i thought these 500 don't go to museums

 

It's absolutely new as far as public information, because as S2000toIS350 noted, it means that LFA production actually started in November. The last official communication from Lexus USA only implied that production had begun, not that vehicles were already finished.

 

They will most likely be crushed like most all of the prototypes.

 

No point in raining on the parade here.

 

I would think Toyota would put a least one example in a museum.

The 500 has had some fuzziness around it. As I have mentioned, the dealer I spoke with said that 50 cars were going to US dealers. I cannot imagine that Akio does not get one and after him a few Toyota/Lexus execs. What chance would there be of no LFA at US headquarters?

Regarding the prototypes, these are not the usual mock ups. These cars have been put on the track and the street to both test and promote the project. With such a limited supply of production cars, I would have to believe the prototypes would be kept for use like track training (owners and dealership), auto shows, TV and Movie placements and Lexus advertising.

 

my post was more or less filled with sarcasm. i am sure some will go to execs who want them, and also one or two for museums. but lexus has always said they are careful with selections and no cars to dealerships, only to owners who will really drive it. but later we hear cars to dealerships, and then cars to gm and like you said, the number 500 is just as fuzzy as it can get

 

1st Production 2012 Lexus LFA Rolls Off the Line

We’ve seen plenty of 2012 Lexus LFA supercars before, in all sorts of colors, and with each incarnation we saw it was evident that the cars were becoming more and more refined. However, up until now, these LFA examples were all pre-production prototypes, developed either for testing or promotional efforts.

Now, official production of the LFA has started--well, it did on December 15 of last year--and the very 1st production example has finally rolled off the line at the supercar’s Motomachi plant in the famous Toyota City in Japan.

A total of 170 people help bring the LFA to life, including specialists who build the car’s carbon fiber components. Roughly 65% of the LFA is composed of the lightweight stuff, aiding strength and rigidity while reducing vehicle weight dramatically.

Another key distinguisher of the LFA is its approximate 15,000 parts, which is around 3,000 more than a regular Lexus models. Furthermore, almost every component is assembled by hand.

The most notable feature, however, is that every single procedure is recorded for each LFA built. For example, the record for the assembly process alone is over 300 pages long, and in the end, each and every LFA built will have over a 3,500 page work journal. This record will be kept at Lexus and will be utilized for future reference should there be an inquiry after the vehicle is delivered.

This is what every LFA encounters before delivery to customers around the world. Too bad the privilege of owning this masterpiece will set you back around $375,000.

 

Akio isn't getting one, but obviously he has access to all the prototypes and the Gazoo racing versions. Tanahashi told me Lexus' philosophy is to get these LFAs out to customers. He isn't getting one either, and told me no execs are getting them (unless Javier Quiros is counted).

 

That is totally surprising and a fun fact, thanks Gengar.

I guess Akio will have to make due with an FT 86 when those come ouy

 

Repost. It also sounds a lot like what I posted in the LFA thread lol .

Looks like some MotorAuthority bloggers are reading CL .

 

I wonder if there are plans to take it racing. There has to be! It'd be foolish not to. I remain hopeful that there are a few cars purchased by a race team of some sort, or Toyota is saving a few examples to race.

 

I'm guessing the prototypes won't meet the crusher then

 

Why? Only place it might probably end up is FIA GT. But rly, why?

 

There are 14 LFA prototypes in existence that we're aware of here on CL. Not sure if thats counting the LFA test mules and race cars.

 

It's an expression, not literally to be taken as a foolish move not to race. You've never heard of it before? They already raced it 3 times at the Ring 24, and a couple VLN races, the thing is, I'd like to see it in SuperGT or FIA GT or a LeMans series. It is possible to race it in GTE(GT2) class, the 458 is there, so why not an LFA? SuperGT rules have it so the LFA engine wouldn't be used, but the car could still be used after they stop using the SC430 (which is 2012).