I just got dusted by a Lexus LF-A

[tbromley]

'Magazine Racing' aside, all the numbers one cares to quote in the world don't make this add up.
What these cars actually do allow to make sense is taking a competent and lightweight chassis (yes, NSX) and have LoveFab or other highly competent builder create a supercar based on that platform.....for pennies on the performance dollar.
No lame nanny systems, pedsetrian crash standards-based noses and flappy-paddle shifting to dilute the human-mechanical interface too :biggrin:

I like this post! Good for you! You see Shawn there are some women on here that do not adhere to "your" stereotypes". Otherwise I like Shawn's post too.

I also like the post - for 375k I'd add a wing on my house - that would be some big ass wing! Hell for that kind of money if you had a lot you could build yourself a huge house! You'd be surprised what 375k would buy you in a built house these days! Hell, you could buy yourself a 911 Turbo and have enough to build a smaller house! I am waiting to see how the LF-A does in a comparo test - kind of like the one with the GT-R against the vette and 911 turbo - the Porsche won! The LF-A is no Ferrari. Another no brainer I'm sad to say. I, for one, do not get this silly craze by the Japanese to build "the super car". Why don't they just build an NSX replacement or Supra replacement - not some silly 375k car that they'll only produce 500 of. Geez - the NSX made a whole lot more sense than this bs. I mean what kind of person will buy this thing. Someone that just has more money than sense and has to have the latest new super car of the week? Like buying a Veyron???? More power to em

 

[bfrank1972]

I love all the posts about 'value' and the LF-A. Not like any of you could buy one if you wanted to! People who buy these cars aren't going to ponder "should I buy a 911 Turbo and a small house, or an LF-A". They already have several BIG houses (maybe even with wings). Their teenage daughter drives a 911 Turbo. The have an Enzo already. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bugatti, eh now they want something a little different.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdxNz8CRH-4

I say kudos to Toyota for building such a car, it takes balls.

 

[Track Addict]

love the car, but for that kind of cash and a LEASING option, i'll pass.

bet the car sounds like secks though. :biggrin: c'mon lottery! lol

 

[gdae]

Nice. But I'll have to settle for an Aston Martin Cygnet.
:redface::biggrin:

 

[Jetpilot3]

I'm actually shocked we haven't seen any of these LF-A's in Dubai or Abu Dhabi yet...!

There are a ton of new 458's everywhere but no LF's.

 

[tbromley]

I love all the posts about 'value' and the LF-A. Not like any of you could buy one if you wanted to! People who buy these cars aren't going to ponder "should I buy a 911 Turbo and a small house, or an LF-A". They already have several BIG houses (maybe even with wings). Their teenage daughter drives a 911 Turbo. The have an Enzo already. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bugatti, eh now they want something a little different.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdxNz8CRH-4

I say kudos to Toyota for building such a car, it takes balls.

How right you are BFrank! Got me there! No doubt - they're the guys that say if you gotta ask how much - you can't afford it. Fugetaboudit. I'll go back to a post I sink my teeth into - this is just a pipe dream. I like that "come on lottery" post! That's my only hope.

 

[vh_supra26]

I only have one problem with the LF-A, its the same problem the GT-R has: obesity. For costing $375k and the body being carbon fiber, why on earth does it weigh nearly 3600 lbs? A Corvette doesn't even approach that weight and it costs just $45k. A GT-R minus its 4wd hardware would likely weigh no more than the LF-A either.

Um the LFA weights 3,200lbs

 

[WingZ]

Um the LFA weights 3,200lbs

That was estimated weight. If you check the mags they are indeed weighing in just a tad less than 36000lbs. Which is surprising and I honestly can't figure out where the weight is

 

[Honcho]

Geez - the NSX made a whole lot more sense than this bs. I mean what kind of person will buy this thing. Someone that just has more money than sense and has to have the latest new super car of the week? Like buying a Veyron???? More power to em

Honda would have continued selling the NSX beyond 2005 if not for the revised NTSA crash standards in 2006. It was chugging along at ~500 units a year. It's too bad they couldn't have gotten a limited exception from the government, considering it is such a low-volume model.

