2012 Lexus LFA lexus LFA 2012 Technical Information / LEXUS 2012 LFA: INSIDE THE LFA

47
Steering
■
■Suspension
The LFA is equipped with a double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear
suspension.
The front suspension features two independent lower arms that shorten the offset of
the virtual kingpin axis from the wheel centerline along with a slightly negative kingpin
offset in order to ensure ample stability under braking. Furthermore, the low offset
between the kingpin axis and wheel centerline allows for excellent road compliance
and outstanding stability.
Ground contact patch kingpin offset
Wheel centerline
Kingpin offset
Virtual kingpin axis

Regarding suspension adjustments:
The LFA is equipped with adjustable coil spring perches in order to allow for
any fine tuning needed to keep the geometry optimized at all times. Each LFA is
shipped from the factory with the suspension adjusted to the optimal settings.

50
Braking
The LFA is equipped with an ECB (Electronically Controlled Brake) system.
When the brake pedal is depressed, information on how much force is being used to
depress the pedal and the amount it is depressed is sent to the ECB computer. This
computer takes into account the vehicle’s overall condition using inputs from various
sensors and distributes the optimal amount of brake force to each individual wheel.
The ECB system uses an electric pump to generate hydraulic pressure, thereby
providing braking power without relying on engine vacuum. The use of this
technology ensures a consistent supply of effective braking power.
However, the detail behind the LFA brake system does not end with the ECB system.
Monoblock calipers and CCM (Carbon Ceramic Material) discs are just a few of the
other components that give the LFA its generous braking power. Furthermore, large
brake ducts have been proactively integrated in order to feed the brakes fresh, cold
air to keep them working at their optimum temperature for consistent performance.

Regarding the brake override system:
If the driver depresses the brake and accelerator pedals at the same time or if
the ECU judges that both acceleration and braking commands are being issued,
braking will be prioritized. The system will ignore the signal from the accelerator
pedal, close all throttle valves and provide the appropriate amount of braking force
demanded by the driver’s braking effort.

51
Braking
■
■Brake pedal
The LFA employs a floor-mounted brake

pedal. The pedal has been designed to
rest solidly against the sole of the driver's
foot for enhanced pedal feel, while the
f l o o r- m o u n t e d f u l c r u m i s p o s i t i o n e d
in close proximity to the driver's heel,
stabilizing ankle movement and allowing
the pedal to move in a more natural-
feeling arc. These aspects make the pedal
feel as if it is an extension of the driver's
own foot, enabling precise control and
modulation.

Anti-slip pattern:
The pedal features a rough textured section, which is thicker in the center for a firm
grip and tapers down towards the sides to allow the driver to switch between the
brake and accelerator pedals easily.
Pedal stroke
Fulcrum

52
■
■Brake caliper
The LFA features front 6-piston and rear
4-piston aluminum alloy monoblock
calipers with dif ferential piston bore
sizing. This design takes advantage of
what is known as the 'self-servo effect',
allowing pressure from the unequally
sized pistons to push the pad against the
rotor in a progressive pattern, with the
leading piston applying the least force
and the trailing edge applying the most.
This wedge shape uses the rotational
movement of the disc to help the brake
p a d s ' b i t e ' i n t o t h e d i s c w i t h m o r e
effective pressure distribution, optimized
pressure equalization that helps realize
a more consistent supply of stopping
power. The LFA also features track-bred brake cooling ducts in the front bumper and
aerodynamic under covers designed to channel fresh, cool air to the brake system.
Each brake caliper piston (Front: 12
Rear: 8) employs a thermally insulated
aluminum construction with cooling
holes to help prevent the brake fluid from
boiling for enhanced high-temperature
endurance.
Parking brake calipers have been adopted
in order to lower vehicle weight. A switch-
operated EPB (Electric Parking Brake)
function has been adopted.
1.50 in. (38 mm)
1.26 in. (32 mm)
1.10 in. (28 mm)
1.10 in.
(28 mm)
1.18 in.
(30 mm) Front brake caliper
Rear brake caliper Aluminum brake caliper
piston
T h e r m a l l y i n s u l a t e d
c o n s t r u c t i o n w i t h
cooling holesBrake pad side
The shape of the cooling ducts in the
front bumper and contours of the under
covers have been designed to direct
cool air directly at the brake discs.

53
Braking
■
■Brake discs
Each brake disc is made from CCM (Carbon Ceramic Material) and features a two-
piece floating construction with an aluminum center hat. With this construction, disc
deformation due to expansion at high temperatures is more effectively mitigated;
thereby enabling a more consistent application of pressure from the brake pads for
stable and confidence-inspiring brake performance under any circumstances.
CCM discs provide the high stopping

power and thermal capacity needed
to provide consistent braking at high
speeds.
The discs are impregnated with silicone
material to ensure outstanding stopping
power and endurance when they are not
yet at optimal operating temperature or
in wet conditions. However, one should
avoid spraying water directly onto a hot
brake disc. Fur thermore, CCM discs
are susceptible to microscopic cracking
and local damage resulting from a direct
impact. Care is required when installing a
tire and wheel as accidental contact may
result in damage.

Bedding-in new brake pads or rotors:
In order to ensure maximum performance from a set of replacement CCM discs
or brake pads, it is necessary to bed them in. Please consult your Lexus dealer
regarding the appropriate bedding procedure. The LFA is shipped from the factory
with pre-bedded CCM discs and brake pads.
The disc diameters are 15.35 in. (390
mm) for the front and 14.17 in. (360 mm)
for the rear. Both front and rear discs are
ventilated with 0.20 in. (5 mm) diameter
d r i l l e d c o o l i n g h o l e s . T h e a d o p t i o n o f
CCM as opposed to conventional cast-iron
results in a reduction in unsprung weight of
approximately 11.03 lb. (5 kg) per wheel.