The Lexus LFA is a two-seat exotic sports coupe produced by Lexus as a concept car, racing prototype, and production vehicle. It began its development as a supercar project codenamed P280 In January 2005 which premiered at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.

The 2011 LF-A is moving toward its official introduction at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show. It appeared here at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. And now we’re going to drive it. The new Lexus LFA marks an important moment in both the history of Lexus and the development of the supercar.

Much effort has been made to make the car light (1,480 kilograms) but strong and rigid, with an unusually low centre of gravity (450 millimetres). It uses Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) for the chassis and bodywork. At four times the strength of aluminium, CFRP gives the Lexus LFA an exceptionally stiff and strong structure, and also delivers major weight advantages, saving around 100kg on an equivalent aluminium body.

Here’s what they will be getting - a sophisticated 552-horsepower, 4.8-litre V10 packaged in a two-seat sports coupe that features some of the most advanced technology in the business. The V10 engine produces 480Nm of torque at 6,800rpm, 90 per cent of which is available from 3,700rpm all the way to the 9,000rpm red line, thanks to Dual VVT-i technology,

Obviously, the LFA design has moved forward from the original concept to production reality. Deliveries are scheduled to start in January, 2011. The production run, which will build no more than 20 cars a month, will wrap up in November, 2012.