2012 Lexus LFA steering

2
Contents
Section 01
Basic operations P.8
Engine protection mechanisms P.16
Ideal driving position P.20
Operating the driving mode selector switch P.2 6
Accelerating P.32
Shifting P.36
Steering P.44
Braking P.50
Checking the engine P.56
Using the meter P.66

Section 01
Basic operations
Engine protection mechanisms
Ideal driving position
Operating the driving mode
selector switch
Accelerating
Shifting
Steering
Braking
Checking the engine
Using the meter

9
Basic operations
1 Reverse selector switch
Pull the switch to select Reverse (R).
2 Paddle shift switches ("P. 40)
Pull the right paddle shift switch to upshift and the left paddle shift switch to
downshift. Pull both paddle shift switches at once to select Neutral (N).
3 Control pad ("P. 66)
4 “ENGINE START” switch
5 Driving mode selector switch ("P. 26)
6 AUTO driving mode button ("P. 27)
7 Shift speed selector ("P. 41)
Allows the driver to choose their desired shift speeds for the manually shifted
SPORT, NORMAL, and WET driving modes.
8 Parking brake switch
9 Ignition switch
10 Accelerator pedal ("P. 32)
11 Tilt and telescopic steering lock release lever
12 Brake pedal ("P. 50)
13 Hood release lever ("P. 12)
14 Rear hatch opener switch ("P. 12)
15 Fuel filler door opener switch ("P. 12)
16 Outside rear view mirror switches
17 VSC off switch
Turns VSC and TRAC off. Press the switch again to turn VSC and TRAC back on.

10
■
■Driving position adjustment
1 Insert the key into the ignition switch
and then turn the key to the “ACC”
position.
2 Use the seat adjustment switches (A)
to move the driver seat. You should
be able to fully depress the brake
pedal with your knees slightly bent.
3 Adjust the height of the seat and the
position of the steering wheel. You
should be able to grip the top of the steering wheel with your elbows slightly bent
and your back at a comfortable angle.
4 If necessary, readjust the seat position.
5 Adjust the mirrors to ensure that you have a good view of the area behind the
vehicle.
■
■Starting the engine
1 With the brake pedal depressed, turn the key to the “ON” position.
2 Pull both paddle shift switches at the same time to select Neutral.
3 Press the “ENGINE START” switch to start the engine.
(A)

20
Ideal driving position
An ideal driving position allows for smooth operational inputs and also helps to
reduce injuries in the event of a collision. Although the driving position employed by
racing drivers in competition offers maximum car control, it is not always practical for
use on public roads.
While the ideal driving position will vary depending on individual requirements and
driving conditions, please observe the following points in order to ensure a safe and
comfortable driving position:
■
■Seat slide adjustment
When sliding your seat back and forth, aim for a position that allows you to fully
depress the brake pedal with your knees slightly bent. Also, to ensure that you have
enough leverage to depress the brake pedal, make sure that your back rests firmly
against the seatback.
If your leg is fully extended to depress the brake pedal and a collision occurs, your
knee will not be able to help absorb any impact force. Instead, the full force of the
impact will be transferred to your lower back, possibly resulting in spinal injuries.
■
■Seat angle adjustment
When adjusting the seatback, aim for an angle that allows you to rest your back firmly
against the seatback with your hands gripping the top of the steering wheel and your
elbows slightly bent. Resting your back firmly against the seatback offers better body
support.
To maintain an adequate level of support, it is essential to make sure that your arms are
not over-reaching to touch the top of the steering wheel. Sitting too far away will force
you to lean forward when turning, compromising the support offered by the seatback.
Finally, make sure that the seatback is not reclined excessively, as this may result in
your body slipping under the seat belt in the event of a collision.
The seats in the LFA employ a racing bucket seat-inspired design and frames made
from CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics) to ensure a highly rigid and supportive
construction.
To ensure that the seats are used to their maximum potential, always maintain an
appropriate driving position.

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Ideal driving position
■
■Steering wheel adjustment range
The LFA has a tilt and telescopic steering column that allows you to manually adjust
the longitudinal and vertical position of the steering wheel.
The tilt fulcrum has been placed a significant distance away from the steering wheel
itself in order to minimize the change in steering wheel angle when adjusting its
vertical position. Minimizing the change in steering wheel angle prevents the top of
the steering wheel from moving too far away from the driver.
Meanwhile, the telescopic adjustment allows the steering wheel and column to be
moved as a whole so that the distance between the steering wheel and the paddle
shift switches remains the same.
Highest
position
Lowest position
Telescopic adjustment range:
1.57 in. (40 mm) Tilt range:
2.6°
Tilt fulcrum

Adjusting the steering wheel position
Pull the tilt and telescopic steering lock
r e l e a s e l e v e r d o w n w h i l e m o v i n g t h e
steering wheel longitudinally and vertically
into the desired position. After adjustment,
p u s h t h e l eve r u p a n d c h e c k t h a t t h e
steering wheel is securely fixed in place.

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Shifting
With regards to the drivetrain, the steering wheel-mounted paddle shift switches
command the automated dry single-plate clutch and rear-mounted ASG (Automated
Sequential Gearbox) transaxle. This fully automated configuration allows the driver to
upshift (+) or downshift (-) while keeping both hands on the steering wheel.
When the driver initiates a gear change using the paddle shift switches, the ASG
computer automatically controls and coordinates clutch engagement, engine speed,
torque transfer and gear select and shift operations.
The engine-mounted dr y single-plate clutch and rear-mounted transaxle are
connected via torque tube to provide the direct feel of a manual gearbox.
The ECU manages gear changes to provide intuitive response to the driver ’s
a c c e l e r a t i o n d e m a n d s . D o i n g s o a l l o w s g e a r c h a n g e s t o b e c a r r i e d o u t
instantaneously, providing a nearly uninterrupted flow of power. The engine speed
is computer controlled on upshifts and downshifts in order to ensure smooth clutch
engagement.
Naturally, shifting can be accomplished manually via the paddle shift switches.
However, shifting can also be performed automatically in AUTO mode. Switching to a
different driving mode using the driving mode selector switch or operating the paddle
shift switches will resume manual operation.
When in a manually shifted driving mode, the shift speeds may be tailored to the
driver’s preferences. Using the shift speed selector, the shift speed can be adjusted in
7 stages to a minimum shift time of approximately 0.15 seconds.

44
Steering
The driver’s steering inputs are conveyed by a large-diameter main shaft housed
within an aluminum alloy steering column, then through a joint made as straight as
possible onto the intermediate shaft. From here, inputs are mechanically transferred
to the wheels by an aluminum alloy monoblock steering gearbox. This efficient flow of
steering commands helps ensure a direct steering feel and precise wheel placement.
Joint Column assist type EPS
Aluminum alloy steering column
Intermediate shaft
Joint
Steering gearbox
The LFA’s power steering system features a column-assist type EPS (Electric Power
Steering) system. This computer-controlled system takes into account factors such
as vehicle speed, steering effort and steering rate in order to provide linear steering
feedback. Furthermore, the teeth of the reduction gear, a section of the motor
responsible for sending large amounts of torque to the main shaft, have been coated
with power grease to reduce torque fluctuations and provide smoother steering feel.