supercars, beautiful girls and cars, show cars: Lexus

Lexus claims multiple justifications for the LFA program. It’s also a way for Toyota to explore new technologies, particularly carbon-fiber construction. And since Lexus says it will be selective about whom it will sell to - car collectors and high-profile individuals who use the car rather than park it - the LFA should raise the cachet of the brand as a whole. With a low 3,263 lb (1480kg) curb weight - achieved by the extensive use of lightweight Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) for the chassis and bodywork - and an explosive 412kW/560DIN hp, the LFA steps into the supercar arena with a heady power to weight ratio of 278 kW/378 DIN hp per tonne.

The LFA is the first supercar to wear the Lexus badge and, as with every Lexus, features class-leading active and safety levels. As with the crash box, these triangular extruded structures deform in controlled stages. The rear extruded aluminum crash box operates in a similar manner, delivering exceptional rear impact protection. Stiffer, stronger and lighter than any equivalent metal structure, the carbon fiber tub provides the ultimate in impact protection, as well as a solid platform for the LFA’s advanced front and rear crash boxes.

The Lexus LFA’s engine is a 4.8-liter V-10 codeveloped with Yamaha. It’s a compact unit that makes 553 horsepower at 8700 rpm and revs to a giddy 9000 rpm. Maximum torque of 354 pound-feet peaks at 6800 rpm, with 90 percent available between 3700 and 9000 revs. Rear-wheel drive LFA rockets to 60 mph (96km/h) in 3.6 seconds and has a top speed of 202 mph (325km/h).

Specification

* Type of engine: 10-cylinders, 72° V-type

* Power (SAE net): 553 bhp @ 8700 rpm

* Displacement cu in (cc): 4805

* Transmission: 6-speed automated manual

* Acceleration 0-60 mph s: 3.6

* Curb weight: 3500 lb

* Fuel Ecnomy (EPA city/highway driving):14/20 mpg

* Price (est): $370,000

The Lexus CT 200h is Lexus Hybrid Drive technology features two motor generators. Each performs specific functions and can operate as both a motor and generator. The engine driven generator can charge the battery pack or provide additional power to the drive motor as needed. The drive motor is driven by electrical power from the hybrid battery pack or generator and provides motive force for the front wheels.

There's also plenty of tech underhood, where a 98 horsepowers, 1.8 liter Atkinson cycle four cylinder is augmented by an electric motor whirring up 80 more ponies and 152 pounds feet of torque with juice from a Ni-MH battery. Combined system output is rated at 134 horsepower, certainly an adequate sum to pull around the CT is 3,100 pound frame, but nothing to cinch up your Pilotis over. Lexus quotes a leisurely 0-60 mph time of 9.8 seconds and a top whack of 113 mphs.

Interior focuses on the driver, and is based on clearly divided display and operational zones. This layout positions functional equipment such as Remote Touch, the shift lever and steering wheel mounted audio controls close at hand, allowing the driver to operate them without having to change posture or divert attention from the road. The instrument panel, center cluster and console all make up what Lexus designers call advanced Human Machine Interface.