Lexus confirms eight LFAs for Oz

LEXUS Australia has secured an additional three examples of the LFA supercar, bringing the total number to eight, with first deliveries confirmed to start in April 2011.

Last December, Lexus announced Australia would receive just five LFAs from early 2011, after global production starts on run of just 500 examples from this December.

Lexus Australia chief executive Tony Cramb said the 60 per cent allocation increase was a reflection of the Toyota luxury brand’s strength in Australia.

"Well before we confirmed five LFAs for Australia we had more than enough solid enquiries to quadruple that allocation," said Mr Cramb.

"Lexus Australia's initial LFA allocation was five vehicles, but we were caught well short of market demand – we've been overwhelmed by the response to the LFA.”

Previously, Lexus Australia said that all five local LFAs might not be available initially to the public, with the first Lexus supercar likely to remain within the Lexus dealer network for promotional purposes.

GoAuto now understands that at least some of the eight Australian LFAs will go to well-heeled Lexus fans, and Lexus Australia is unlikely to follow the lead of North America, where customers are required to enter a two-year lease deal with the option to purchase.

Local LFA pricing has not been confirmed, but the official estimate of up to $750,000 still stands.

The first hand-built, carbon-composite LFA to arrive in Australia will feature a ‘blue flame’ exterior with black wheels and blue brake callipers.

Apart from a 412kW mid/front-mounted V10 engine, which can propel the LFA to 100km/h in a claimed 3.7 seconds and to a top speed of beyond 300km/h, Australia’s first LFA will also come with a black leather interior with blue stitching and blue highlights.

The next new Lexus model to be launched in Australia will be the IS350 in late October.

"There is no doubt that our growing portfolio of ‘F’ product is resonating with customers,” said Mr Cramb. “IS F is in high demand and with (the) new IS350 and its F-Sport variant, ‘F’ products will become an increasingly important part of our line-up.”