Tokyo 2009: Lexus LFA

The dire global economy has resulted in many global automakers pulling out of the Tokyo Auto Show. This has proved to be a boon to home country manufacturers like Honda, Subaru, Nissan and Toyota who have the show all to themselves.

There's no doubt who this show was all about though - clearly it has been Toyota. The company was eager to show off a different, performance-centric side with the Toyota FT-86 Concept and the Lexus LFA (no longer titled LF-A with a hyphen, Lexus says).

Is the LFA everything it has been heralded to be - will it inject excitement into Lexus? Let's find out!

After what seems like an incredibly long wait, starting with the original LF-A Concept in 2005, following with the second in 2007 and then the third and final one in 2009, the LFA is finally here. Those concepts and the many spyshots we've seen have given a good idea what to to expect, and the LFA doesn't deviate from that.

The front end has been changed since the last concept. I would have to say the changes that have been made to the headlights make a big difference - and not for the better. They should have stuck to the ones on the concept.

Overall, the design is all about unique shapes and surfaces but it looks overwrought - like the ultimate ricer/video game car. The rear is more conventional, and happens to be the best view.

No doubt about it the LFA is uniquely Japanese - certainly no copying going on here. I am underwhelmed though - is this supercar material? Not in my opinion.

The interior on the other hand is excellent! The best Lexus interior hands down. The design really works, with the tasteful use of carbon fiber and a horizontal chrome vent that serves as a design feature. I'd like to see more interiors like this in standard Lexus models.

The center stack is well-done and tunnel works well in the interior - it's thick and serves as the divider to provide that cockpit feel.

The steering wheel has gotten criticism, but I like it.  I do think of a steering wheel accessory for a game console when I see it though.

Now lets get to the part you really care about with the LFA - performance. The LFA is powered by a 4.8-liter 72-degree V10 making 560 horsepower (116.5 hp/liter) at 8,700 RPM and 354 pound-feet of torque at 6,800 RPM.

Redline is a high 9,000 RPM, and 0-60 clocks in at 3.7 seconds. Top speed? 201.94 miles per hour. 65 percent of the LFA's body is carbon fiber and overall weight checks in at 3,263 pounds, good for a 48/52 front-to-rear weight distribution figure.

I'm definitely not blown away - figures like 0-60 times aren't shabby, but it doesn't break new ground in any way as far as performance.

One thing is clear though - it seems like the LFA will be better on the track than on the road, producing peak horsepower a scant 300 revolutions per minute from redline and the torque high up the band.

Lexus has already released the pricing and production run information - there will be 500 units (seemingly just one run) priced at $375,000. Even with that sky-high price tag, word is that Lexus will lose money on each one - this is an attempt to build brand image and excitement.

The only thing stunning about the LFA is the price tag! The $375,000 figure is pretty outrageous. I'd much rather have a Ferrari 458 Italia, Lamborghini Gallardo or even the McLaren MP4-12C.

Regardless though, I look forward to the enevitable comparos with the other supercars. For Lexus, the LFA is worth it - it's great PR having your brand name being put into contention in the supercar category.