Why was the Lexus LFA discontinued?
The Lexus LFA, a masterpiece of engineering and design, is often remembered as one of the most iconic supercars ever produced. Despite its critical acclaim and cult following, Lexus decided to discontinue the LFA after a limited production run. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this decision and what it means for the legacy of this remarkable vehicle.
The Vision Behind the Lexus LFA
The Lexus LFA was conceived as a halo car—a vehicle designed to showcase the pinnacle of Lexus' engineering capabilities and elevate the brand's image in the luxury and performance car market. With its naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V10 engine, carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer body, and cutting-edge technology, the LFA was a marvel of innovation. However, its exclusivity and high production costs played a significant role in its eventual discontinuation.
Reasons for the Discontinuation
Several factors contributed to Lexus' decision to end the production of the LFA:
- Limited Production Run: Lexus always intended the LFA to be a limited-production vehicle. Only 500 units were produced between 2010 and 2012, making it a rare collector's item. This exclusivity was part of the car's appeal but also meant that production was never meant to be sustained long-term.
- High Production Costs: The LFA's advanced materials and meticulous craftsmanship came at a significant cost. The carbon-fiber construction, for example, required Lexus to develop its own in-house production techniques, which were expensive and time-consuming. As a result, the LFA was not a profitable venture for the company.
- Market Positioning: The LFA was priced at approximately $375,000, placing it in direct competition with established supercar brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche. While it was praised for its performance and uniqueness, the LFA struggled to achieve the same level of commercial success as its competitors.
- Strategic Focus: After the LFA, Lexus shifted its focus to developing more accessible performance vehicles, such as the F-series models (e.g., RC F, GS F). These cars allowed Lexus to reach a broader audience while still showcasing its engineering prowess.
The Legacy of the Lexus LFA
Although the Lexus LFA was discontinued, its impact on the automotive world remains profound. It demonstrated Lexus' ability to compete with the best in the supercar segment and left a lasting impression on enthusiasts and critics alike. The lessons learned from the LFA's development have influenced subsequent Lexus models, ensuring that its spirit lives on in the brand's DNA.
For car enthusiasts, the LFA represents a rare blend of artistry and engineering—a car that was as much about emotion as it was about performance. Its discontinuation only adds to its mystique, cementing its status as a modern classic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Lexus LFA still exist?
In 2017. the company announced that there were 12 of them left. That announcement started a sales boom that saw 3 examples sold in that year, two more in 2018, and three more in 2019. So, at current count, there are still four, brand-new examples of the Lexus LFA sitting in showrooms across the country.
What is the fastest Lexus car?
Engineers at Lexus have mastered luxury automobiles to bring you the Lexus F Sport range by putting emphasis on intensity, speed, elegance, power, and style. The Lexus LC 500, Lexus RC F and the all-new 2023 Lexus IS 500 F are the three fastest cars Lexus provides.
What is the replacement for Lexus LFA?
LFR
Lexus LFA Successor, Possibly Called LFR, Spied Testing at the Nürburgring. Toyota's GR GT3 concept looks to be inching closer to production in new spy photos that show the sports coupe testing rear-wing setups. Toyota's GR GT3 concept car could enter production as a Lexus LFA successor and carry the moniker LFR.
What is the fastest Lexus besides LFA?
Fastest 2024 Lexus Models
| 0-60 mph time | Top Speed | |
|---|---|---|
| RC F Track Edition | 3.96 seconds | 168 MPH |
| RC F | 4.2 seconds | 168 MPH |
| IS500 | 4.4 seconds | 149 MPH |
| LC500 | 4.4 seconds | 168 MPH |
How much does a LFA go for?
How much is the used Lexus LFA? There are 1 used Lexus LFA vehicles for sale near you, with an average cost of $849,950. Prices for a used Lexus LFA range from a high of $849,950 to a low of $849,950. Remember that mileage and condition can affect price.
How much is the LFA worth now?
A: The average price of a Lexus LFA is $933,320.
Why did they discontinue Lexus LFA?
The LFA was shown as the final vehicle of the press conference, following the LF-Ch hybrid concept. The production announcement for the LFA marked the 20th anniversary of the launch of Lexus. Given the high cost of construction and development, analysts did not expect LFA sales to be profitable.
Why did Lexus LFA fail?
With its price set over $375,000 initially, and its current average price of $807,512, the LFA ended up preventing most of its audience from even considering purchase. Coupled with the poor timing of its release, competitors like the Nissan GT-R R35 had already claimed its place as a top Japanese supercar.
Why is the Lexus LFA so rare?
Why It Was Only in Production for Two Years. Lexus built just 500 examples of the LFA—436 “regular” models and 64 Nurburgring Package variants—between 2010 and 2012, 190 of which were for the US market. The decision to keep the production run so low appears to have been intentional.
How many Lexus LFAs exist?
Lexus built the LFA from 2010 though 2012 and produced a total of 500 examples. 450 of them were the standard car while 50 of them came with the Nurburgring package that added an extra 10 ponies, a bit of carbon fiber, and some gearbox tweaks.
