(autoinsidernews) Despite an endless string of sightings of prototypes of the Lexus LF-A at the NГјrburgring for at least a year, the automaker continues to deny plans for a production version. Designed to take on Audi's R8, the 911, and Nissan's GT-R, Lexus has given the LF-A prototype a few tweaks in the styling department, reports Trend.
While retaining the same shape, the design of the LF-A appears much more muscular, likely to address the criticism that the LF-A concept was a little too elegant and not butch enough. Up front, the new prototype sports larger headlamps and a revised front fascia with larger air inlets. But the changes don't stop there, a third set of air intakes have been added behind the doors to feed more air to the engine whatever it is. Out back the air vents are now larger than before and have moved down the car's body.
As for what will power the LF-A, it's all speculation, but the common rumors are a mid-mounted V10, which is expected to develop over 500-hp, but with Formula One ditching it V10s last year a V8 powerplant with the same output is another option. Whatever the powerplant is, expect it to be mated to an eight-speed manumatic. C&D is speculating the the larger rear wing is a sign that Lexus is working on an even higher top speed since Audi's R8 will reach 187 mph.
The production version of the LF-A is expected to be available in 2008 and will have a price tag of over $100,000. The LF-A is expected to debut as the pace car at the 2007 Japanese Grand Prix and be unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.