24 Hours of Nürburgring this weekend **Live updates by CL members and a live stream**
05-26-08, 10:46 PM
#47
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You're implying that since nothing is *officially* confirmed the production LF-A will be enough of a dramatic difference to render this speculation "silly", and that in itself is a silly notion.
Using common sense, the small amount of official information on the LF-A that we DO have from Toyota, and using consistently persistent rumours from Japan, then yes I stand by my speculation and I stand by the opinion that this race-spec LF-A was near-production stock, save for the temporary body and the race modifications that were necessary.
Toyota has *already* pretty much confirmed such things as the V10 engine, rear-mounted transmission, and also the carbon fiber torque tube. The rest of my speculation is supported by common sense, persistent rumours, and some general knowledge of supercars and mechanics.
If Toyota wanted to bring a RACE car to this event, they could have easily brought the Supra HV-R hybrid which likely would have done extremely well, but they did not.
The only meaningful reason to race the LF-A at this event was precisely to test the car in near-production specification.
Also, yes; in a 24 hour race, endurance matters more than performance, but both are important.
Last edited by TRDFantasy; 05-26-08 at 10:56 PM.
05-27-08, 07:24 AM
#48
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TRD, I'm done debating with you since you criticize anyone else's speculation as 'silly' yet you speculate constantly. 
05-27-08, 07:40 AM
#49
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Can you explain why you find my speculation 'silly'? Is it because you doubt the production car will be this serious and hardcore? Is it because you doubt that Toyota can go this far?
05-27-08, 09:38 AM
#50
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VERY interesting pics, from both Automobile Mag and Motor Authority.
A few things:
- V10 is confirmed pretty much
- the LF-A suspension system is not even CLOSE to ANY Lexus or Toyota production car ever built before.
- the suspension setup closely resembles that of a race car
- the rear end is F1-inspired, with at least some of the suspension links directly attached to the transmission.
- the underbody pic reveals more F1 inspiration, with the CF floorpan and aero fins.
- based on the engine bay pics, the car is definitely built on a space frame, likely aluminum but possibly using more exotic materials to keep weight super-low
- the engine is mounted very deep inside the engine bay, confirmed it's front mid-mounted.
- the engine heads do not look like they are of aluminum. The engine pics suggest rather exotic materials are being used.
- looking closely at the big mess of wiring and tubing in and around the engine, I predict the engine is a direct injection V10, with a dry sump lubrication system.
- on either side of the monster air intake setup, there are two tubes sticking straight up, that happen to correspond with the vents on the LF-A's hood.
- there is A LOT of chassis bracing in and around the car; vertical braces, horizontal braces, diagonal braces, you name it.
- there is a stark difference in the design philosophy of the LF-A compared to the GT-R.
Now, will the production LF-A be exactly the same as this race-spec unit was? Probably not, but expect it to be very similar and expect further refinements and improvements in a variety of areas.
My overall opinion of these new LF-A pics is one of surprise. The engine bay and underbody pics confirm that Toyota is dead serious about this project. IMHO, I've never seen such commitment from Toyota for a vehicle project since the 1st gen LS400, and we all know what a game changer that was.
A few things:
- V10 is confirmed pretty much
- the LF-A suspension system is not even CLOSE to ANY Lexus or Toyota production car ever built before.
- the suspension setup closely resembles that of a race car
- the rear end is F1-inspired, with at least some of the suspension links directly attached to the transmission.
- the underbody pic reveals more F1 inspiration, with the CF floorpan and aero fins.
- based on the engine bay pics, the car is definitely built on a space frame, likely aluminum but possibly using more exotic materials to keep weight super-low
- the engine is mounted very deep inside the engine bay, confirmed it's front mid-mounted.
- the engine heads do not look like they are of aluminum. The engine pics suggest rather exotic materials are being used.
- looking closely at the big mess of wiring and tubing in and around the engine, I predict the engine is a direct injection V10, with a dry sump lubrication system.
- on either side of the monster air intake setup, there are two tubes sticking straight up, that happen to correspond with the vents on the LF-A's hood.
- there is A LOT of chassis bracing in and around the car; vertical braces, horizontal braces, diagonal braces, you name it.
- there is a stark difference in the design philosophy of the LF-A compared to the GT-R.
Now, will the production LF-A be exactly the same as this race-spec unit was? Probably not, but expect it to be very similar and expect further refinements and improvements in a variety of areas.
My overall opinion of these new LF-A pics is one of surprise. The engine bay and underbody pics confirm that Toyota is dead serious about this project. IMHO, I've never seen such commitment from Toyota for a vehicle project since the 1st gen LS400, and we all know what a game changer that was.
"weight is the enemy" - Colin Chapman
05-27-08, 07:51 PM
#51
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Upon further observation, the two tubes sticking out on either side of the intake setup look to possibly be exhaust/inlet ducts. Such ducts would enhance combustion speed, and this would be similar to ducts used by the Ferrari Enzo's V12.
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