Gregor Wenner
Specialist Consultant
LOT 121
2013 Lexus LFA Chassis no. JTHHX8BH701000490
Sold for CHF517,500 inc. premium
Lot 121
One of six LFAs delivered new in Switzerland
2013 Lexus LFA
2013 Lexus LFA
2013 Lexus LFA
Chassis no. JTHHX8BH701000490
Chassis no. JTHHX8BH701000490
• Only 500 built
• Authentic supercar
• Absolutely fabulous V10
• One owner from new
• Offered with set of luggage
• Swiss registration document
Lexus is an intelligent, thoughtful carmaker. With its LFA, the marque wished to create a technological showcase, a supercar seeking to tread on the toes of old Europe's sports car makers.
Today, we can confirm that the LFA succeeded in its mission; it made an impression, thrilled all those who had the chance to come close to it and demonstrated the marque's perfectionism.
LFA stands for Lexus Fuji Apex. Fuji, for the name of the Japanese circuit where it was developed and apex as in that of a bend. To better understand the LFA, let us look back to 1989, Lexus's inaugural year. This new marque was built from scratch by Toyota. Lexus presented Mercedes with a challenge: that of rivalling its luxury saloons of such solid reputation. Lexus started out on the American market, where Toyota, Japanese number one, had made its name with sound products like the Camry or the Corolla. Their flagship product was then the LS400 and its 245 hp 4.0 liter V8. A large saloon, high-status, elegant but austere and indestructible like the Mercedes Classe S W126 that was its blueprint. It would be said that its development required a team of 1,400 engineers and 2,300 technicians, working on 450 prototypes and 900 different engines. It was the minimum required in order that three years later, Lexus would sell more cars in the United States than BMW and Mercedes together. While success on the other side of the Atlantic was swift, the Old World was less susceptible to the cool charm of a Lexus.
Returning to 2003, the LFA then started its development under the code name TXS. From the start, the idea was to highlight the abilities of the Toyota Group and its marque, Lexus, to design high-performance vehicles that would perform at the levels of established references such as Porsche and Ferrari. The first prototype was completed in June 2003. A year later, prototypes were regularly spotted on the Nürburgring, the well-known German circuit. These test cars were recognisable by their retractable rear spoilers and carbon-ceramic brake discs. In January 2005, the LF-A was presented at the Detroit Auto Show in the form of a concept car. The design, sharp but relatively discrete, is a collaboration between the Toyota style centre and Leonardo Fioravanti, one of Pininfarina's most emblematic designers, he who sketched out the Ferrari 365 Daytona and BB, the 308 and 328, the 288 GTO and the legendary F40.
Two years later, a second LF-A was presented, again at the Detroit Auto Show. This time, development took place in cooperation with the Toyota Formula 1 team. While the original LF-A was a strictly conceptual project, the design of the second version reflected technical analysis for the purpose of an announcement of production. As such, the design was guided by a need to limit the vehicle's weight as much as possible. A large part of the work related to the carbon fibre chassis. A reinforced plastic structure attached to the carbon fibre was also used for the coachwork. It was only two years later, in August 2009, that the CEO of Toyota, Akio Toyoda, confirmed that the LFA - now unhyphenated - would be produced along with its future V10 engine. It was finally presented in October 2009 at the Tokyo Motor Show, thereby celebrating the 20th anniversary of Lexus's launch.
Its previously unseen 4.8 litre V10 was developed for it alone. With an impressive rpm range, it offers 560 hp at 8,700 rpm and torque of 480 Nm for 6,800 rpm. The contact breaker is at 9,000 rpm! Developed in conjunction with Yamaha, this dry sump V10 has an individual throttle body per cylinder, forged aluminium pistons, low-inertia conical valve springs and a lightweight crankshaft, fully integrated, and magnesium cylinder head covers. It should be noted that the LFA's V10 is the same size as a standard V8 and is no heavier than a V6. As such, it could be positioned very low down and in the centre of the engine bay. The six-speed sequential robotised gearbox is at the rear according to the transaxle principle, which favours weight distribution. It also includes a mechanical limited slip differential. The LFA's advertised performance had nothing to envy the supercars of the time: 0 to 60 mph was announced at 3.7 seconds and top speeds were in excess of 201 mph. At just 1,480 kg, the power-to-weight ratio of 378 hp per tonne is the stuff of dreams.
