Jeremy Clarkson and the LFA: 10 Epic Reasons This Supercar Has His Eternal Praise
The Lexus LFA has captivated automotive enthusiasts and professionals alike with its remarkable blend of technology, design, and performance. Launched in a limited production run, this supercar is celebrated not only for its rarity but also for the cutting-edge engineering and attention to detail that define it. In this article, we explore ten aspects that make the Lexus LFA an icon in the automotive world, from its composite construction and sophisticated interior, to its breathtaking engine and distinctive exhaust note.
10. A Technological Masterpiece: Built by Intelligent People
The LFA showcases cutting-edge innovation with its high-tech instrument panel combining LCD and TFT technology. Its carbon fiber reinforced plastic structure provides exceptional protection while the Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management system coordinates multiple safety features for optimal performance. The advanced infotainment system and ergonomic cockpit design complete this engineering marvel from Lexus’s brilliant minds.
9. Exclusivity and Rarity: Only 500 Units Produced
The Lexus LFA was manufactured at an intentionally slow pace of just one car per day between December 2010 and December 2012. Only 500 units were ever produced, with 450 being standard models and 50 featuring the track-focused Nürburgring Package. Each vehicle received an individually numbered plaque indicating its place in the production run, making it one of the rarest modern supercars in existence.
8. Advanced Braking Technology
The LFA boasts one of the most advanced braking systems ever fitted to a production car. Its Carbon Ceramic Material (CCM) discs provide fade-free performance in all conditions. The front discs measure 390mm with six-piston aluminum calipers, while rear discs are 360mm with four-pot calipers—essential for controlling its 200mph-plus capabilities.
7. Lightning-Fast Acceleration and Performance
The Lexus LFA rockets from 0-60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, with some reports claiming even faster times of 3.1-3.2 seconds using launch control. With 552 horsepower, the Japanese supercar reaches quarter-mile speeds of 125 mph in 11.6 seconds, despite having less power than many competitors. Clarkson praised it as both “raw and visceral” yet “intelligent,” delivering racing performance with everyday drivability.
6. Sophisticated Carbon Fiber Construction
The LFA’s body comprises 65% carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), which significantly reduced weight while maintaining structural strength. Lexus engineers invented a revolutionary circular carbon loom to weave three-dimensional components when existing technology wasn’t adequate. This proprietary process created precisely engineered parts with optimal structural properties, allowing for a remarkable weight-to-power ratio of 5.8 pounds per horsepower.
5. Perfect Balance of Raw Power and Common Sense
The LFA masterfully combines visceral performance with practicality. Clarkson praised it as “an intelligent car, built by intelligent people” that delivers both raw, racing-car excitement and everyday usability. Despite being lower than “a worm’s navel,” its suspension never bottoms out over dips, while its front-engine, two-seat layout with usable trunk offers supercar thrills with common sense design.
4. Exquisite Interior Design: “The Nicest Car Interior Ever”
The 2025 Lexus LFA’s cabin stuns with a fusion of luxury and performance—think deep bucket seats in Alcantara and hand-stitched leather, carbon fiber accents, and a futuristic digital cluster. Features like the customizable display, high-end Mark Levinson sound, and seamless tech integration create an interior experience Jeremy Clarkson himself calls “exquisite.”
3. Incredible Engineering Precision: From F1 to Production
The LFA’s V10 engine was specifically chosen over V8 and V12 options for its ability to rev higher with lower reciprocating mass. Engineers created an F1-inspired exhaust note described as the “roar of an angel,” while the carbon fiber construction provides four times the strength of aluminum while reducing weight by 100kg. The digital tachometer was necessary because the engine could rev from idle to redline in just 0.6 seconds.
2. That Iconic Exhaust Note: “A Million Bonfire-Night Sparklers”
The Lexus LFA’s exhaust note is nothing short of legendary. Jeremy Clarkson famously described it as sounding like “a million bonfire-night sparklers all fizzing at once.” The 4.8-liter V10 can rev to 9,000 rpm, delivering a raw, spine-tingling sound that overshadows even many Italian exotics.
1. The Breathtaking V10 Engine: A 4.8-Liter Symphony
The Lexus LFA houses an engineering masterpiece – a bespoke 4.8-liter V10 developed with Yamaha. This naturally aspirated marvel produces 552-563 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, revving from idle to its 9,000rpm redline in just 0.6 seconds. Each cylinder breathes through individual throttle bodies, creating an acoustic experience that’s been specifically tuned to deliver automotive euphoria.
Conclusion:
The Lexus LFA stands as a testament to the pinnacle of automotive innovation, demonstrating the harmonious fusion of performance, design, and engineering precision. Its rare production, advanced technology, and meticulous craftsmanship make it more than just a car— it’s a work of art. As we reflect on the LFA’s legacy, we see a vehicle that not only embodies the vision of its creators but has also set a benchmark for future developments in the world of supercars. In every sense, the Lexus LFA remains an everlasting marvel of automotive excellence.
