Did Yamaha make the LFA exhaust?
Yes. Yamaha Motor Company collaborated with Toyota on the Lexus LFA, assisting in the development of the 4.8-liter V10 and tuning the exhaust to achieve its distinctive high-rev note.
Context: a rare collaboration in the automotive world
The Lexus LFA, produced in a limited run from 2010 to 2012, is widely cited as a showcase of cross-industry engineering. Toyota led the project, but Yamaha provided engineering input that shaped the engine and the exhaust's character. The result was a high-revving powertrain and an exhaust sound that stood out among supercars of its era.
Yamaha's role in the exhaust
Key aspects of Yamaha's involvement in the LFA’s exhaust are summarized here.
- Co-development of the 1LR-GUE 4.8L V10 engine with Toyota
- Design and tuning of the exhaust system to achieve the signature high-rev sound
- Acoustic optimization to balance performance with a musical note across driving modes
- Cross-disciplinary collaboration with Toyota engineers to align engine performance and exhaust flow
These elements illustrate the nature of Yamaha's contribution to the LFA's exhaust and overall powertrain engineering.
Notable sound characteristics and reception
Car reviewers consistently highlighted the LFA’s exhaust as one of the most distinctive in its class, praising its orchestral quality at high RPM and its ability to sound aggressive without being intrusive. This reception reflects Yamaha’s influence on the engineering and acoustics of the exhaust system.
Broader implications of the collaboration
The LFA stands as a rare example of collaboration between a traditional automobile manufacturer (Toyota) and a company with a deep heritage in high-performance engineering (Yamaha). The partnership extended beyond the engine to aspects of performance tuning and exhaust acoustics, underscoring how cross-industry expertise can yield a product with a unique character.
Summary
In summary, Yamaha did contribute to the Lexus LFA's exhaust as part of the Toyota-Yamaha collaboration. Their involvement in engine development and exhaust tuning helped shape the LFA’s renowned high-rev sound, making the exhaust a defining feature of this limited-production supercar.
Why does the LFA sound like that?
We began by breaking down the LFA sound to figure out its components. The exhaust forms the base of the overall sound. As engine speed increases, the air intake adds another layer, enveloping the car in an exhilarating, three-dimensional sound as you move up toward the rev limit.
Did Yamaha work on the LFA?
The powerplant gives the LFA a weight-to-power ratio of 2.67 kg/hp and enables it to reach a top speed of around 325 km/h (202 mph). Unlike the IS F's 2UR-GSE engine, Yamaha co-developed the entire engine, and not just the cylinder heads.
Did Yamaha make the 1UZ?
Toyota's first V8 engine was the 1UZ-FE, which was co- developed with Yamaha in the late 1980s. This engine was a groundbreaking achievement for Toyota, marking its entry into the luxury and high-performance market.
Does Lexus use Yamaha engines?
Yamaha designed the cylinder heads of Toyota's 2UR-GSE naturally aspirated V8, used today only in Lexus performance cars.