Testers were unanimous: the car was a success, efficient, rigorous, and the engine is a genuine work of art, one of the best sounds ever created for a mass production car. "It is not the sound of an engine but of an opera." they said. By way of anecdote, the team responsible for the LFA's acoustics carefully studied the characteristic sound of a Formula 1 car at full throttle. The engineers created a signature, inimitable exhaust noise that they enthusiastically named "octave harmony".
Despite an announced retail price of $375,000, twice that of a Ferrari 458 Italia, and given the high costs of construction and development, the LFA was not designed to be profitable. Its production, carried out by hand by a specific team at Toyota's Motomatchi factory in Aichi in Japan, lasted from December 2010 to December 2012. Each car was made to order in line with the client's requests. The model offered for sale here was purchased new in Switzerland from Toyota Lexus Emile Frey by its current owner on 4 October 2012. In an excellent state, it bears number 493 of 500 and was registered for the first time on 26 March 2013.
Instruction booklets, manuals and other original documents are present, including the purchase invoice, and its Swiss registration document. Even in the name of the colour, Lexus's determination to create a perfect car is evident: Whitest White. The interior is red leather and there are two Lexus suitcases adapted to the boot. The car, with all original parts, has always been maintained by Emil Frey and had 27,304 km on the clock at its last service on 19 October 2023, 360 km less than today. The last Swiss inspection dates to 9 May 2022.
By way of anecdote, its owner tells us that, during the construction of his car, he met the CEO, Mr Toyoda, as well as the engineers in charge of building his car. "Having been welcomed very graciously, as soon as I returned home I sent them a case of Beaujolais Nouveau to thank them. At that time there was a craze for Beaujolais in Japan. The team appreciated it and had a lot of fun." Only six Lexus LFA were delivered to Switzerland, including one to Mr Frey, importer of the brand, and another to racing driver and multiple Le Mans winner, Sebastien Buemi.
• Authentic supercar
• Absolutely fabulous V10
• One owner from new
• Offered with set of luggage
• Swiss registration document
Lexus is an intelligent, thoughtful carmaker. With its LFA, the marque wished to create a technological showcase, a supercar seeking to tread on the toes of old Europe's sports car makers.
Today, we can confirm that the LFA succeeded in its mission; it made an impression, thrilled all those who had the chance to come close to it and demonstrated the marque's perfectionism.
LFA stands for Lexus Fuji Apex. Fuji, for the name of the Japanese circuit where it was developed and apex as in that of a bend. To better understand the LFA, let us look back to 1989, Lexus's inaugural year. This new marque was built from scratch by Toyota. Lexus presented Mercedes with a challenge: that of rivalling its luxury saloons of such solid reputation. Lexus started out on the American market, where Toyota, Japanese number one, had made its name with sound products like the Camry or the Corolla. Their flagship product was then the LS400 and its 245 hp 4.0 liter V8. A large saloon, high-status, elegant but austere and indestructible like the Mercedes Classe S W126 that was its blueprint. It would be said that its development required a team of 1,400 engineers and 2,300 technicians, working on 450 prototypes and 900 different engines. It was the minimum required in order that three years later, Lexus would sell more cars in the United States than BMW and Mercedes together. While success on the other side of the Atlantic was swift, the Old World was less susceptible to the cool charm of a Lexus.
