Why You Should Think Twice Before Altering the LFA’s Exhaust System

The Lexus LFA is widely regarded as one of the best-sounding vehicles ever produced. Its 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V-10 engine is complemented by an exhaust system crafted by Yamaha, meticulously designed to replicate the sound of Formula 1 cars powered by V-10 engines. Any alterations to this setup would likely diminish its unique auditory experience, as demonstrated in a recent video comparison.

YouTuber Supercar Ron opted to enhance his red LFA with a stylish set of BBS wheels and an unspecified aftermarket exhaust system. While the wheel upgrade is a welcome addition, it quickly became apparent that replacing Yamaha’s precisely engineered exhaust was a misstep. A TikTok video showcasing side-by-side clips of the original and modified exhausts highlights this point effectively.

Although the aftermarket exhaust is undeniably louder, it falls short of the sophistication of the original. The new system produces a harsher, more raspy sound compared to Yamaha’s polished pipes. Given the choice, the stock exhaust would always be the preferred option. In a YouTube video, Ron lamented, “It’s the worst mistake I’ve ever made with a car.”

After he shared the modified exhaust sound of his LFA on Instagram, the backlash was swift, with numerous comments criticizing his choice. One user remarked, “Absolutely ruined the sound,” while another stated, “Stock exhaust sounds much better.” A third comment read, “The one car that doesn’t need to be straight-piped.”

Ron reflected on his experience in the video’s description, noting, “Turns out when Toyota spends millions of dollars tuning an exhaust to perfection with Yamaha engineers, it’s not wise to discard that work.” He concluded by expressing his intent to restore the car to its original exhaust configuration, stating, “I have since made amends with the car community.”