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Lexus LFA on the wharf


... and one of the stars of the Australian International Motor Show.

The Lexus LFA is seen here being gingerly removed from its shipping container and rolled onto the wharf en route to the Exhibition Centre at Darling Harbour where it’s officially unveiled next Friday.

The LFA represents about as great a departure from Lexus template of ultra luxury sedans and SUVs as is possible.

The second model in F marque line of performance vehicles – the Lexus riposte to the German M, RS and AMG lines – it is cleansheeet design comprised largely of weight-saving carbon-fibre, an aluminium body and a V10 in a front-mid engine layout.

"I wanted to create a state of euphoria," LFA chief engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi he said. "I intended to build a supercar that would take the driver to this state through the unity of its parts - the engine sound, its feel when revving, its handling and stability."

Take a lingering look when you see it at the show - only eight, highly bespoke examples will be sold in this country.

LFA SPECIFICATIONS

Model: 1LR-GUE
Displacement: 4805cc
Maximum output: 412kW / 8700rpm
Maximum torque: 480Nm / 6800rpm
Transmission: Six-speed ASG (Automated Sequential Gearbox)
Weight: 1480-1580kg
Maximum speed: 325km/h
Acceleration 0-100km/h: 3.6sec

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