Returning to 2003, the LFA then started its development under the code name TXS. From the start, the idea was to highlight the abilities of the Toyota Group and its marque, Lexus, to design high-performance vehicles that would perform at the levels of established references such as Porsche and Ferrari. The first prototype was completed in June 2003. A year later, prototypes were regularly spotted on the Nürburgring, the well-known German circuit. These test cars were recognisable by their retractable rear spoilers and carbon-ceramic brake discs. In January 2005, the LF-A was presented at the Detroit Auto Show in the form of a concept car. The design, sharp but relatively discrete, is a collaboration between the Toyota style centre and Leonardo Fioravanti, one of Pininfarina's most emblematic designers, he who sketched out the Ferrari 365 Daytona and BB, the 308 and 328, the 288 GTO and the legendary F40.
Two years later, a second LF-A was presented, again at the Detroit Auto Show. This time, development took place in cooperation with the Toyota Formula 1 team. While the original LF-A was a strictly conceptual project, the design of the second version reflected technical analysis for the purpose of an announcement of production. As such, the design was guided by a need to limit the vehicle's weight as much as possible. A large part of the work related to the carbon fibre chassis. A reinforced plastic structure attached to the carbon fibre was also used for the coachwork. It was only two years later, in August 2009, that the CEO of Toyota, Akio Toyoda, confirmed that the LFA - now unhyphenated - would be produced along with its future V10 engine. It was finally presented in October 2009 at the Tokyo Motor Show, thereby celebrating the 20th anniversary of Lexus's launch.
Its previously unseen 4.8 litre V10 was developed for it alone. With an impressive rpm range, it offers 560 hp at 8,700 rpm and torque of 480 Nm for 6,800 rpm. The contact breaker is at 9,000 rpm! Developed in conjunction with Yamaha, this dry sump V10 has an individual throttle body per cylinder, forged aluminium pistons, low-inertia conical valve springs and a lightweight crankshaft, fully integrated, and magnesium cylinder head covers. It should be noted that the LFA's V10 is the same size as a standard V8 and is no heavier than a V6. As such, it could be positioned very low down and in the centre of the engine bay. The six-speed sequential robotised gearbox is at the rear according to the transaxle principle, which favours weight distribution. It also includes a mechanical limited slip differential. The LFA's advertised performance had nothing to envy the supercars of the time: 0 to 60 mph was announced at 3.7 seconds and top speeds were in excess of 201 mph. At just 1,480 kg, the power-to-weight ratio of 378 hp per tonne is the stuff of dreams.
Testers were unanimous: the car was a success, efficient, rigorous, and the engine is a genuine work of art, one of the best sounds ever created for a mass production car. "It is not the sound of an engine but of an opera." they said. By way of anecdote, the team responsible for the LFA's acoustics carefully studied the characteristic sound of a Formula 1 car at full throttle. The engineers created a signature, inimitable exhaust noise that they enthusiastically named "octave harmony".
Despite an announced retail price of $375,000, twice that of a Ferrari 458 Italia, and given the high costs of construction and development, the LFA was not designed to be profitable. Its production, carried out by hand by a specific team at Toyota's Motomatchi factory in Aichi in Japan, lasted from December 2010 to December 2012. Each car was made to order in line with the client's requests. The model offered for sale here was purchased new in Switzerland from Toyota Lexus Emile Frey by its current owner on 4 October 2012. In an excellent state, it bears number 493 of 500 and was registered for the first time on 26 March 2013.
Instruction booklets, manuals and other original documents are present, including the purchase invoice, and its Swiss registration document. Even in the name of the colour, Lexus's determination to create a perfect car is evident: Whitest White. The interior is red leather and there are two Lexus suitcases adapted to the boot. The car, with all original parts, has always been maintained by Emil Frey and had 27,304 km on the clock at its last service on 19 October 2023, 360 km less than today. The last Swiss inspection dates to 9 May 2022.
By way of anecdote, its owner tells us that, during the construction of his car, he met the CEO, Mr Toyoda, as well as the engineers in charge of building his car. "Having been welcomed very graciously, as soon as I returned home I sent them a case of Beaujolais Nouveau to thank them. At that time there was a craze for Beaujolais in Japan. The team appreciated it and had a lot of fun." Only six Lexus LFA were delivered to Switzerland, including one to Mr Frey, importer of the brand, and another to racing driver and multiple Le Mans winner, Sebastien Buemi.
