Here are the pictures...

Here are the pictures to prove that plans for the Lexus LF-A are still on track. Our spies caught the stunning supercar undergoing final testing before making its public debut later this month at the German Nurburgring 24 hour endurance race.

As you can see, the range-topping Lexus is running in virtually undisguised form beneath its matte black paintwork. At the front are distinctive swept back headlamps, together with vents cut into the bonnet to aid cooling of the front-mounted motor.

Look at the tail of Lexus, however, and it is clear to see that this is still a development model. Rough wire mesh covers the rear-mounted radiators, while small round lenses are used in place of the larger production lamp units.

Modifications for racing include the large rear spoiler, aerodynamic tweaks to the front bumper and an interior kitted out with a roll cage.

Elsewhere the car has been kept standard, as the Japanese giant wants to use the race to demonstrate the car’s performance and reliability.

This means that under the bonnet is a V10 engine that should produce around 500bhp. Performance will be scorching, with a top speed well in excess of 200mph.

Company bosses are remaining tight-lipped about the launch date of the LF-A. However, if the car runs well at the German endurance race on 24/25 May, then expect to see showroom ready examples in early 2009.