2011 Lexus HS 250h Reviews

The 2011 Lexus HS 250h sedan was the smallest and most economical car Lexus had ever built when it went on sale in late 2009 as a 2010 model, but it’s unquestionably luxurious. Lexus has noted that more than 60 percent of luxury-car buyers would consider a hybrid if one were available.



Official EPA mileage for the Lexus HS 250h is 35 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway. Lexus says the HS 250h qualifies as a Super-Ultra-Low-Emission-Vehicle (SULEV).



The front-drive HS, which stands for “harmonious sedan,” is Lexus’s first dedicated hybrid, just as the Prius was for its parent Toyota. The downside: The HS 250h’s cabin is a bit buzzy and—like all hybrids—the continuously variable transmission is flavorless compared to a traditional geared transmission.” As for combing fuel economy and performance, Motor Trend seems to have nailed what the HS is all about, “How to describe the HS driving experience? ‘Then there’s Lincoln’s MKZ Hybrid. Its $34,330 starting price bests the HS by $330 and is larger and delivers way better fuel mileage, 41 mpg city and 36 highways.

The Lexus HS 250h is unchanged for 2011.



The Lexus does, however, borrow its power train from the Camry Hybrid, which gives the HS significantly better performance than a Prius. As far as fuel-conscious hybrids go, the Lexus HS 250h is quick, accelerating from zero to 60 mph in only 8.7 seconds. The forthcoming Lexus CT 200h will be a hybrid of a luxury car and a hatchback. For the time being, though, the 2011 Lexus HS 250h represents a solid choice for combining both luxury and fuel frugality.



The 2011 Lexus HS 250h is a five-passenger, front-wheel-drive compact sedan offered in two trim levels: base and Premium.



The Premium trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic wipers, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, driver memory settings, heated and ventilated front seats, real-wood cabin accents and upgraded leather upholstery.



Options include a rear spoiler, rear parking sensors, a separate front-and-rear parking-camera system, adaptive LED headlights, a Mark Levinson audio system and a hard-drive-based navigation system with traffic/weather/sports/stock reporting. Fuel economy checks in at 35 mpg city/34 mpg highway and 35 mpg combined, which is about average for a midsize hybrid sedan.



Safety

The HS 250h comes standard with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability and traction control, side curtain airbags, front-and-rear seat-mounted side airbags and dual front knee airbags.



Interior Design and Special Features

The HS 250h also comes loaded with plenty of high-tech features, and controls are mercifully intuitive. Despite the HS 250h's smaller size, its backseat offers a decent amount of head- and legroom for taller folks.



Driving Impressions

With a focus on fuel economy, the 2011 Lexus HS 250h won't impress spirited drivers as much as frugal owners.

The Lexus HS 250h was introduced this past year, as the highest-mileage luxury hybrid sedan. The HS is actually larger and wider than the Mercedes C-Class, BMW 3-Series, or Lexus IS—or about six inches shorter than the Lexus ES and about six inches longer than a Toyota Corolla sedan.



The hybrid power train in the 2011 Lexus HS 250h is essentially what's tried and true from the Toyota Prius (and Camry Hybrid); it's a version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system, here combining a 147-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine with a 40-horsepower electric motor system to produce 187 horsepower altogether. The electric-assist steering has a rather quick ratio and reasonably good weighting, but soft suspension tuning means there's plenty of lean (and nosedive when braking); overall the HS handles in an unexciting but safe way. Braking is one of the high points; while hybrids often have touchy, jerky brake-pedal action due to regenerative action, the HS 250h stops predictably and without a hitch.



The 2011 Lexus HS 250h is otherwise tight and quiet inside, thanks to details like an acoustic windshield and triple-layer door seals. As can be expected on a Lexus, there's a fine-sounding 330-watt Mark Levinson audio system available.

2011 Lexus GS 460 Reviews

Lexus’ GS range has promised everything from Italian design to a tantalizing demeanor, but it has never been a major player. To figure out why, we borrowed a shiny new 2011 Lexus GS 460 sedan from one of the automaker’s regional distributors, Gulf States Toyota.



Smoother and saver than the second-generation Lexus GS – notable for its Shakespearean “Something wicked this way comes” ad campaign – the S190-platform car retains the two-engine configuration of its predecessor.



