Geneva show: Lexus launches LFA Nurburgring special

THE ultra-exclusive ‘Nurburgring’ edition of the V10-engined Lexus LFA supercar will make its public debut at the Geneva show next month – almost a year after it was first announced.

As GoAuto originally reported, just 50 of the 500 lucky LFA buyers worldwide will be eligible for the track-focussed Nurburgring option pack that boosts the front-mounted 4.8-litre engine’s power (by 7kW to 419kW), improves handling and tweaks the supercar’s aerodynamics to increase downforce.

A reduction in gearshift times from 0.2 seconds to 0.15s and race-style alloy wheels with “dedicated high-grip” tyres complete the package.

The extra power and faster transmission are offset by increased drag from the new carbon-fibre aero kit, meaning the upgraded LFA’s 0-100km/h sprint time remains at 3.7 seconds.

Lexus said LFA Nurburgring edition buyers will be eligible for one-on-one instruction at the iconic Nordishleiffe circuit in Germany and receive a one-year pass to the track.

Just eight LFAs are Australia-bound, due to arrive soon at a price of around $750,000.

The Lexus display at the Geneva show will include the soon-to-be-launched hybrid-only CT200h, which will be promoted in the UK by Australian singer Kylie Minogue.

Lexus sold 409 cars in Australia last month, one more than January last year. In 2010, it moved a total of 6526 units – up 11.8 per cent on 2009 but still well down on its 2007 peak of 8199 sales.