Lexus LFA is go for Australia

It's official. After so far admitting only the high-ticket Lexus LFA super coupe would be a nice halo car for the brand, the local arm of the company has now confirmed an ultra-short queue of Australians will be able to line up for one.

Lexus Chief Executive John Roca says five LFAs will definitely be coming to Australia after production gets under way in December 2010.

Although this is half the number Lexus Australia initially applied for, the LFA's presence in Australia will stir up some excitement within the company at least.

"The fact that Australia has been allocated any LFA vehicles is testament to the importance of the Australian arm of the global Lexus brand," Roca said.

The front-engined coupe uses a Lexus developed 4.8-litre V10 engine developing 413kW at a soaring 8700rpm, along with 480Nm of torque at an almost equally stratospheric 6700rpm. Transmission is a new six-speed sequential manual system offering four modes of operation, plus steering wheel paddle shifters. Zero to 100km/h comes in 3.7 seconds and top speed is quoted at 325km/h.

Despite the front-engine configuration, Lexus says it has managed an only slightly front-biased 48-52 weight distribution.

"Our next challenge is managing the allocation process -- we are already certain that we will not have enough LFAs to fulfil demand," Roca said.

The LFA boldly goes where no Japanese car has gone before and will be so expensive it is expected only dealer principals will be stumping up the required funds. Although the price has yet to be confirmed, Roca has quoted a figure approaching three-quarter of a million dollars.

Lexus plans to produce LFAs for two years only, and will personally deliver 20 a month to customers around the globe.