- Toyota says Lexus still has LF-A supercars available for lease.
- Media outlets previously reported all lease spots were taken.
- The LF-A goes into production in December, with a total production run of only 500 units.
TORRANCE, California — Despite widespread media reports earlier this week that Lexus has taken orders for all 500 of its LF-A supercars, Toyota on Thursday told Inside Line that "some production spots still remain" for U.S. customers.
The automaker has implemented an unusual ordering process for the car, which is available only on a 24-month non-transferable lease, with an option to purchase at lease end.
The LF-A goes into production in December, with a total production run of only 500 units. Toyota earlier said that "customer response has exceeded the number of available cars [and] it is possible that not all customers who expressed interest will have an opportunity to order" a car.
This week, Automotive News said that the company "already has booked orders and taken down payments" for all 500 LF-As. The story was picked up and widely rerun by various global media outlets.
In response to a query Thursday from IL, Toyota said: "As a result of additional allocation being dedicated to the U.S. market, some production spots still remain for the LF-A supercar's 500-unit global build. Prospective buyers may register their inquiries directly with any Lexus dealer or call (866) LFA-4794 or (866) 532-4794."
Inside Line says: Wanna-be LF-A lessees shouldn't panic just yet. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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marcyu1 says:
08:16 AM, 07/20/2010
It's a ridiculous price. Yes, we know it's a halo car, but if you've read the performance specs on the Lexus LF-A, it does not come CLOSE matching up to other 'supercars' in this price range. It's like showing up to the prom with a Golf shirt and slacks when everyone else is in a tux. The Mercedes Benz SLS, a car less than half this ridiculous price, handily beats it in a comparison test:
http://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/new-supercar-comparison-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-vs-lexus-lfa-ar93303.html
Heck, if you just want a fast car, get a GT-R for 20% the cost of this car. I mean, it's just ridiculous.
jeremy_c says:
06:32 AM, 06/07/2010
Euro exotic? I personally like Euro exotics and want to buy one. The problem is that they lack behind in reliability and that was what gave Japanese cars the opportunity to seize market share. Nothing worst than paying $200K for a car and end up sitting in a tow truck. A guy in my area has a 2 year old Lambo Murcielago roadster and I saw him stranded on the highway on ramp twice already. He was embarrassed and had to hide his face as drivers gawk at him. My boss' 6 month old SL63 won't start after his big charity ball. He was humiliated in front of his friends. In Top Gear's test, (where they clearly show a bias towards Euro cars) the trany in the Aston DB9 exploded and after being repaird, it exploded again when the Stig drove it. They also had the transaxle in the M5 explode twice. For me, it is pretty apparent that the Euro engineers are scarificing reliablity for performance. That is fine for a race car when they rebuild the engine after each race but for the road cars, the fun factors dies very quickly when you car breaks down so often.
mazda609 says:
10:18 AM, 06/05/2010
"They NEVER won any single F1 event."
That is important because?
I dont remember Lamborghini participating in any Formula 1 event. The statement is irrelevant, you dont need formula 1 technology to be competitive. Take a look at Porsche and their old school approach, it hasnt stopped them from competing with the best. The people who buy these exotics dont care about what TCS it has or launch control, those technologies will look out of place in a decade anyway. Its like lostboyz said, "From a customer side, anyone who already has the ferraris, lambos, porsches, etc., and has more money to burn, $400k isn't going to stop them."
31ejmfdz says:
10:32 PM, 06/04/2010
If you have money, want exotic, go to euro exotic.
Toyota have NOTHING super car technology.
They NEVER won any single F1 event.
Even dishonest Toyota stole ferrari technology.
"Toyota engineers convicted of stealing secrets from Ferrari"
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/25/toyota-engineers-convicted-of-stealing-secrets-from-ferrari/
Get a real ferrari.
not a copycat from thief.
aston_dbs says:
09:13 AM, 06/04/2010
...relief sigh...
The (enthusiasts) world has NOT gone insane after all...
For $375K, I'll get:
1. Myself - Aston Martin DBS in any color
2. Family - Porsche Panamera or 2011 (Brand New) Cayenne
Life is GOOD!!
iskch says:
08:22 AM, 06/04/2010
The LF-A is just a test-techshow vehicle offer to selective clients. Just like the Toyota GT-2000 was 40 + years ago. When it came to the US market it was a very expensive car and limited in sales. Now, try to find a used one in good condition and you will pay the same or more than the LF-A cost now.
Is just a collection car not intended to be driven that much.
lostboyz says:
07:44 AM, 06/04/2010
I don't understand the complaints that still exist here.
From toyota's side it was an experiment in their new process for weaving structural points of a vehicle with carbon fiber, mainly an a-pillar. Most top end technology like this is usually displayed in f1 or le mans type racing then brought down. Since neither of those cars has an a-pillar its kind of hard to do that. Its an engineering project, just like the veyron is to make a 1000hp car that can supposedly be durable enough to be a daily driver.
From a customer side, anyone who already has the ferraris, lambos, porsches, etc., and has more money to burn, $400k isn't going to stop them. You cannot quantify or rationalize the purchase of a supercar, its buying a house that depreciates in value quickly.
alpine6speed says:
07:19 AM, 06/04/2010
Jeremy C
The NSX was NEVER 120,000
Equal to or better perforamce than the 599? Try again
The 599 GTO is the car this compares to and its 100000000000000000000 times uglier outside, the interior on the ferrari is also better, the LF-A is slower, handles worse, and is priced MUCH higher. Guess what aslo the 599 GTO is also limited to 500 cars so this car is no more rare. Did I mention how much uglier the LF-A is? This in my opinion is the biggest ripoof supercar maybe ever along with teh MB SLR. SLR is also the biggest posuer supercar ever in my opinion as well. I know it showcases new technology, so does the ferrari by the way, and other nonsense that Lexus loves to poit out, but who cares if it is no more rare, slower, handles worse, and look much much worse than the 599 GTO? This car or a V12 ferrari and leftover money HMMMMMMMM touch choice Lexus.
jeremy_c says:
05:59 AM, 06/04/2010
I really don't think Toyota/Lexus is that stupid. They knew what they were doing when they set that crazy sticker price. They simply don't want to sell this car. Its a halo vehicle to show off their technology, just like the NSX in its later years was going for over $120K. Honda also purposely priced it above what people would pay.
As for the comments for Ferrari being better, I don't agree in term of pure engineering sense. The LFA probably is at the same level or ahead of the F599 in terms of performance, what you are paying for is the Ferrari brand, aka your ego booster. Just like the ladies who insist a Louis Vuitton plastic handbag at 10 times the price is "better" than a genuine no name leather handbag.
rmcdonald says:
04:26 AM, 06/04/2010
Is it just me or do the Japanese simply not understand style. Both this and the Nissan could not be any more dispassionate. Let's be honest, few of these cars will ever be driven to capacity. It is passion that drives the sales. Look no further than the Italians for proof. I simply don't get it and won't even consider it at that price. Good luck Toyota.