Lexus LF-A

It's the final countdown! The long-awaited Lexus LF-A has been caught by our spies undergoing the last stages of testing before its release next year.

These latest shots show the LF-A in near production guise with only some mildly camouflaged lights left to the imagination.

Reports suggest that under the bonnet will be a 5.0-litre V10 that delivers around 550hp and allows a top speed of around 218mph.

Bragging performance figures like these means that the new car will have serious performance machines such as the Ferrari Enzo, Pagani Zonda F and Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 firmly in its sights.

Just 500 cars will be built, and options will includes a high performance sports package version boasting a wider body and beefed up aeroparts similar to those seen on the racing version of the car that took part in the Nurburgring 24 hour race earlier this year.

Prices for flagship versions are expected reach £190,000.