Lexus LFA
Car scale model kit in 1/24 scale manufactured by Tamiya (ref. TAM24319, also 4950344243198 and 24319)

After years of producing relatively nondescript road cars, Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda wanted the brand to build a supercar to challenge those offered by Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini. The development phase of the project was extremely long, and up to three previous prototypes came to light before the final model. Three LF-series concept cars bearing the designation LF-A were unveiled at various editions of the Detroit Auto Show. The first debuted in 2005, followed in 2007 by a second LF-A with an upgraded interior and exterior, while the third, a roadster model, debuted in 2008. The wait was well worth it, and when finally the final LFA was unveiled at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, it was immediately clear that the brand had produced something truly extraordinary.

The star of the new Lexus was its engine, a 4.8-litre V10 capable of delivering up to 552bhp, built at the same facility as the Toyota team's V-10 F1 engines. The materials used in its internal components included aluminum, magnesium and solid titanium, achieving a very small and light engine. Its throttle response was incredibly quick, going from idle to 9,000rpm in just six-tenths of a second. This engine was paired with a lightning-fast six-speed automated sequential manual transmission made by Aisin.

But the LFA is not just an engine. A carbon fiber reinforced polymer frame designed and manufactured in-house along with aluminum, magnesium and titanium alloys was used for chassis construction. The result was a curb weight of just over 1450kg with a near perfect 48:52 weight distribution.

Only 500 units of the LFA were produced from late 2010 to 2012, with 436 of them being "standard" and the remaining 64 incorporating the "Nürburgring Package".