Is the Lexus LFA manual or automatic?
The Lexus LFA uses a six-speed automated manual transmission with paddle shifters. It isn’t a traditional manual with a clutch pedal, nor is it a conventional torque-converter automatic; it operates as an automated manual with driver-shift control.
Transmission type and how it works
To understand the classification, it helps to know that the LFA’s gearbox is a six-speed automated manual transmission (AMT) designed for high-performance driving. It combines a hydraulic clutch and electronic control, allowing both automatic shifting and driver-initiated shifts via paddles.
Key characteristics of the gearbox:
- Type: six-speed automated manual transmission (AMT), frequently described as an automated sequential gearbox.
- Clutch: single-plate hydraulic clutch, not a traditional torque-converter automatic.
- Controls: shifts can occur automatically, or the driver can command shifts with paddle shifters; there is no clutch pedal or manual stick shift.
- Performance focus: tuned for rapid, race-inspired gear changes with several drive modes to adjust shift behavior.
In practice, this means the LFA behaves like an automatic in daily use, but it offers manual-style control through paddles and lacks a traditional manual gearbox option.
Driver experience and drive modes
Owners and reviewers note that the shifts can be extremely crisp in sport-oriented settings, with the paddle shifters providing a hands-on feel. However, the system remains an automated manual, not a true manual transmission, and it differs from modern dual-clutch automatics in its shift dynamics and feel at low speeds.
Summary
The Lexus LFA’s transmission is a six-speed automated manual with paddle shifters. It is not a manual, and it is not a traditional automatic; it sits in the automated manual category with manual control available via paddles.
Is the LFA manual or automatic?
Transmission. The gearbox built by Aisin is a six-speed single-clutch automated manual transmission actuated with paddle-shifters.
Is Lexus LFA faster than GTR?
In fact, the LFA hits 100 mph four-tenths faster than the GT-R -- and just keeps going.
Did any Lexus come in manual?
Yes, Lexus has made manual transmission vehicles, and models like the IS 250 were offered with a manual transmission as late as 2012. Earlier models, including the ES 250, ES 300, SC 300, and first-generation IS 300, also had manual options, though they are less common.
This video discusses the 2008 Lexus IS 250, one of the last Lexus models with a manual transmission: 58sShooting CarsYouTube · Nov 5, 2022
- Last models: The last Lexus to offer a manual transmission was the IS 250, with the option being discontinued around 2012-2013.
- Earlier models: Prior to the IS 250, other models available with a manual gearbox included:
- ES 250 and ES 300
- SC 300
- First-generation IS 300
- IS 200 and IS 220d
- Current status: Since the discontinuation of the last manual models, Lexus has exclusively used automatic transmissions. However, the brand has explored the idea of bringing back a manual-like experience for future electric vehicles, notes Reddit.
Why is Lexus LFA so rare?
The Lexus LFA is rare due to a very limited production run of only 500 units, which was an intentional decision by Lexus to create a collector's item. Despite its high initial price and slow sales when new, its unique engineering, hand-built craftsmanship, and exceptional driving experience have made it highly sought after by collectors, driving up its value and rarity over time.
- Limited production: Lexus produced only 500 LFAs between 2010 and 2012, with just 20 being hand-built per month. This intentional scarcity was intended to make it a future classic.
- High initial cost: The LFA's base price of $375,000 was significantly higher than many of its competitors, which hindered its sales when it was new. Some models even remained unsold for years after production ended.
- Unique engineering and craftsmanship: The LFA features a carbon-fiber chassis and a unique, Yamaha-developed V10 engine that revs to 9,500 RPM. Each car was meticulously hand-built, which contributed to both its high cost and its rarity.
- Collector's item status: Over time, the market has come to appreciate the LFA for its engineering and driving experience rather than just performance numbers. This shift in perception has led to a significant increase in its value, further solidifying its status as a rare and collectible supercar.