Footnotes
L'une des six LFA livrée neuve en Suisse
2013 Lexus LFA
Châssis n° JT HHX 8BH 701 000 490
Document suisse d'immatriculation
• Seulement 500 exemplaires produits
• Authentique supercar
• V10 absolument fabuleux
• Première main
• Proposée avec set de bagages
Lexus est un constructeur intelligent et réfléchi. Avec sa LFA, la marque désirait créer une vitrine technologique, une supercar désireuse de marcher sur les plates-bandes des marques sportives de la vieille Europe.
Aujourd'hui on peut dire que la LFA a réussi sa mission ; elle a marqué les esprits, enthousiasmé tous ceux qui ont pu l'approcher et montré le perfectionnisme de la marque.
LFA signifie Lexus Fuji Apex. Fuji, pour le nom du circuit japonais où elle a été développée et Apex pour point de corde en anglais. Pour mieux comprendre la LFA, revenons en 1989, année d'inauguration de Lexus. Cette nouvelle marque est alors créée de toutes pièces par Toyota. Lexus lance un défi à Mercedes : celui de rivaliser avec ses berlines luxueuses dont la réputation n'est plus à faire. Lexus débute sur le marché américain, où Toyota, numéro 1 japonais, s'est fait un nom avec de solides produits comme la Camry ou la Corolla. Leur produit phare c'est alors la LS400 et son 4.0 V8 de 245 ch. Une grande berline, statutaire, élégante mais austère et indestructible comme la Mercedes Classe S W126, qu'elle prend pour modèle. Il se dira que son développement exigea une équipe de 1 400 ingénieurs et 2 300 techniciens, qui travaillèrent sur 450 prototypes et 900 moteurs différents. Il n'en fallait pas moins pour que trois ans plus tard, Lexus vende plus d'autos aux États-Unis que BMW et Mercedes réunis ! Si le succès outre-Atlantique est fulgurant, le vieux continent semble moins sensible au charme trop froid des Lexus...
Retour en 2003, la LFA débute alors son développement sous le nom de code TXS. Dès l'origine l'idée est de mettre en valeur les capacités du groupe Toyota et de sa marque Lexus à concevoir des véhicules performants, performants au niveau des références établies comme Porsche et Ferrari. Le premier prototype est achevé au mois de juin 2003. Un an plus tard, des prototypes sont régulièrement repérés sur le Nürburgring, le célèbre circuit allemand. Ces véhicules d'essai se distinguaient par leurs spoilers arrière rétractables et de disques de frein en carbone-céramique. En janvier 2005, la LF-A est présentée au Salon de Détroit, sous la forme d'un concept-car. Le design, acéré mais relativement discret, est une collaboration entre le centre de style Toyota et un certain Leonardo Fioravanti, l'un des designers les plus emblématiques de Pininfarina, lui qui esquissa les Ferrari 365 Daytona et BB, 308 et 328, 288 GTO ou la légendaire F40.
Deux ans plus tard, une seconde LF-A est présentée, toujours au Salon de Détroit. Le développement a cette fois été réalisé en collaboration avec l'équipe de Formule 1 de Toyota. Alors que la LF-A originale était un projet strictement conceptuel, la conception de cette seconde version reflète une analyse technique en vue d'une production annoncée. Ainsi, la conception a été guidé autour d'une nécessité de limiter au maximum le poids du véhicule. Une grande partie du travail a porté sur un châssis réalisé en fibre de carbone. Une structure en plastique renforce associé à la fibre de carbone est aussi utilisé pour la carrosserie. Ce n'est encore que deux ans plus tard, en aout 2009, que le PDG de Toyota, Akio Toyoda, confirme la production de la LFA - désormais sans tiret - et de son futur moteur V10. Elle est enfin présentée en octobre 2009, au Salon de Tokyo, célébrant ainsi le 20e anniversaire du lancement de Lexus.
