New car news

30 March 2010 - 11:00

’Ring of fire

Lexus has announced a hardcore version of its ballistic LFA supercar designed for the track - and it's orange!

The Japanese firm has designed this limited-edition LFA - just 50 will be built - to celebrate taking on the Nurburgring 24hr endurance challenge. As such, this monster gets a larger front spoiler, side fin-type spoilers and a fixed rear wing.

See more pics of Lexus LFA Nurburgring

The stonking 4.8-litre V10 lump has also been fettled to eke out another 7kW, taking the total banzai-factor to 419kW, while shifts in the six-speed transmission have been shaved by a Gillette-rivalling 0.15 seconds.  

Lexus boffins have also fiddled with the suspension and fitted mesh wheels shod in high-grip track-tasty rubber.

Despite these aerodynamic, engine and suspension changes, the 0-100km/h time still takes 3.7 seconds and the LFA tops out at 325km/h. But sling it around a track in a hurry and life savings aren't the only thing you'll lose...

If you don't fancy climbing the first tree you see in your spanking new Nurburgring-honed LFA, then drivers are offered individual instruction on the Nordschleife circuit and a one-year driving pass to the track as part of the package.

You can probably choose another colour if you want, too.

Vijay Pattni