Exclusive: Pearl Yellow LFA for the USA, Up close & Personal.

Torrance, CA – August 6, 2010 – The last few days have been pretty busy and exciting for Lexus. First off, I was able to finally see in person, a close to production prototype black CT200h since my first encounter with the CT back in New York during its U.S. debut and launch of “The Darker Side of Green” campaign.

Second, I was able to check out the 5th LFA to ever arrive on U.S. soil. The first two were the Flat Black w/white interior (now Starfire Pearl) and the white w/red interior (borrowed from Lexus Europe) which debuted at Homestead-Miami Speedway late last year. The white w/red interior and carbon roof which first debuted at the 2009 LA Auto Show (borrowed from Lexus Japan), the white w/red interior LFA (also borrowed from Lexus Japan) which was specially air freighted to the US for the major magazines to test, and now the Pearl Yellow LFA with black alcantara interior which will make its tour around the country later this year.

This Yellow LFA was custom ordered for Lexus USA. It recently arrived to the U.S. via air freight earlier in the week. We have known for quite some time that this LFA was going to arrive several months ago. We were sworn to secrecy until now. Since its arrival, some photos of this LFA have already surfaced on the web and the car has been seen being driven locally around the streets of Southern California. I am happy to say I had an opportunity to take pics of this unique LFA inside and out.

Exterior:

It is very hard to decipher the true color of this LFA in the pictures. It’s not a single stage taxi-cab yellow we’re used to seeing. It also isn’t the same Lamborghini pearl metallic yellow we’re all familiar with. It’s a yellow with a vibrant pearl-essence to it. It features a finer pearl flake which glows nicely in the shade and stands out in direct sunlight.

Black Brembo calipers help contrast the exterior look behind the 20″ forged BBS wheels in a dark liquid graphite.

Interior:

The interior is graced with black alcantara for the headliner and seating surfaces. Black leather was selected for the steering wheel, instrument panel, door and center console trim. Silver stitching contrasts the black leather surfaces. Blackish-brown was selected for the metal console trimming. It is a very suitable combination for the flagship Lexus Fuji Apex (abbreviation for LFA).

A few details that i’ve noticed which were not in the early LFA prototypes i’ve seen:

Etched metal plaque on the rear center trim “LFA P014”. Perhaps “P” stands for prototype and happens to be the 14th ever LFA built?

The brushed face “LFA” emblem is now present on the back panel to the right side of the license plate. This badge was absent on a few early LFA’s.

The power seat slider button now has an icon. The early LFAs had no markings on the buttons.

More detailed photos here. Thank you Lexus!