As enthusiasts, we jumped at the range-topping Lexus GS 460 with its 342-horsepower 4.6-liter V8. A hybrid – dubbed Lexus GS 450h – was briefly on offer before sluggish sales forced its removal from the North American market.



Equipped with a V8 engine, the GS’ biggest traditional rivals come from Germany – namely the BMW 550i and Mercedes-Benz E550. As the oldest offering in its segment, the Lexus GS 460 doesn’t exactly brim with unexpected touches. An advanced eight-speed automatic also comes standard on the Lexus GS 460, a byproduct of sharing its power train with the mega-buck LS 460.



The current Lexus GS continues the theme introduced more than a decade ago with Lexus’ subtle-but-shapely original GS 300. We wish all Lexus sedans were this stylistically balanced.

The 2011 Lexus GS 460 carries over mostly unchanged from the previous year, adding only a brake override system.



Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2011 Lexus GS 460 is a midsize luxury sport sedan that is offered in a single, well-appointed trim level that includes 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive variable suspension, adaptive automatic xenon headlights, fog lights, a sunroof, power trunk closer, automatic wipers, auto-dimming mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping wood-trimmed steering wheel, heated and cooled front seats, 10-way power front seats with driver memory and lumbar adjustment, Safety Connect emergency telemetric, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a 10-speaker stereo with six-CD changer, satellite radio and USB/iPod interface.



Other options include a rear spoiler, rear parking sensors, a power rear sunshade, a power active stabilizer (enhances control during cornering and limits body roll), adaptive cruise control (includes a pre-collision system) and run-flat tires (all-season or summer).



Power trains and Performance

The 2011 Lexus GS 460 is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 that produces 342 hp and 339 pound-feet of torque. Lexus estimates the GS 460 will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, which is only 0.4-second quicker than the V6-powered GS 350.



Safety

Standard safety features on the 2011 Lexus GS 460 include antilock brakes with brake assist, traction control, stability control, front and rear side-impact airbags, front knee airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. Upholding Lexus' reputation for finely crafted interiors, the 2011 GS 460's cabin surrounds occupants with supple leather, rich wood and aluminum trim. The 2011 Lexus GS 460 delivers an abundance of power to please the majority of drivers, along with a comfortably smooth ride and respectable handling.



The 2011 Lexus GS 460 looks, rides, and even drives like its GS 350 sibling, only the key difference is that it's powered by a 342-horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission.



There's not much of a difference in feature sets between the GS 460 and GS 350 either, with Bluetooth, power heated and ventilated front seats, and a seven-inch touch screen all included. For more information on the GS 460, see our full review of the 2011 Lexus GS 350.

2013 Lexus GS 350

The 2013 Lexus GS 350 looks menacing with an all-black background with the just grille and running lights illuminated. The debut of the mid-size luxury sedan will be streamed live on Facebook.The fourth generation GS will feature a complete overhaul of the interior and exterior, with added emphasis on Lexus' new front grille and driving dynamics.



The Lexus GS 350 will be redesigned for 2013.Early next year; Lexus is expected to begin selling a completely redesigned version of its GS midsize luxury sport sedan.



For the new 2013 Lexus GS 350, Lexus will offer a base model GS 350, a hybrid model and a high-performance F-Sport package offering larger 19-inch wheels and tires (the base model will wear 18-inch wheels), sportier suspension tuning and larger brakes.



Power will be sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The most noticeable development in the 2013 Lexus GS is underneath its sheet metal. Wider tracks front and rear also should help this new GS be the sportiest midsize Lexus yet.



We've already driven a prototype of the 2013 Lexus GS 350, and it is fun to drive. All models will come standard with a new system called Lexus Drive Mode Select. It's a system similar to BMW's Dynamic Drive Control and Audi Drive Select. The 2013 Lexus GS 350 will be unveiled this summer, with the hybrid model bowing later in the year.



Toyota has released a teaser photo of the redesigned 2013 Lexus GS 350 sedan ahead of the car's official unveiling August 18 at Pebble Beach.



The four-passenger rear-drive LF-Gh sedan was built on the same 112.2-inch wheelbase as the 2011 Lexus GS, measuring just 2.5 inches longer, at 192.5 inches overall.

