Lexus LFA: Remembering Japan’s Greatest Supercar

TL;DR

• The Lexus LFA remains one of the most celebrated Japanese supercars ever built.

• Its legendary V10 soundtrack and rarity cemented it as a modern collectable.

• The LFA’s influence continues, shaping the design and spirit of Lexus’s upcoming successor.

The Birth of a Japanese Icon

When Lexus unveiled the LFA in 2010, it didn’t just release a car—it delivered a statement. Built after nearly a decade of obsessive development, the LFA arrived as a carbon-fiber masterpiece powered by a naturally aspirated 4.8L V10 that revved like a race engine. Lexus engineers famously worked with Yamaha to tune the exhaust note, resulting in what many call the most spine-tingling soundtrack ever fitted to a road car.

The car was hand-built in limited numbers, with just 500 units produced worldwide. Every detail, from its carbon tub to its lightweight titanium valves, told the world that Japan could build a supercar on par with Ferrari, Porsche, and Lamborghini.

The Sound That Shook the World

Ask any enthusiast what made the LFA unforgettable, and the answer is simple: the sound. When Top Gear reviewed the LFA in this iconic segment, Jeremy Clarkson described it as “unhinged,” comparing its scream to a supernova. The digital rev counter was installed because the V10 climbed from idle to redline so quickly that an analog dial couldn’t keep up.

For many fans, videos like the Nürburgring lap footage sealed its reputation. The howl of that Yamaha-tuned V10 remains a benchmark for what a supercar should sound like.

Scarcity and Rising Value

At launch, the LFA carried a price tag of around £340,000 ($375,000). Today, values have climbed sharply, with pristine examples selling for over $1 million at auction. Sites like Bring a Trailer showcase how the car has become a true modern collectible, with enthusiasts and investors fighting for a piece of its rarity.

Unlike some exotics, the LFA didn’t depreciate into “used supercar” territory—it became an instant classic, its limited production ensuring that demand only grew stronger with time.

Influence Beyond the Numbers

The LFA was never about lap records or horsepower wars. It was about emotion. Its lightweight construction, razor-sharp steering, and intoxicating soundtrack created an experience that rivalled even the finest Italian machines.

Publications like Car and Driver praised its raw engagement, calling it one of the most soulful driving machines of its era. More than just another supercar, the LFA showed Lexus could build a vehicle with passion, not just perfection.

Legacy: The Road Ahead

Today, Lexus is preparing a successor—a car heavily inspired by the LFA’s spirit but infused with modern performance technology. Official previews point towards an electric or hybrid supercar, blending Lexus’s design evolution with sustainability.

While purists may mourn the end of the V10, Lexus is determined to ensure that its next flagship retains the emotional connection that defined the LFA. In the meantime, the original car stands as a high-water mark in Japanese performance history.

Where the LFA Lives On

You’ll find tributes to the LFA’s legacy throughout our publications. The Stance Auto Magazine: Japanese Classic Cars Vol2 captures the golden era of JDM engineering, while the first-ever Subaru edition under our new Modified Car Magazine brand here on Amazon shows how we continue to document legends old and new.

For those who want to dive deeper into 90s and 2000s icons, issues like The 90's JDM Classics and Modified Car Magazine: The JDM Magazine bring those machines back to life in print.

Related Articles

Lexus LFA Successor: The Supercar’s Electric Rebirth

Lexus LFA: Remembering Japan’s Greatest Supercar

The Future of JDM Supercars in the EV Era

How the LFA Changed Lexus Forever

2JZ-GTE: Japan’s Most Legendary Engine

Supra Generations: From A40 to A90

Call to Action

Do you have a build story like this one? Got a build on a budget? We want to see it. Submit your story to Stance Auto Magazine, and you could be the next featured owner showing the world how to do it right—without breaking the bank.

And hey, don’t forget to tag us on socials. Use #stanceautomag on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook so we can see (and maybe feature) your ride.

Test Your JDM Car Knowledge and Take Our No. 1 JDM Car Quiz

Order Your Stance Auto Car Magazines From Our Amazon Book Store

Test Your Automotive Knowledge and Take Our No. 1 Car Quiz

Get Noticed Use our Hashtags - #stanceauto #stanceautomag #stanceautomagazine #modifiedcarmagazine

UKTM no: UK00003572459