Lexus keeps journalists in the dark
 Lexus ushered journalists into a vast, dimly lit ballroom at Cobo, where I could barely see the floor in front of my chair, let alone the notebook in front of my face, to introduce the second iteration of the LF-A concept car that first appeared here two years ago.This car is a lot closer to production, and Lexus confirmed that it will be powered by a high-revving V-10 engine making at least 500 horsepower. If that sounds familiar, it' because just yesterday, Acura unveiled its Advanced Sports Car Concept, which also points the way toward a new, $100,000-plus sports car with a V-10 engine. The LF-A looks mean and very Japanese, with the long hood and short rear deck that you expect in a front-engine exotic. To be precise, Lexus calls this a front/mid-engine car, meaning the V-10 will be positioned behind the centerline of the front axle for ideal weight distribution, just like the V-12 in the Ferrari 599GTB. Two of the more interesting design fillips are the shark-fin air scoops molded into the top of the doors and the rear quarter-panel and the sculpted exterior mirrors. The nineteen-inch BBS wheels, covering big Brembo brakes, are hot, hot, hot. A V-8, high-performance version of the existing Lexus IS sedan also rolled out onto the stage. Badged the IS-F, it will go on sale a year from now, just in time to battle the next-generation BMW M3, which also gets a V-8. The "F" designation is a nod toward the internal code name used within Toyota back in the 1980s to refer to the original Lexus LS400: F1, for "flagship 1." Lexus has now appropriated this consonant as its own version of BMW's "M." Officials made it clear that a production version of the LF-A supercar will be the second Lexus vehicle to use the "F" designation. So, a big "F" you from Lexus here in Detroit. Wasn't there some other letter they could have used? "looks mean and very Japanese", "long hood and short deck" Wow, sounds like Mid-60's musclecar to me. You know "long hood, short deck" Mustang, Camaro, Challenger, 'Cuda. Jeez, why don't you guys realize that all that is old is new again.
If anybody reads this and has a connection with Lexus, please!! please!! Design this LF-A with an available manual transmission!!!!Don't make it only an automatic like the Lexus IS350.
Currently an IS350 owner, I would love to tell Lexus to up the ante against the M3: shed the body seams around the IS-F brake exhaust, put some killer electronics in it, widen the rubber (your gonna need it!), and as long as I'm wishing; make the jump to the coupe.
Beutiful looking car, like most Lexus, and way out of my league!! Oh well can only dream
Typical derivative styling from Toyota, er Lexus. I don't think that Toyota has a true innovative designer in the company. The yups who used to buy Jaguars will buy the Lexus, but true enthusiasts will buy German.
I saw this car at the Detroit Auto Show, it was absolutely fabulous. That's the "F" in LF-A. Looking (or Lexus) Fabulous Always. I hope it gets into production, can't wait!
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