In his review, Editor Scott Oldham observed, "Lexus may have finally figured out the sport sedan."

Lexus CT 200h F Sport Performance

CT 200h F Sport Performance and exterior enhancements include a unique suspension, front and rear styling, alloy wheels, and badging. Like all the other F-Sport models, the CT 200h comes painted in Lexus’ unique Flame Blue exterior color.
CT 200h F Sport receives a number of visual and performance enhancements in keeping with Lexus’ F Sport model line-up.

Inside, F Sport model CT 200h will receive optional unique interior trim, F Sport steering wheel, sports pedals, scuff plates, instrument panel and privacy glass.
CT 200h F Sport models will feature Lexus’ unique body performance damper, which has been designed to improve ride and handling.

The value equation has undeniably changed, but what hasn’t changed is that the CT 200h will still make many people in the market for a frugal, premium small car very happy.

When you factor in its level of standard equipment, the $49,900 F Sport model is the best value CT 200h. The Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain in the F Sport is the same as the rest of the CT 200h range. That 100kW maximum power figure puts the CT 200h F Sport on par with a base model Toyota Corolla. A nickel-metal-hydride battery powers the electric motor, and a continuously variable transmission drives the CT’s front wheels.

If it’s a sports hatch you’re after, the CT 200h F Sport will disappoint. The CT 200h F Sport was never designed to be a sports car. Despite the common powertrain, the F Sport is the most engaging model to drive in the CT 200h range. EV mode relies only on the battery and electric motor for propulsion. It tempers your throttle inputs and encourages the electric motor to support the petrol engine whenever possible. The system is equally effective in all modes.
The best thing about being in Sport mode in the F Sport model is the mood change within the cabin. The Prius – at 3.9 litres/100km – is the only petrol-powered vehicle that pips the Lexus for economy in Australia. The other competitors mentioned above are all diesels and still trail the F Sport by a considerable margin: Audi A3 (5.7 litres/100km), Mercedes-Benz B180 (5.6 litres/100km), MINI Countryman SD (4.9 litres/100km). The F Sport’s split-level dashboard/console layout is clean and user-friendly, although there’s a lot of hard, grey plastic for a $50,000 car. Over the base model, the CT 200h F Sport gets smoky 17-inch alloy wheels; sports grille, bumpers, side skirts, rear spoiler, scuff plates and sports pedals; front fog lamps; F Sport badging; rear and rear-side privacy glass; and exterior mirrors with memory, self-dimming and auto-retract. Safety is first-rate with eight airbags (dual front, side, curtain and driver and passenger knee) and all the standard electric systems (ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, stability control and traction control), as well as emergency flashing brake lights and LED daytime running lights.

If all you want are two simple things – Prius-like fuel consumption in a package that looks and rides like a traditional hot hatch – the Lexus CT 200h F Sport is the only car in Australia that fits the bill.

Lexus Australia took the wraps off the F Sport version of its upcoming CT200h hybrid hatch at the 2010 Sydney show.

For the F Sport, the car retains the regular CT200h's hybrid drivetrain that is compromised of a 1.8-litre petrol engine, battery pack and electric motor. On the outside, the CT 200h F Sport, uhh, sports a body kit and different alloy wheels.

As part of the CT 200h F Sport upgrade there's an altered instrument panel, sports steering wheel, aluminium pedals and scuff plates.

2012 Lexus GS【Video】

Lexus will unveil the all-new 2012 Lexus GS at the upcoming Concours d’Elegance event at Pebble Beach on August 18. The new Lexus GS will be the production version of the recently unveiled Lexus LF Gh Concept that was shown at the 2011 Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne earlier this month.







Press Release

Automotive journalists test the all-new GS ahead of its official launch.

Swathed in detail-obscuring covers to protect its identity, pre-production versions of the next generation GS were test-driven by a select group of top European journalists - no fanfare, no publicity, just the drive and the experience. Inspired by the dynamic LF-Gh concept, this car is poised to be the new face of Lexus.

