Lexus preparing LFA Tokyo Edition, Supra replacement in the works

Lexus’ LFA Tokyo Motor Show Edition will be displayed at the 2011 Japanese show this autumn, together with other new Toyota/Lexus performance cars such as the Supra replacement. The Lexus LFA Tokyo edition features an M3-esque exposed carbon roof and carbon rear spoiler, which is still hydraulically adjustable. This means that the weave is exposed since the LFA is built from carbonfibre already. It’s expected that the LFA Tokyo would be priced about €40,000 higher than a 'regular' Lexus LFA.

The automaker is planning a spider roadster that with its carbonfibre construction would mean that the open-top LFA is almost as rigid as the coupe, says CarMagazine. But then, sources in Japan said that this project to build a roadster LFA has been scrapped due to the economic uncertainty. There are reports that Toyota and Lexus are working on new performance cars. It’s believed that Toyota is developing two other performance cars aside from the FT-86 and LFA projects.

Sources say that one is a front-wheel drive car (which is likely to be faster than a CT200h) while the other one will probably succeed the Supra. Lexus has denied that there will be a Supra replacement. Nonetheless, there are reports that an unofficial project is ongoing for the replacement of the RWD coupe. Sources forecast that this will be launched in 2014. It seems like upcoming fast Toyota/Lexus models will have a change from high-revving naturally aspirated engines like the LFA, ISF and FT-86 to smaller, turbocharged engines.[via : 4wheelsnews]

Photo : Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package