This is the wildly rare 2012 Lexus LFA Spyder Prototype P109. As you may already know, the Lexus LFA was first introduced as a coupe-only model in January of 2005 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan as a design study with no plans for production. This concept car was designed by Italian designer Leonardo Fioravanti. Two years later in 2007, Lexus revealed another slightly re-worked LFA Concept, however, test mules were spotted going through some laps at the Nürburgring and other tracks as early as 2004. In 2008, Lexus revealed a Roadster-variant of the Lexus LFA designated the LFA Roadster or LFA-R at the the North American International Auto Show. The Roadster wasnt made public until 2008, but photographers were capturing photos of what appeared to be an LFA-R as early as 2005 testing in disguise on the Nürburgring. After years of speculation & curiosity, the production variant of the Lexus LFA was finally announced and unveiled as a coupe-only model in October of 2009 on the first press day of the 41st biennial Tokyo Motor Show. As for the Roadster example shown here, Lexus built two ‘Spyder’ prototypes which were created as fully open-top variants, meaning they have absolutely no roof. This yellow Lexus LFA Prototype is car number P019, and was constructed in 2012. Another example, which is finished in a color known as ‘Whitest White’ was built one year before and was the car which was driven by Jay Leno at the Fuji Speedway in Japan, and its number P003. The second LFA Spyder is a Pearl Yellow example with a Camel Tan interior (P109). The LFA production model as a whole got its styling from chief designer of the LFA (code name TXS) project, Kengo Matsumoto. In total, just around 504 LFA examples were built, including prototypes.
How many many? 1 of 2.
Engine: 4.8 L 1LR-GUE even-firing V10 producing 563hp
Debut: the original red LFA Roadster concept made it’s debut at the 2008 NAIAS
Top Speed: N/A
0-60mph: N/A
Photo Credit: @bananataku
Research: @rarecarsonly