Participants drove the new GS in testing conditions at an exclusive proving-ground. Chief Engineer, Yoshihiko Kanamori was in attendance from Japan to gather valuable feedback. The journalists enjoyed the luxurious and spacious interior and were able to test the dynamic and engaging handling characteristics to the full. Although disguised, these trusted correspondents were able to get a taste for the soon-to-be-unveiled styling. This new chapter in the history of Lexus will be revealed at Pebble Beach, California on 18th August 2011.

Spy Shots: New Lexus LF-A caught racing the Ring

We’ve been reporting on the Lexus LF-A since 2005, and since that time we’ve shown you the debut of two separate LF-A concepts, an LF-A Roadster and a race version of the LF-A that competed in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. What we’ve yet to show you amongst these concepts, race cars and the many spy shots in between is an actual production version of Lexus’ supercar. After hearing nothing

Lexus Releases LF-A Race Car Images Ahead of 24-hour Nürburgring Race

Lexus has finally released official photos of their LF-A prototype which will compete in the grueling 24-hour endurance race at Germany’s famous Nürburgring.Although the company is keeping details a closely guarded secret, they did state that the 200+ mph supercar is powered by a 4.8 liter V10 engine which produces 500 bhp. The sleek carbon fiber LF-A prototype will be entered by Japan’s

First Drive: 2010 Lexus IS C

This just in: Lexus is serious about claiming more of BMW‘s turf. When introduced nearly a decade ago, the Lexus IS 300 was a single-focus effort: one body style, one engine, take it or buy the BMW. The second-gen IS, launched in 2005, widened the view: two engines plus an all-wheel-drive version, but still served only in four-door-sedan form. Last year came the roaring, rumbling IS-F, Japan’

Brain...Jammed Vandals Destroy Seven New Toyota Models at 2011 Chicago Auto Show

Auto shows seem to have become risky business for car manufacturers. After the BMW 750i that was stolen at the Detroit motor show earlier this year, now more disturbing news comes from the Chicago Auto Show, where the Toyota booth attracted unwanted attention.

According to local newspapers, seven new Toyota models had their interiors vandalized by three young men, aged 20, 21 and 28. We don't know what really caused this deviant behavior, but one report attributes it to the fact that the three vandals were allegedly angry "about American jobs going overseas".

And it seems they wanted the Japanese cars to suffer badly, judging from the tools they used - screwdrivers and razor knives. The three young men were arrested on Wednesday evening before the show's closing time when guards noticed them acting suspiciously around a Toyota Camry. The mess they made inside the seven cars is substantial: dashboards were left smashed and ripped, seat upholstery sliced, windshields scratched, speakers cut open and turn indicators broken.

According to the police, the damage to the cars is estimated at $30,000. Interestingly, they had no preference for a particular model, vandalizing a Camry, a RAV4, a Land Cruiser, a Prius, two Tundras and one Lexus ES350. Funny thing, no accelerator pedal or floor mat were damaged...

Lexus Announces 2011 IS 350C F Sport Special Edition

Lexus has unwrapped the limited run 2011 IS 350C F Sport Special Edition convertible, which is set to go on sale in the U.S. later this month. Only 175 units will be built, each carrying a $55,120 (not including $875 destination) sticker and some styling and performance upgrades over the standard model.

The limited run hardtop convertible comes in a choice of two new colors (Starfire Pearl or Obsidian), and features bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, special exterior badging and 19-inch alloys in a dark graphite finish, wrapped around in 225/35 Michelin Pilot Sport tires. Heated and ventilated black-red leather sport seats with red stitching plus a new wood trim spice up the cabin.

Lexus is also offering a comprehensive standard equipment package, which includes navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, rear back-up camera, voice command, Lexus Enform telematics system with Safety Connect and various XM services.

To improve handling, the Japanese brand's engineers fitted the F Sport model with new Bilstein shock absorbers, shorter springs and a sway bar.

“The F Sport Special Edition builds on the IS 350C and takes the fun of the convertible up another notch,” said Mark Templin, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. “The racing inspired F Sport accessories on this car were precision engineered specifically for this vehicle, allowing us to provide performance without compromise.”

Government Probe Finds no Link Between Electronics and Unintended Acceleration in Toyota and Lexus Vehicles

A 10-month long probe done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and NASA found no link between software-driven throttles and unintended acceleration in Toyota Motor Corp vehicles. The investigation concluded that the previously suspected sticking accelerator pedals and loose floor mats are to blame for the unfortunate incidents, which allegedly caused some 89 deaths.

