JAPANESE EXCELLENCE: The Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition is one exclusive supercar

March 8, 2018
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Written by independent automotive journalist Tom Jensen

One of the most exotic and desirable modern-day supercars ever built, a 2012 Lexus LFA with the limited-edition Nürburgring Package (Lot #724), will be crossing the block at No Reserve during the 2018 Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction.

One of the best parts about going to a Barrett-Jackson auction is there’s something for everyone. Sure, the huge numbers of muscle cars from 1960s and early ’70s are prime draws, but there are also plenty of Resto-Mods and hot rods, vintage pickup trucks, foreign classics and even microcars, as well as the occasional motorcycle.

Also included in the mix are late-model supercars with unbelievable levels of performance that the vintage rides could only dream of. Bidders at the upcoming Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction will get a chance to bid on one of the most exotic and desirable modern-day supercars ever built, a 2012 Lexus LFA (Lot #724) with the limited-edition Nürburgring Package.

The V10 LFA was a rare bird in and of itself, with only 500 hand-assembled for global distribution during the 2012 model year. The Nürburgring Package was far more unique still, with only 50 built that year. And the orange LFA Nürburgring Package car crossing the block at No Reserve in Florida is a one-owner vehicle with just 1,600 original miles.

Make no mistake about it, these were priced as supercars when sold new. The LFA model itself carried an MSRP of $375,000 in 2012, with the Nürburgring Package adding $70,000 more, making the base MSRP a cool $445,000.

So what differentiated the Nürburgring Package from the “standard” LFA? First, start under the hood. While all LFAs were powered by 4.8-liter V10 engines, the output in Nürburgring Package was 562 horsepower, up from the standard model’s 552.

The sequential 6-speed shifter was faster in the higher-end model, which also carried sport-tuned suspension, exclusive black mesh-type wheels and dedicated high-grip tires for better handling, as well as a larger front spoiler and fixed rear wing for improved high-speed downforce.

On top of that, the LFA Nürburgring Package was only offered in a choice of four exterior colors – whitest white, orange, black and matte black. Interior color choices were black, red and violet, all built with a carbon-fiber center console and door trim. The matte black paint was a $20,000 option.

As you would expect, performance was breathtaking, with the Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package accelerating from a standing start to 100 kilometers per hour in just 3.7 seconds, and a quarter-mile flying by in only 11.4 seconds. Top speed was an eye-popping 202 miles per hour.

And Lexus didn’t just pay lip service to the Nürburgring, the famous German racetrack. Buyers who purchased the LFA Nürburgring Package new were given one night’s lodging at the Lindner Congress and Motorsport Hotel Nürburgring near the track, private driver training with the Nürburgring’s chief driving instructor and a Nürburgring jacket, among many other perks. This was a serious high-performance car, and Lexus treated it as such.

So did the motorsports press. “The most impressive aspect of the car is its stability at speed,” wrote Car & Driver. “We saw just over 170 mph out on the Ring (and somewhat lesser speeds on the autobahn), and even then, the thing feels as planted as a sequoia (the great tree, not the lumbering SUV). … The engine is stunning, providing massive thrust from 4000 rpm and zinging upward to the 9000-rpm redline. Its note is an incredible wail that sounds like an F1 car’s but quieter.”

“It goes without saying that Lexus struck gold in its first foray into the realm of the supercar,” added TopSpeed.com. “A remarkable achievement considering that before the LFA came to life, the words ‘Lexus’ and ‘supercar’ were as synonymous to each other as peanut butter and carrots.”

One of only 50 Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package models ever built in 2012, this is a car you do not want to miss at the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction. Especially since the highest bid will take the car home, no matter what the final price.

For up-to-date information on this vehicle, click HERE.