Vehicle: 2012 Lexus LFA
Odometer: 2,994
Date: 4/12/2011
Driver: Josh Jacquot
Price: $375,000

Specifications:
Drive Type: Front-engine rear-wheel drive
Transmission Type: Six-speed single-clutch automated manual
Engine Type: DOHC, 3.6-liter V6
Displacement (cc/cu-in): 4,805cc (293 cu-in)
Redline (rpm): 9,000
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 552 @ 8,700
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 354 @ 6,800
Brake Type (front): 15.4-inch carbon-ceramic vented discs with six-piston aluminum calipers
Brake Type (rear): 14.2-inch carbon-ceramic vented discs with four-piston aluminum calipers
Steering System: Electric-assist speed-proportional rack-and-pinion steering
Suspension Type (front): Independent, coil springs, double wishbone, stabilizer bar
Suspension Type (rear): Independent, multilink, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Tire Size (front): 265/35 ZR20 (95Y)
Tire Size (rear): 305/30 ZR20 (99Y)
Tire Brand: Bridgestone
Tire Model: Potenza S001
Tire Type: Summer, asymmetrical
Wheel size: 20 inches front and rear
As tested Curb Weight (lb.): 3,546 (50.1% front bias)

Test Results:
Acceleration
0-30 (sec): 1.9
0-45 (sec): 2.7
0-60 (sec): 3.9
0-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec): 3.6
0-75 (sec): 5.1
1/4-Mile (sec @ mph): 11.63 @ 123.18

Braking

30-0 (ft): 27
60-0 (ft): 106

Handling
Slalom (mph): 75.1
Skid Pad Lateral acceleration (g): 1.02

Sound
Db @ Idle: 52.3
Db @ Full Throttle: 92.3
Db @ 70 mph Cruise: 71.9

RPM @ 70 mph: 2,950

Tester's Comments:

Acceleration: Default run in "auto" shifts @ 7,800 and C-R-A-W-L-S off the line. Otherwise, best launch came from a 3,000 rpm neutral drop with careful throttle modulation. 4,500 rpm -- per Lexus -- just smokes the tires.

Braking: Solid, consistent, stink-free stops. This test doesn't even touch the capability of this system.

Slalom: Incredibly well suited to the slalom. Balance and communication very good. Power delivery (high revs, little torque) very good for slalom. Easy to control as I rolled back into throttle at end of slalom. ESC is fully defeatable.

Skid pad: Very easy to find limit of grip and drive right to it. Third gear best for skid pad to reduce throttle sensitivity. ESC on drives like a Toyota -- can use WOT and simply steer. ESC off means balancing against the throttle. Powerslides are easy.