 

[enkrypt3d]

yea, I moved to Northern KY because of Delta and the hub in CVG and was too lazy to commute, especially as a reserve Captain. But now they are dismantling the hub. I am exactly 2-1/2 hr drive from Putnam Park in one direction and Mid Ohio the other. They built a brand new road course, exactly 12 miles S of me (one exit N of the KY Speedway) but it has never opened.

There are not a lot of exotics in the area with the exception of:

dude is this your garage?!

 

[Carguy!]

In the case of the Carrera GT, it wasn't fun to drive at all. It was scary fast and would try to kill you on every corner exit. I do have to say that the engine is absolutely superb though. Apparently, I'm not the only one who thinks this...

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I think either something was wrong with the car, you turned off the traction control, didn't wait for the tires to warm up or jumped on the throttle too hard when exiting the corners. I am not an expert driver by any means but your statement is far from the truth unless you are pushing the car 10/10th's. Just about any car you push that hard is going to bite you in the ass if you make the slightest mistake. I have drive a Supercharged NSX, Turbo NSX, and an F40 and I feel just as safe driving my CGT at 8/10th's. I have also driven an F430 that felt safer just because a computer was covering my butt.

Bottom line the CGT is no more dangerous than any 600+ hp mid engine car without computer assistance. The car is scary fast and if you don't respect it you can get in trouble very quickly, but that is just the nature of the beast. If you want to truly be scared try driving an Original 427 Shelby Cobra around a track!

I wouldn't trade my CGT for two LFA's!

 

[vh_supra26]

That was estimated weight. If you check the mags they are indeed weighing in just a tad less than 36000lbs. Which is surprising and I honestly can't figure out where the weight is

It said from 3,200 to 3,400 lbs

http://www.lexus-lfa.com/

 

[vh_supra26]

The LF-A is no Ferrari. Another no brainer I'm sad to say. I, for one, do not get this silly craze by the Japanese to build "the super car". Why don't they just build an NSX replacement or Supra replacement - not some silly 375k car that they'll only produce 500 of. Geez - the NSX made a whole lot more sense than this bs. I mean what kind of person will buy this thing. Someone that just has more money than sense and has to have the latest new super car of the week? Like buying a Veyron???? More power to em

They build it to show the world that they can make a super car. Pretty much sold out/leased out.

Guess you haven't heard of something called the FT-86 or better yet the FT-HS. Both are said to be here by 2011/2012.

 

[WingZ]

It said from 3,200 to 3,400 lbs

http://www.lexus-lfa.com/

Yeah and I was thinking it would be right there at the 3200 mark myself. If anyone picks up this months C&D they raved over it. They said "Supercar ..try more like WONDERCAR!" and "All the time your thinking Toyota and How"

What's really sweet is the car redlines at 9k but in sportmode goes all the way to 9200 before shifting

Never been a Toyo fan but they've done something amazing ... while Honda let us down.

This link was to their shortake in March

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/10q1/world_exclusive!_2012_lexus_lfa_tested-short_take_road_test

 

[vh_supra26]

Never been a Toyo fan but they've done something amazing ... while Honda let us down.

How can you not be a Toyota fan?

They gave the world this after all

 

[WingZ]

How can you not be a Toyota fan?

They gave the world this after all

Hmm thanks but doesn't really do anything to me. It took a long time for me to come around to Honda though so you never know.

I did love this one by them though:biggrin:

 

[vh_supra26]

That blasphemy lol

Heres the 400hp AWD MR-2 concept

The automotive world has seen a few performance-oriented hybrids already, the most recent being Honda's CR-Z, but so far not many, the Lexus GS hybrid aside, have built up much in the way of excitement. Gazoo Racing is looking to change that with the Toyota MR-2 Spyder-based GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept.

