Top Gear Season 14 Episode 7: Lexus LFA, SLS AMG and VXR Insignia Face Off
The final episode of Top Gear’s fourteenth series lines up the Lexus LFA, Mercedes SLS AMG and Vauxhall VXR Insignia for a supercar showdown, with challenges across continents.
Top Gear closed its fourteenth series with a heavyweight trio: the Lexus LFA, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and Vauxhall VXR Insignia all took to the track and road in Episode 7, which aired on 3 January 2010. The episode balanced high-end performance with a look at everyday usability, and included a global challenge for the BMW X6.
Lexus LFA: Limited-Run V10 Flagship
The Lexus LFA made one of its first major TV appearances on this episode. Lexus confirmed only 500 units would be produced worldwide, each hand-assembled at the Motomachi plant in Japan. The LFA’s 4.8-litre V10, coded 1LR-GUE, produces 552bhp at 8,700rpm and is paired with a six-speed automated sequential transmission. Lexus quoted a price near $350,000, with deliveries originally scheduled for 2012. The LFA’s carbon fibre construction and bespoke engineering marked Toyota’s most ambitious sports car project to date.
Mercedes SLS AMG: Gullwing Revival
Mercedes-Benz’s SLS AMG revived the classic gullwing concept with a modern aluminium spaceframe and a naturally aspirated 6.3-litre V8. The engine delivers 571hp and 650Nm, mounted in a front-mid position for improved weight distribution. The SLS uses a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission in a rear transaxle layout, and weighs 1,620kg. Dry sump lubrication and double wishbone suspension further underline its track credentials. The SLS AMG was AMG’s first ground-up model, setting the tone for later high-performance Mercedes models.
Vauxhall VXR Insignia: Britain’s Fastest Vauxhall
The VXR Insignia represented Vauxhall’s most powerful production car at the time. Its 2.8-litre V6 turbo ECOTEC engine produces 325PS and 435Nm, using a single twin-scroll turbocharger and variable valve control. The official 0-60mph time is 5.6 seconds, and top speed is limited to 155mph. The VXR Insignia aimed to combine everyday practicality with serious pace, targeting buyers seeking performance without the price tag of a supercar.
Challenges and Features
The episode’s main challenge compared the LFA, SLS AMG and VXR Insignia in terms of performance and liveability. The presenters also sent the BMW X6 to Australia, Barbados and Spain to determine which country best suited the controversial SUV. The show’s trademark blend of irreverence and technical scrutiny was on full display, with the cars tested on the track and in real-world conditions. Musical guest Seasick Steve appeared in the studio segment.
Context in Series 14
This episode capped a series that had already featured supercar road trips and SUV battles. The LFA’s inclusion was notable as the car was not yet available to buyers, while the SLS AMG and VXR Insignia represented fresh entries in their respective segments. For more on earlier episodes, see Top Gear Season 14 Episode 1and Episode 4’s SUV test.
