RideLust

After nearly five years since their conceptual manifestation at the 2005 North American International Auto Show, the super performance dreams of Lexus have finally become a reality with the inaugural debut of the Lexus LFA supercar. Technically, the car pictured above (and below, after the jump) is considered a production vehicle, but given astronomical costs associated with competing in the performance car segment, the LFA is still very much a prototype. Initial production will be limited to just 500 units worldwide, and despite the staggering $375,000 price tag, AutoBlog reports that Lexus expects to take a hit on each sale. If this is true, the future of the LFA and Lexus’ participation in the segment in general, may hinge upon a positive response from Tier 1 consumers.

If you can afford to participate in Lexus’ costly market experiment, you’ll be rewarded with power and prestige worthy of standing alongside any Italian creation. Beneath the hood sits a massive 4.8L V10 powerplant capable of churning out 552 bhp and 354 lb-ft torque (90% of the latter which is produced between 3,700rpm and 9,000rpm) mated to a 6-speed ASG transmission. Top speed is limited to a white-knuckle 202 mph, and it’s 0-100km/h time is an impressive 3.7 seconds.

As we mentioned above, production will be initially limited to just 500 units and delivery of the new LFA is not expected to commence until 2011.