Rated at 392 horsepower and sporting all-wheel drive, the small and relatively light (2,860 pound) vehicle delivers what's sure to be scorching performance--4.5 seconds 0-60 mph according to some sources, though official acceleration and top speed figures haven't been released. Fuel efficiency is pretty snappy, too, at a claimed 71.3 mpg.

The Sports Hybrid Concept gets its power from a 3MZ-FE 3.3-liter Toyota V-6 engine that's rated around 225 horsepower in its production guises . The gasoline powered V-6 drives the rear wheels, while the electric motor hybrid powertrain drives the front to provide the all-wheel drive. Power is sent to the ground via an electronic CVT transmission with paddle shift.

The car was revealed last week at the Tokyo Auto Salon, and though the concept itself isn't headed to production--the MR-2 Spyder hasn't been built since 2005TK--it is said to indicate a possible future concept MR-2 drivetrain from Toyota itself. The company does have some history producing high-powered hybrids, including the aforementioned Lexus GS hybrid and the Lexus LS hybrid, though the hybrid drivetrains in those systems don't contribute nearly as much to overall output as the Sports Hybrid Concept from Gazoo.

We'll keep you updated on any future developments of the car, but until then, you can see the car in action and imagine what it would be like to drive the little roadster in the video below.

© 2006-2009 MotorAuthority. All Rights Reserved.

http://www.motorauthority.com/blog/...ents-toyota-mr-2-spyder-sports-hybrid-concept

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hxg6oKRehLQ&feature=player_embedded

 

[996garage]

That 2000GT was Toyota's way of showing the world that they could produce a sports car equivalent if not better than the Ferrari in the late 1960's, at the same time being less expensive and more reliable.

Honda did it as well with the NSX in 1990, and now Toyota/Lexus is doing it again with the LF-A. Hopefully Honda won't wait too long to do it again...

Considering they only built around 351 2000GT's, I would imagine the LF-A will eventually be just as prized as the 2000GT's are today.

 

[tbromley]

Well now this I believe is an answer we couldn't have dreamed we'd get to that silly post about how scary one of the greatest cars ever designed and put into production the CGT - THE dream car on my list -and will stay on my dream list cause I'll never be able to afford one.

Thanks Carguy for answering this - I had nothing to back up my small criticism of the post but obviously you do. Obviously not only have you "driven one" but you own one and have driven it many times. I would buy this statement a WHOLE lot more than our other prime members small sampling.

Man would I love to ride in that car - I've been in love with it since it came out and I surely love the sound of the car! Have you ever driven the LF-A? I would love to hear someones opinion that has driven both.

Thank you! Happy trails....

I think either something was wrong with the car, you turned off the traction control, didn't wait for the tires to warm up or jumped on the throttle too hard when exiting the corners. I am not an expert driver by any means but your statement is far from the truth unless you are pushing the car 10/10th's. Just about any car you push that hard is going to bite you in the ass if you make the slightest mistake. I have drive a Supercharged NSX, Turbo NSX, and an F40 and I feel just as safe driving my CGT at 8/10th's. I have also driven an F430 that felt safer just because a computer was covering my butt.

Bottom line the CGT is no more dangerous than any 600+ hp mid engine car without computer assistance. The car is scary fast and if you don't respect it you can get in trouble very quickly, but that is just the nature of the beast. If you want to truly be scared try driving an Original 427 Shelby Cobra around a track!

I wouldn't trade my CGT for two LFA's!

 

[rbilder]

You can't even buy the car; you can only lease it. The monthly lease payment on the Lexus LFA is $12.398.44 for 24 months. That's $297,562.56 worth of lease payments over two years.

However, Lexus is quick to point out that the LFA's MSRP is $375,000, so you're technically not paying full price. At the end of 24 months, lessees are free to plunk down an additional $93,750 and buy their LFA outright.

So is this one of those "Sign and drive leases" I see advertised?

I suspect they want something down $$$

Has anybody checked to see what full coverage insurance is for on such a beast?

I KNOW, IF YOU HAVE TO ASK YOU CAN"T AFFORD IT!

