Introduced in 2010, the Lexus LFA supercar remains a reference around the world for the distinctive sound of its V10 engine. To deliver a totally immersive experience, Lexus worked with Yamaha’s musical instrument division to design a unique system to radiate the sound of the engine throughout the vehicle’s interior. Here’s a look back at a landmark collaboration that illustrates the close connection between automobiles and acoustics.
Lexus x Yamaha, the genesis of the collaboration
When designing its LFA supercar, of which only 500 were produced worldwide, Lexus sought to develop a unique-sounding engine. To achieve an unprecedented result, the car manufacturer turned to Yamaha, a renowned specialist in high-fidelity sound. Together, they embarked on a 100% Japanese partnership, guided by the goal to achieve a unique level of excellence.
Founded in 1889, Yamaha benefits from over a century of acoustic expertise. Over time, the brand has diversified into hi-fi and home theater equipment, as well as motorcycles and musical instruments such as drums and pianos, for which it is the world leader. It is precisely with this branch of activity that Lexus decided to collaborate in order to develop a system capable of radiating the sound of its new engine into the passenger compartment of its flagship model, the Lexus LFA.
The car manufacturer turned to Yamaha to benefit from its expertise in acoustics and sound engineering. The objective: to create a sonic experience with the roar of the engine diffused throughout the car’s interior. This unique sound had to be powerful, but also harmonious and emotionally compelling. The result of this collaboration was a unique sound diffusion system that made the Lexus LFA sports car famous.
1LR-GUE engine: “the roar of an angel”.
Lexus and Yamaha joined forces to design a bespoke V10 engine, considered a true masterpiece of engineering. To achieve this, Yamaha used the intake system’s surge tank to generate and control sound vibrations. The design and configuration of the ridges on the tank were optimized to produce specific harmonics at different engine speeds, creating a rich, smooth sound at low revs, and a higher-pitched, more powerful sound at higher revs.
Harmonic management was applied to the rear titanium mufflers. They featured a valve structure to minimize or maximize exhaust sound. At high revs, all sound-absorbing chambers were bypassed, allowing the engine to unleash a shrill roar, reminiscent of Formula 1 cars. Three acoustically optimized channels directed intake and exhaust sound directly into the cabin. These channels allowed the driver to be enveloped in a mechanical symphony, enhancing the immersion of the driving experience.
That’s why the Lexus LFA’s chief engineer, Haruhiko Tanahashi, described the sound of the 1LR-GUE engine as “the roar of an angel”. This expression, as poetic and evocative, would be used by the brand’s marketing department to advertise the car.
Lexus LFA: key features
- V10 1LR-GUE engine
- Power: 560 hp
- Max. torque: 480 Nm
- Max speed: 325 km/h
- 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds
- Rev limiter: 9,500 rpm
- Weight-to-power ratio of 2.67 kg/hp
- Price: $375,000
To this day, the collaboration between Lexus and Yamaha remains of the most significant in automotive engineering. The two Japanese specialists contributed to the development of an exceptional engine, whose unique sound has been the ultimate reference for many enthusiasts for 15 years.