“There is no electronic-based cause for unintended high-speed acceleration in Toyotas”, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a statement.

While the result of the government inquiry on this matter is in Toyota’s favor, the Japanese maker is still not off the hook. First of all, Toyota has been found 'guilty' in regards of the two mechanical safety defects including the 'sticky' accelerator pedals and a design flaw that allowed the floor mat to trap the accelerator pedal.

Besides losing massive amounts of money due to having recalled nearly 8 million vehicles in 2009 and 2010, the automaker also had to pay almost US$50 million in fines and lawsuit settlements. And that’s not the end of it, as there are still many cases in federal and state courts, which have an estimated potential liability of up to US$10 billion.

Last but not least, the government may demand that all vehicles must be equipped with braking systems capable of automatically counteracting unintended acceleration, which could deliver another blow to Toyota’s budget.

In response to the NHTSA/NASA study, Steve St. Angelo, Toyota’s Chief Quality Officer for North America, said:

"Toyota welcomes the findings of NASA and NHTSA regarding our Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence (ETCS-i) and we appreciate the thoroughness of their review. We believe this rigorous scientific analysis by some of America's foremost engineers should further reinforce confidence in the safety of Toyota and Lexus vehicles. We hope this important study will help put to rest unsupported speculation about Toyota's ETCS-i, which is well-designed and well-tested to ensure that a real world, un-commanded acceleration of the vehicle cannot occur."

“We will continue to develop and equip Toyota and Lexus vehicles with industry-leading safety technologies, including many based on breakthroughs in sophisticated electronics systems. We will also continue to cooperate fully with NHTSA and respected outside experts in order to help ensure that our customers have the utmost confidence in the safety and reliability of our vehicles. Everyone at Toyota – all 30,000 of our team members in the United States and the many thousands of Americans at our dealers and suppliers across the country – is focused on listening to our customers and constantly improving our products and service”, Mr. Angelo concluded.

What Grinds My Gears about the Recent Developments in Toyota's Unintended Acceleration-Saga

A few things happened in the past 24 hours that grind my gears on the subject of Toyota Motor Corp.'s "unintended acceleration" saga. The first thing that ticked me off were some smart-ass headlines for the findings of NHTSA-NASA study from the same sources that were bashing the Japanese company with Daily Mirror-like titles a little over a year ago. That's something like looking at the mirror and saying who's the dummy now... No need for further explanations on that.

The other is that, Toyota, its PR associates and even some news sites / blogs are focusing on the software-related findings and either leaving outside or playing down the two mechanical defects - a.k.a. the “sticking” accelerator pedals and a design flaw that enabled accelerator pedals to become trapped by floor mats. These defects lead to some 8 million vehicles being recalled in the United States alone.

Yes, the study by NHTSA and NASA found no evidence for electronic-based cause for unintended high-speed acceleration, but that doesn't mean Toyota is innocent for the rest of the sudden acceleration-related issues nor for neglecting to notify the government agency of the sticky pedal defect for more than four months after the company found out about it.

By John Halas

[From NHTSA]

