I had a chance to get up close and personal with a new Lexus LFA a couple of days ago, and can report back that its detailing is even more stunning  than it appears in pictures, or even than when hoisted on a car show pedestal, as it was when we first locked high-beams on one another at the LA Car Show. But those looks are nothing compared to how it sounds.

This particular car had arrived fresh from Toyota City on Tuesday, naked but for its carbon fiber skin. Within a day, the artists at B.A.D. Company in Sun Valley had hidden its shame beneath a fresh coat of cream that looks good enough to eat. . . or drive the crap out of.

The 72° 4.8-litre V10 underneath that be-slotted hood claims 550 horses as its own, and can push the car to sixty in a tick over three and a half seconds. One goal Toyota had with this motor was to make it sound like an F1 racer, and on that count they have succeeded spectacularly.

[vimeo]http://www.vimeo.com/11232610[/vimeo]

Sadly I wasn’t able to finagle any seat time in the LFA, but now that I know where they prowl, I’ll keep working on it.

Two scoops in every bowl of Lexus Bran!

Different eras, same desires.

That’s $187,500 per seat. Plus tax.

Lexus won’t sell you an LFA, but they will be offering the 150 designated U.S. cars for two-year leases. At $375,000 a pop, that’s probably wise as it prevents speculation. What becomes of them after the two years are up is anybody’s guess, but if anyone happens to get one on lease and wants to let me drive it, I’m just saying. . .

Muchas thanks to B.A.D. Company for their generous hospitality.