Which pretty much tells you what side of the fence I'm on... and I'm saying doubt I could make the insurance payment. Let alone the hit on depreciation...

This is a fun thread....

 

[TURBO2GO]

dude is this your garage?!

That's carguy's garage. He has quite a nice collection of cars.

 

[WingZ]

I wouldn't trade my CGT for two LFA's!

What's really funny to me and Carguy I know your old enough to remember is that what your saying was very commonly said about the NSX when it debuted.

With the exception of the comments on leasing and paddle shifters all these complaints and diatribes were made about the NSX. So here is history repeating 20 years later on the forum of a car people had/have which suffered the same rhetoric.

 

[Carguy!]

What's really funny to me and Carguy I know your old enough to remember is that what your saying was very commonly said about the NSX when it debuted.

With the exception of the comments on leasing and paddle shifters all these complaints and diatribes were made about the NSX. So here is history repeating 20 years later on the forum of a car people had/have which suffered the same rhetoric.

When the NSX came out I thought it was beautiful and wanted one with a passion! In my opinion the NSX has classic styling that will never go out of style. When it was released I wasn't able to buy a 6K car let alone a 60K car so it was only a dream to me. What I remember reading about the car was it was too good, a lot of people wanted a more visceral feel to the car.

I made my comment about not trading my CGT for two LFA's because I think the car is average looking, it weighs a lot more than the CGT, has less horsepower and you can't take the top off. I don't think the LFA is going to be a car that is going to be sought after in twenty years and I am sure the CGT will be collectible because it has a timeless design. When I was a kid I wanted a Lamborghini Countach and later a Ferrari Testarossa. Now I think both of these cars look dated and their overall design doesn't hold up.

I have never driven a LFA but I am sure it will be a great driving car, I just would never want to own one.

 

[vh_supra26]

I don't think the LFA is going to be a car that is going to be sought after in twenty years and I am sure the CGT will be collectible because it has a timeless design. When I was a kid I wanted a Lamborghini Countach and later a Ferrari Testarossa. Now I think both of these cars look dated and their overall design doesn't hold up.

I have never driven a LFA but I am sure it will be a great driving car, I just would never want to own one.

Well beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I don't know about that. Only 500 units world wide will be made. Also, they are all spoken for.

The LFA also looks way better in person; photos don't do it justice.

 

[WingZ]

When the NSX came out I thought it was beautiful and wanted one with a passion! In my opinion the NSX has classic styling that will never go out of style. When it was released I wasn't able to buy a 6K car let alone a 60K car so it was only a dream to me. What I remember reading about the car was it was too good, a lot of people wanted a more visceral feel to the car.

I made my comment about not trading my CGT for two LFA's because I think the car is average looking, it weighs a lot more than the CGT, has less horsepower and you can't take the top off. I don't think the LFA is going to be a car that is going to be sought after in twenty years and I am sure the CGT will be collectible because it has a timeless design. When I was a kid I wanted a Lamborghini Countach and later a Ferrari Testarossa. Now I think both of these cars look dated and their overall design doesn't hold up.

I have never driven a LFA but I am sure it will be a great driving car, I just would never want to own one.

Have to disagree as this is the most technologically advanced Japanese sport car at this point ever made. Because of the low build it will be extremely rare.

Even with less hp and more weight the CGT can't match the LFA on the track or on the ring. Even its wet lap time on Topgear was faster than the CGTs dry time. The LFA is the superior performer but as you say you can't go topless oh wait see attached pic:biggrin:

Plus in comparison to the CGT the LFA is a a discount. Well it is ..lol

If and when you do get a chance to drive one you have to let us all know. As I don't think we'll see any "Traded the NSX for an LFA threads"

Well beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I don't know about that. Only 500 units world wide will be made. Also, they are all spoken for.

The LFA also looks way better in person; photos don't do it justice.

I agree it looks much better in person but it's the sound that just boils the blood. Carguys CGT is the same. To hear it is to love it.