Car Throttle

The Lexus LFA and its whole buying process has been one of the most extensively covered in the automotive industry. We're convinced its a ploy to keep it consistently in the news. But, that is our job - to bring you the news.

Until now, the Lexus LFA's pricetag for the United States market hasn't been official. Now, it has been announced. Unfortunately, it hasn't gotten any cheaper - $375,000, not including destination and delivery charges, or the myriad of options available.

It is no secret we'd rather have a Ferrari 458 Italia - or Lamborghini Gallardo, or Aston Martin DB9, or....you get the idea.

However, it seems as if there are willing buyers, at least in the brand's home market of Japan. Want an LFA? Not

Since the official introduction of the Lexus LFA, it seems a lot the information coming out about it has had to do with the purchasing process. The odd way of leasing to avoid speculation in the North American market has featured, and recently news came about that the car has already sold out its run in Lexus' Japanese home market. You would think in a challenging marketplace, Lexus would take all the customers - err, make that lessees, that it can get. Apparently, that isn't the case though. The Wall Street Journal says: "People selected to purchase the car will be based on factors such as the other cars they own, where they live, and how often and where they drive....we want it to be seen

Last we heard about the Lexus LFA, it all had to do with sales. Last month we reported that Lexus opened a dedicated sales center for the car in Europe and prior to that, it had to do with the allotment of LFAs to the United States and more details about the car's speculator-thwarting leasing scheme. Now, news has to do with sales again - the Lexus LFA has sold out its run in Japan. 165 Lexus LFAs were allotted to Lexus' home market of Japan, and all 165 have been reserved in the months since the car's official introduction. In Japan, as well as in Europe, the leasing (oddly) isn't in effect - only in North America are the LFAs leased. The fact that

Like it, hate it, or somewhere in between, the Lexus LFA has no doubt caused a big stir since arriving on the automotive scene. It has been expected for a long time, with multiple concepts heralding the arrival of the production vehicle. It is nice, but $375,000 nice? No - I think self-imposed 500 unit run by Lexus had more to do with the limited amount of people interested - we'll see how quickly the 500 unit run sells out. Regardless, with an anticipated vehicle like the LFA there is bound to be some speculators looking to make a profit. The way Lexus is planning the launch, no LFA will be built unless it is ordered specifically. Brian Smith, vice president of sales and dealer development