Did you know that Lexus once had a supercar? It wasn’t exactly a hit and had a short and relatively uneventful run. There are still some LFAs available for purchase, but you’ll be shocked by just how much dealers are asking for them.

What is the Lexus LFA?

The LFA was Lexus’s attempt to make a supercar worthy of racing in the Nürburgring. It was aimed at those who could afford cars like Lamborghinis, Bugattis, and Ferraris, and it had a taste for racing.

The LFA was only in production from 2009 to 2012, according to Slash Gear. Originally, there were only 500 LFAs produced, but Lexus produced more after 2009. At the time, it was considered Lexus’s new flagship car, but it tragically wouldn’t last.

Why was the Lexus LFA discontinued?

Lexus’ vehicles aren’t all that expensive typically, even though it’s a luxury brand. In fact, it’s rather affordable when you consider all that’s offered. The prices start at around $35,000 and increase to over $100,000. Lexus set the price of the LFA so high, however, that no one was willing to pay.

The price for a new 2012 Lexus LFA was $376,500. It comes equipped with a powerful enough engine, but the price was so high that no one was buying it. In fact, there are several 2012 Lexus LFAs that have yet to be purchased and are still sitting.

In August 2022, there were three 2012 Lexus LFAs that had never had an owner, which were finally purchased. There was also another one put on sale for $725,000. Used models can cost close to a million dollars.

It’s unclear why the price is increasing so much all these years later. While it’s true that the Lexus LFA is a very rare car, no one wanted to buy it when it was brand new. Why someone would wish to invest almost $350,000 more, which is almost double the original purchase price, is a mystery. 

For that amount of money, they could invest in two brand-new vehicles with more modern features. Still, as the recent sale of the three models proves, there are still people out there willing to pay.

An overview of the 2012 Lexus LFA

It can never be said that the 2012 Lexus LFA didn’t sell because it wasn’t powerful enough. It’s quite the opposite, truth be told.

Lexus equipped its only supercar with a 4.8-liter V10 engine. It makes an astonishing 553 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque and revs at 9000 rpm. It also has a six-speed automatic-shift manual w/OD transmission and rear-wheel drive. There are four drive modes. These include the sport, normal, wet, and automatic.

The 2012 Lexus LFA’s top speed is 202 MPH, and it takes 3.7 seconds to hit 60 MPH. It takes 7.8 seconds to reach 100 MPH, 12.9 to hit 130 MPH, and 18.3 seconds to hit 150 MPH. The LFA can do a fourth mile in 11.8 seconds at 124 MPH. To come to a full stop from a speed of 70 MPH, the LFA takes 156 feet.

Unsurprisingly, the fuel mileage is not that great, but this is typical for many supercars. The 2012 Lexus LFA only gets 14 MPG city and 20 MPG highway. 

Lexus did not go cheap when it came to the luxury factors. The 2012 Lexus LFA has driver and front passenger heated cushions and seat backs that are covered in Alcántara simulated suede seat trim.

Car and Driver was in awe of the LFA, but did report that many of the controls were difficult to figure out without a manual. The 2012 Lexus LFA is undoubtedly a fierce ride, but the excessive price led to its untimely demise and probably ensured that Lexus will not be making another supercar anytime soon.