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Manufacturer

Lexus

Lexus was launched in 1989 by Toyota as a dedicated luxury vehicle division, originating from a secret project initiated by company chairman Eiji Toyoda to build a world-class flagship sedan. That effort produced the LS 400, which debuted at the Detroit Auto Show and established the brand's identity around drivetrain refinement, cabin noise isolation, and assembly consistency.

Headquartered in Nagoya, Japan, Lexus expanded from executive sedans into premium crossovers, introducing the RX in 1998 and pioneering hybrid powertrains in the luxury segment with the RX 400h in 2005. The automaker also showcased its high-performance engineering capabilities with the halo LFA supercar, featuring a high-revving 4.8-liter V10 engine developed in partnership with Yamaha.

Today, Lexus operates as the global luxury brand of Toyota Motor Corporation. Its portfolio spans sedans such as the IS and ES, crossovers including the NX and RX, the LC grand tourer, and battery-electric models like the RZ as the manufacturer moves toward full electrification.

Country
Japan
Founded
1989
Lexus LC 500
Timeline

Models over time

Key models in the brand's history

Data

Official recall campaigns.

Sources and freshness
  • Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • Last synchronized: 30 Aug 2026 - 10:19

Facts

Engineering

The LFA used carbon-ceramic brake discs on both axles as standard equipment.

Engineering

Mounting the transaxle at the rear helped achieve an approximately 48:52 front-to-rear weight distribution.

Engineering

According to Lexus, the CFRP cabin structure was about 100 kg lighter than a comparable aluminium structure.

Engineering

Lexus emphasized that, thanks to lightweight alloys and compact design, the LFA's V10 was physically smaller than a conventional V8.

Engineering

The LFA used a 4.8-litre 1LR-GUE V10 producing 560 PS at 8,700 rpm.

Production

LFA production began in December 2010 and ended in December 2012 after the planned 500 cars were completed.

Production

At the dedicated LFA Works facility, cars were built at a rate of roughly one per day.

Production

LFA production was limited from the outset to 500 cars for the entire world.

History

Lexus officially unveiled the production LFA on October 21, 2009, ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show.

Development

Lexus developed the LFA's CFRP manufacturing and joining technology in-house, including carbon-to-metal joining methods.

More facts about Lexus

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