2008 Detroit Auto Show: Lexus LF-A Roadster Concept

• Looks like: A Nissan 350Z and Lamborghini Gallardo had a baby
• Defining characteristics: Exotic car design, open top
• Ridiculous features: Cameras instead of side-view mirrors
• Chance of being mass-produced: Lexus has been showing LF-A concepts for a few years now and we’ve yet to see a real one

We’ve seen a Lexus LF-A concept before, as a coupe. This year, the company brings the concept back in roadster form, and in red. That might not sound like a big deal, but after a few years of seeing the same silver arrow concept on show floors, this red beauty is a nice change of pace.

The promised 500-plus-hp front-mounted V-10 engine that’s capable of going 200-plus mph is also somewhat closer to reality, as Lexus now seems serious about having a performance lineup, starting with the IS-F that recently got a real price.

There are 20-inch wheels in front and back with beefy tires. The looks are radical yet surprisingly refined for such an audaciously powered car. We didn’t know Lexus had it in them. Many more photos below.

Comments

[hitman1970]

Beautiful car. First Lexus I find attractive in a not just for 50 year old boomer kind of way.

[DL]

eh ... looks like a radical Lexus IS convertible with a Honda Civic's tail lamps. not bad, but not refreshing. need to take some pointers from Mazda IMHO

[Infosaur]

I don't know why "Mirror cameras" are such a "ridiculous feature", that's been an Auto-show staple for over 50 years.

(I think there's some shop in Ann Arbor that insists that at least ONE car company install their "Auto-show concept car Camera systems" every year.) [/sarcasm]

[gotee]

better find a way to make a Camaro killer with smaller engine, better mileage! 500hp forget it--bring is down to 280-300 and sell tons more.
we are back to the 70's with gas crunch and if this thing is more like a Vette and less like a Datsun in the engine compartment, it will never sell well in the US. GM has same dilemma with Vette, dont like Toyota or Lexas make same mistake. Nissan could be with the GT-R
there is nothing worse than these cars all sitting on the sidelines(showrooms) b/c fuel efficiency was a no show.

[DL]

there's no "gas crunch" and people who drive their giant SUV's to work daily will see a bigger hit in their wallets than people who buy these sports cars for fun and drive less frequently. you will never seen a Viper sit on the sidelines/showrooms because of poor fuel efficiency!

sports cars like these are introduced to show the world what the car company can do with technology; Vipers and Corvettes exist to push the performance envelope, NOT to save gas. they are limited production models that get marked up at the dealer; exclusivity is the key, not selling in numbers to cheapen the relative "exotic" aura otherwise associated with these beasts.

i think Lexus did a good job. huge improvement over that fuddy putty of a car that is the SC

[Driving Schools Finder]

Wow, thats what i call a car is , it is onw awesom piece of design

[carsdotcom]

I can't find anything that looks like 350z. The aerodynamic body looks like lambo, ferrari.... If put in this article's point of view, then every car to me looks like a box on 4wheel, unless you compare a car with a bicycle, then there will be a huge different.