AIMS: Lexus’ first local LFA for Melbourne show

LEXUS will unveil the first Australian-specification version of its $700,000 LFA super-coupe at next week’s Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne.

The inaugural local-spec LFA – number 60 of a total production run of just 500 examples – is the first of just nine allocated for Australia over the next 18 months and will be retained by Lexus Australia for promotional purposes.

GoAuto understands that number could soon increase, but Lexus already has a local waiting list that outnumbers the remaining eight LFAs destined for Australia.

The first customer LFA is expected to arrive within the next two weeks, ahead the flagship Lexus coupe’s formal media launch in October.

The blue exterior paint on Australia’s first LFA is just one of 30 that can be ordered, including 12 standard hues and a further 18 custom colours that will not be delivered until the second year of production.

There are also at least 13 interior colour and trim options for Australia’s LFA, which will be joined in Melbourne by the Australian debut of the LF-Gh concept that previewed the next-generation large GS sedan when it made its world debut at the New York motor show in April.

Left: Lexus LF-Gh concept.

Lexus’ first supercar finished fifth outright and first in class at the recent VLN5 Nürburgring endurance race, marking the best result to date for the Gazoo Racing outfit.

The VLN race is part of a five-round endurance series in the lead-up to the gruelling Nürburgring 24-hour race at the end of this month.

As we’ve reported, the LFA is powered by a front/mid-mounted 412kW 4.8-litre V10 that can rev from idle to 9000rpm in 0.6 seconds and bristles with titanium valves and connecting rods, plus diamond-like carbon silicon-coated rocker arms.

It is matched not with a dual-clutch transmission but a six-speed automated sequential gearbox operated via steering wheel shift paddles, resulting in claimed 0-100km/h acceleration in 3.7 seconds and a 325km/h top speed.

Other supercars now also confirmed for the 2011 AIMS include Lamborghini’s new flagship, the V12-powered Aventador LP700-4, Audi’s R8 GT Coupe – one of just five earmarked for Australia from a global run of 333 vehicles – and Maserati’s fastest road car, the hard-core GranTurismo MC Stradale.