Son inédit V10 4,8 litres atmosphérique a été développé rien que pour elle. Avec une allonge impressionnante, il développe 560 ch à 8700 tr/min et un couple de 480 Nm à 6800 tr/min. Le rupteur est situé à 9000 tr/min ! Conjointement développé avec Yamaha, ce V10 a carter sec reçoit un papillon par cylindre, des pistons en aluminium forgés, des ressorts de soupape cylindriques à faible inertie ou un vilebrequin allégé, totalement intégré et des couvre-culasses en magnésium. À noter que le V10 de la LFA affiche les mêmes dimensions qu'un V8 conventionnel et n'est pas plus lourd qu'un V6. Ainsi il a pu être positionné très bas et au centre de la baie moteur. La boîte de vitesses robotisée séquentielle à six rapports est placée à l'arrière selon le principe transaxle, favorisant la répartition des masses, elle intègre également un différentiel à glissement limité mécanique. La LFA annonce à dignes des meilleures supercars d'alors : le 0-100 km/h est annoncé en 3,7 s et la vitesse de pointe dépasse les 325 km/h. Avec 1 480 kg seulement, le rapport poids/puissance de 378 ch par tonne laisse rêveur.
Les essayeurs d'alors sont unanimes : l'auto est aboutie, efficace, rigoureuse et ce moteur est une véritable œuvre d'art, l'un des plus beau son jamais créé pour une voiture de série. « Ce n'est pas le son d'un moteur mais c'est un opéra. » peut-on lire. Pour l'anecdote, l'équipe responsable de l'acoustique de la LFA a étudié avec soin la sonorité caractéristique d'une Formule 1 tournant à plein régime. Les ingénieurs ont créé une signature sonore d'échappement inimitable qu'ils ont appelé avec passion « harmonie d'octave ».
Malgré un prix de vente annoncé à $ 375 000, deux fois celui d'une Ferrari 458 Italia, et étant donné le coût élevé de la construction et du développement, la LFA n'a pas été conçu dans un but de rentabilité. Sa production, réalisée à la main par une équipe dédiée à l'usine Motomatchi de Toyota à Aichi au Japon, s'est étendue de décembre 2010 à décembre 2012. Chaque voiture était commandée sur mesure selon les demandes du client. L'exemplaire que nous proposons à la vente fut acheté neuf en Suisse, chez Toyota Lexus Emile Frey, par son propriétaire actuel le 4 octobre 2012. Dans un excellent état de présentation, elle porte le numéro 493 sur 500 et fut immatriculée pour la première fois le 26 mars 2013.
L'ensemble des notices, manuels et autres documents originaux sont présents, factures d'achat comprise, ainsi que sa carte grise suisse. Jusque dans l'appellation de la couleur on ressent l'entêtement de Lexus à réaliser une voiture parfaite : Whitest White. L'intérieur est en cuir rouge et elle dispose des deux valises Lexus adaptées au coffre. L'auto, entièrement d'origine, a toujours été entretenue chez Emil Frey et affichait 27 304 km lors de sa dernière révision le 19 octobre 2023, 360 km de moins qu'aujourd'hui. La dernière inspection suisse est en date du 9 mai 2022.
Pour l'anecdote, son propriétaire nous a appris avoir, pendant la construction de sa voiture, rencontré le PDG, M. Toyoda ainsi que les ingénieurs chargés de l'assemblage de son auto. « Ayant été très gracieusement reçu, je leur ai envoyé dès mon retour une caisse de Beaujolais Nouveau en remerciement. A cette époque, il y avait un engouement pour le Beaujolais au Japon. L'équipe a apprécié et s'est bien amusée ! » Seulement six Lexus LFA ont été livrées en Suisse, dont une à M. Frey, l'importateur de la marque et une autre au pilote de course et multiple vainqueur au Mans, Sebastien Buemi.
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