Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition Sets World-Record Lap Time

MANILA, Philippines - LFA test driver and professional racer Akira Iida recorded a lap time of 7:14.64 in a fully road-legal car running on standard specification Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires.

The result, which was achieved during a performance test last August 31, 2011 and reaching speeds of up to 298kmh, demonstrates Lexus’ success in adapting the two-seater LFA for track-focused handling.

The time of 7:14.64 puts the LFA Nürburgring Package within the top four fastest production cars ever to go around the fabled 20.6km track also known as the “Green Hell”.

With the three cars ahead of it being purpose-built road-legal racecars, the LFA lays claim to being the fastest production car from a mainstream manufacturer around the Nürburgring Nordschleife course.

Commenting on the result, Iida said, “We are delighted with this achievement. Our on-going development of the LFA and our recent outings at the Nürburgring 24 Hour race have enabled us to continue to tune the vehicle. The result shows the car’s ultimate performance and agility. This is a first activity of its type for Lexus and the constant effort of the team has brought this fantastic result.”

Adding his thoughts, Haruhiko Tanahashi, the Chief Engineer of the LFA, said, “The LFA Nürburgring is the culmination of our extensive testing program and we have appreciated the opportunities to use the Nürburgring Nordschleife to strengthen and develop the LFA into the vehicle it is today. The development team’s obsession, Iida-san’s concentration and good course conditions all led to our achieving this record.”

The LFA is limited to a production run of only 500 units hand-assembled for global distribution.

Of the 500 units, one unit is destined to land on Philippine shores within the last quarter of this year.

Lexus Manila president, Daniel Isla adds, “Some people may wonder why Lexus built a supercar. Simply, it is because Lexus is not just about beauty, it is also about brains; brains that think beyond the ordinary. Lexus imagines and dreams beyond what others find impossible. It was built for people who are able to stretch their imagination. The LFA was designed with a kind of precision that Lexus engineering is best known for. It may not be practical for many, but for those who dare dream, it is completeness.”