Late last year we received confirmation that the ultra-focused Lexus LFA is Australia-bound, and now comes even better news (at least for hardcore performance junkies) as the Japanese manufacturer has released the first pics and details of a tweaked 'Special Edition' model.

The uprated LFA was honed at the hallowed Nürburgring, and a host of upgrades have ostensibly sharpened its lap times, although the company hasn't announced any figures (unlike Nissan, which has a penchant for shouting the GT-R's 'Ring feats from rooftops).

Lexus boffins have reworked the 4.8-litre V10's exhaust system and remapped the ECU to lift power from the donor car's 413kW to 420kW, while a recalibrated transmission allegedly cuts shift times from 0.2secs to 0.15secs.

There's no mistaking it for a stocker, as the Special Edition scores a new front splitter and a larger fixed rear wing made from carbonfibre reinforced polymer (CFRP). Under-skin mods include a stiffer suspension system with increased adjustability and new lightweight alloys shod with sticky semi-slick tyres.

The colour palette is also unique to the Special Edition, which will be offered in a choice of four hues -- Black, Matte Black, Whitest White and Orange.

Lexus is yet to announce any details pertaining to pricing and build numbers, but it's bound to be small, given that just 500 examples of the standard LFA will be sold worldwide.

Meanwhile, Lexus has also released the first images of its race-prepped LFA that will be competing at the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race in May.

Two LFAs (entered by Gazoo racing) will vie for victory in the punishing twice-around-the-clock race, and Lexus says: "It will be the first time the production LFA is seen in full-blooded competition, taking on one of the world's most challenging circuits in a marathon test of speed, handling and durability.”

In two previous outings in the event, development versions of the LFA were raced primarily to help hone performance and handling. This time the LFA will line up as a prime contender in standard production car guise.

Led by Toyota master test driver Hiromu Naruse, the team will include four Japanese and three German drivers backed by extensive GT and endurance racing experience.

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