Timeline of Major Events

• March 29, 2007: NHTSA opens a preliminary investigation into pedal entrapment on MY’07 Lexus ES350 models based on five consumer complaints alleging three crashes and seven injuries. The all weather floor mat is identified as the possible cause of these incidents.
• July 26, 2007: A fatal crash occurs in San Jose, CA involving a ‘07 Camry in which the driver suffers serious injuries and the driver of the struck vehicle is killed. The incident also appears to have been caused by a pedal trapped by an all weather floor mat.
• September 13, 2007: After determining the fatal San Jose crash was caused by floor mat entrapment, NHTSA tells Toyota a recall is necessary.
• September 26, 2007: Toyota recalls 55,000 floor mats in ’07 and ‘08 Camrys and ES350s.
• August 28, 2009: A fatal crash occurs in Santee, CA, involving a loaner ’09 ES350. The vehicle is found to have an all weather floor mat from another Lexus vehicle. Investigators find that the vehicle’s previous driver had reported an entrapment incident to the dealership.
• September 25, 2009: NHTSA meets with Toyota and tells the company that the floor mat recall is insufficient and the agency expects a recall for the defect in pedal design. Three days later, Toyota tells NHTSA the company will recall the gas pedals.
• October 5, 2009: Toyota recalls 3.8 million vehicles for pedal entrapment by floor mat and sends an interim letter to consumers telling them to remove floor mats. The defect remedy involves gas pedal reconfiguration, floor pan/carpeting revisions, and ‘brake pedal override’ software for vehicles with keyless ignition.
• December 15, 2009: NHTSA officials meet with Toyota executives in Japan to explain NHTSA’s defect recall process and underscore Toyota’s obligations under U.S. law to find and report defects promptly. Toyota commits to making improvements.
• January 16, 2010: Toyota informs NHTSA that certain CTS-brand pedals may have a dangerous ‘sticking’ defect. NHTSA calls an in-person meeting on January 19.
• January 19, 2010: At the meeting, Toyota provides field reports on sticky pedal incidents, and NHTSA tells Toyota the agency expects prompt action. Toyota informs NHTSA several hours later that the company will issue a recall.
• January 21, 2010: Toyota recalls 2.3 million vehicles for the sticky pedal defect.
• January 27, 2010: At NHTSA’s urging, Toyota expands its pedal entrapment recall to cover an additional 1.1 million vehicles.
• February 16, 2010: NHTSA launches an official probe into the timeliness and scope of the pedal entrapment and sticky pedal Toyota recalls.
• March 30, 2010: At the request of Congress, the U.S. DOT announces two studies into unintended acceleration. One looks at possible electronics causes for unintended acceleration in Toyotas; the other examines unintended acceleration and the safety of vehicle electronics across the automotive industry.
• April 5, 2010: NHTSA demands the maximum, $16.375 million, civil penalty on Toyota for its failure to notify the agency of the sticky pedal defect for more than four months after discovering it. Auto manufacturers are legally obligated to notify NHTSA within five business days of determining that a safety defect exists. Toyota pays the full fine on April 19.
• December 20, 2010: Toyota agrees to pay the maximum $16.375 million civil penalty as the result of another NHTSA investigation into whether their recall of 5.5 million vehicles for pedal entrapment was conducted in a timely manner.

Lexus LFA Nürburgring to get its First Public Outing in Geneva

Nearly 3 months after the start of production of the standard LFA, Lexus will debut the more track-focused Nürburgring Edition at the Geneva Motor Show in March. While we've known about the bespoke version of the LFA since May, 2010, according to the Japanese automaker, this is the first time that the supercar will be shown in public.

Available as a special package on the options list, Lexus will build a maximum of 50 Nürburgring Editions out of a total of 500 LFAs. The limited production model gets additional aerodynamic features and technical revisions to improve handling and downforce, increases the V10 engine output by 10bhp to 562bhp and speeds up gear shifts in the six-speed sequential transmission.

In the United States, the Nürburgring package is priced at $70,000 while a Matte black finish carries an additional cost of $20,000. The MSRP of the standard LFA is $375,000.

Lexus Offers Special Driver Lessons to LFA Owners [with Video]

Owning a supercar like the Lexus LFA is not always a walk in the park. With 552HP on tap, it has enough oomph to get you in serious trouble and, given the $375,000 price tag and limited run of just 500 units, it would be a shame to wrap this beast around a tree. So, it’s definitely good news that Lexus will offer a driver development program for LFA owners that will run from March 8 to 15, at the Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California.

Racing professionals will provide expert guidance during the one-day program, which includes theoretical and track lapping sessions, performance limit exercises and technical demonstrations.

“This program offers a unique opportunity to experience the 552 horsepower Lexus LFA supercar in its natural environment,” said Mark Templin, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division. “Lapping Infineon and tips from the professional drivers will certainly enhance the overall LFA ownership experience.”

First presented as a concept model at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show, the production version LFA was finally shown in October 2009 at the Tokyo Motor Show. Still, it took another year until it went into production, with the first units being delivered in the U.S. last month. The entire batch of 500 units is expected to be delivered by 2012 and, according to Lexus, there are still a limited number of LFAs available for purchase.

In the videos below, you can see the reactions of one of the first owners to take delivery of the LFA (allegedly in Costa Rica), upon getting behind the wheel.