Lexus ’ all-new LFA promises to be one of the hottest supercars you can’t own. In a bid to prevent speculators from buying up the LFA’s limited production run of 500 units, Lexus announced on Monday that it will only be leasing the six-figure super coupe.
Automotive entrepreneurs have been known to vulture sales of limited edition vehicles only to resell them at a much higher price, but that won’t be the case with the Lexus LFA . “If someone buys it the first month and then decides to sell it, that could be damaging for the ownership experience,” Brian Smith, vice president of sales and dealer development for Lexus, told Automotive News. “If it is not controlled and hits the speculation market, all bets are off.”
As such, Lexus will only offer the $375,000 LFA for a two-year lease. Lexus plans to build 500 examples of the LFA over its two year production run. However, Lexus will give customers the chance to buy the LFA off-lease.
Production of the LFA is expected to begin in December 2010. Because Lexus will be providing tools and specially trained technicians to service the LFA – therefore eliminating the need for Lexus stores to purchase unique tools or provide special training – customers will be able to buy the 552 horsepower supercar at any Lexus dealership.
The Lexus LFA will make its U.S. debut at next month’s LA Auto Show.
