On a recent trip to Japan, Jay Leno stopped by Toyota’s Motomachi plant to witness the Lexus LFA supercar being born. From the weaving of the carbon fiber used in the tub to the stages of final inspection, Leno got a level of detail that few of us could ever hope to see.
If the 560-horsepower, 4.8-liter V-10 used in the LFA isn’t impressive enough, consider this fact: while assembly of an LFA takes just three days from start to finish, inspection of the assembled car takes another 10 days. There are some 7,000 points that need to be certified and signed off on, meaning that no LFA leaves the factory with a single flaw.
While in Japan, Lexus also invited Leno to sample its one-of-one Lexus LFA Spyder. As the name implies, the car is a true open air design, lacking any kind of roof structure to keep the weather out. We’d guess it doesn’t offer up much rollover protection, either, which is why we’re a bit surprised that Leno was able to lap Fuji Speedway, sans helmet, at speeds over 180 mph. We’d have found a way to beg, borrow or steal a helmet first, since catching gravel off the front tire at that speed isn’t our idea of a good time.
Also, don’t forget that you can get discounted new car pricing with a free quote through qualified local dealer partners.
While we’re somewhat indifferent to the LFA ourselves, we’re pretty sure that Lexus could change our minds with a tour of the factory and a chance to lap the car at Fuji Speedway, too. We’ll even bring our own helmet.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
