its profile offers a useful contrast to the LFA’s V10-centred design.
Frequently asked questions
Was the Lexus LFA introduced in 2011?
The production car was unveiled in 2009. The 2011 title places this page within its production period.
Did Yamaha help create the LFA’s sound?
Yes. Yamaha’s documented acoustic work covered both the sound generated by the engine and how it reached the driver.
Sources: Lexus US launch release, Yamaha acoustic design report, Lexus production and delivery history, and Nürburgring Package announcement. Editorial review: 12 October 2026.
