Including three spy-photos of a practically-production version, Car Magazine has hit with some Lexus LF-A news:

As the engine rules in F1 have changed, so has the powerplant under development for the LF-A. It now has a V10 petrol engine of just under 5.0 litres capacity, said to develop a muscly 500bhp for 200mph performance. And a hybrid petrol-electric version is also in the pipeline, using a similar V8 hybrid system as in the LS600h.

This scoop photo proves that Lexus is paying a lot of attention to the aero package, and it’s working on a pop-up spoiler to keep the LF-A stable at all speeds, as well as a huge diffuser clearly visible at the rear.

When will we see the LF-A in showrooms? The latest news is that it’s still a couple of years away from reality …

Learning that LF-A won’t be coming out next year is a touch disappointing. Considering how many times this concept has done the Auto Show circuit, you have to wonder what problems the development team has run into. The exterior certainly looks finalized, and the engine didn’t seem to have any trouble with Nürburgring, so why the hold-up?

This spy video montage, which shows a collection of upcoming cars taking their turn at Nürburgring, has an interesting segment featuring the Lexus IS-F and the LF-A taking a lap together (skip to 3:09 in the video for the action):

The LF-A sounds like a monster compared to the IS-F, and I’m sure the additional two cylinders and 50+ extra horsepower has something to do with it. There’s a quick cut at 3:26 where you know the LF-A just went and passed its slower sibling.

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Bonus: Here’s another video of the LF-A burning its way around the ‘Ring, courtesy of Car Magazine:

[Via: Club Lexus]

It may be the processing, but this photo of the Lexus LF-A concept, taken by John Hietter at this year’s Concours D’Elegance, really shows the supercar in a different light:

The over-saturation makes the LF-A look almost menacing, with the muted audience in the back finally giving me some perspective as to the size of it.

Be sure to check out John Hietter’s Flickr page for more LF-A photos, including a very nice front-end shot that really brings the headlights into focus.

It’s been less than two weeks since the LS 600hL was released in China, and now the latest news is that the LF-A is next in line:

“We are planning to import the latest Lexus models to the Chinese market at the earliest time possible,” said Zeng Lintang, vice president of Toyota Motor (China) Investment Co at a test drive activity for Lexus LS600hL recently.

“Lexus LF-A blends the performance of an exotic sports car with the luxury refinements of a Lexus, and we anticipate that the model will be sold at more than 2 million yuan ($264,700) here in China.”

The price seems rather high, but it fits with the markup usually seen with a Chinese release. For example, the LS600hL, sold in the USA for $104,000, retails in China for $210,263. If the ratio is the same, could the LF-A retail in North America for $129,703?

Not very likely, especially when considering Lintang’s statement that “the model will be sold at more than 2 million yuan ($264,700).”

[Source: GasGoo]

I’m unable to say for sure, but this three-minute video clip of the Lexus LF-A has a very authentic air to it:

It’s similar in look to the video shown during the LF-A unveiling at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, and could very well be direct from the source. Still, there’s enough of a rough edge to cast a shadow of doubt, so I’ve sent an email to the Youtube poster, and hope to have a definitive answer soon…that is, unless someone out there already knows?

Update: TPP Reader Jarrett has identified this video as the Japanese commercial introducing Lexus’ L-Finesse styling, released at the same time as the first LF-A concept. Thanks, Jarrett!

We’ve all seen the Edmunds video of the prototype LF-A tearing up Nürburgring, but this additional footage, posted by Viper Productions on Youtube, really shows off the confirmed V-10 engine:

Seems much faster than in the Edmunds video, it’s practically a black roaring blur. Now, the only question is, when is this blasted car going to be put into production?

Edmunds has managed to scare up a video of the Lexus LF-A prototype during last week’s run around Nürburgring:

Seeing the supercar in motion is much more impressive than the spy photos, the speed is positively overpowering.

In their analysis of the footage, Edmunds makes some rather astute observations:

• Judging from the roar, the LF-A will be running a V-10 engine.
• The intake ducts integrated into the C-pillar and rocker panels could cool a rear-mounted battery pack, which would allow for a hybrid powertrain.
• The supercar is using an automated sequential manual gearbox, which presently sounds a little rough around the edges.

No word yet whether this car will be unveiled at Frankfurt Auto Show in September or the Tokyo Auto Show in October.

World Car Fans has some fresh-off-the-track spy shots of the upcoming Lexus LF-A, which now sports a shop class spoiler and some honest-to-goodness rear view mirrors:

The V-10 super car has stayed quite close to its original concept, with the only noticeable differences being the aforementioned spolier and some minor bumper and light housing differences.

The production LF-A is expected to debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September. Check World Car Fans for more photos.