C&D Lightning Lap 2013 results
#47
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (1)
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
But logical or not, if there is some reason other than "no one else has one" and/or "I'll look cool/rich" that someone wants to buy an LFA or a $800K Porsche, I don't think I've heard it. Goes back to the whole exclusivity/pedigree thing. EDIT: I suppose some people may think some of them just look REALLY, REALLY COOL or something... which is at least a little better.
Anyways, it's whatevs. We're not gonna agree on this.
Last edited by RocketGuy3; 01-05-13 at 12:42 PM.
#48
Guest
Posts: n/a
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
![Stick Out Tongue](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, it is nowhere remotely close to the law of diminishing returns. The IS350 offers a significant amount more luxury and/or speed than any car that is a significant amount cheaper (comparing new cars at the time of purchase).
Obviously there is some amount of subjectivity that goes into just about any purchase like that. You gotta ultimately buy what you think will make you happy... but if you really believe that logic shouldn't enter into the equation when buying an expensive car... Well we're not going to see eye-to-eye on much.
But logical or not, if there is some reason other than "no one else has one" and/or "I'll look cool/rich" that someone wants to buy an LFA or a $800K Porsche, I don't think I've heard it. Goes back to the whole exclusivity/pedigree thing. EDIT: I suppose some people may think some of them just look REALLY, REALLY COOL or something... which is at least a little better.
Anyways, it's whatevs. We're not gonna agree on this.
Obviously there is some amount of subjectivity that goes into just about any purchase like that. You gotta ultimately buy what you think will make you happy... but if you really believe that logic shouldn't enter into the equation when buying an expensive car... Well we're not going to see eye-to-eye on much.
But logical or not, if there is some reason other than "no one else has one" and/or "I'll look cool/rich" that someone wants to buy an LFA or a $800K Porsche, I don't think I've heard it. Goes back to the whole exclusivity/pedigree thing. EDIT: I suppose some people may think some of them just look REALLY, REALLY COOL or something... which is at least a little better.
Anyways, it's whatevs. We're not gonna agree on this.
The 458 is worth the $$$$ on looks alone.
![Woot](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/woot.gif)
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
#49
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (1)
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
As I said, I think many of these cars are just exercises of excess, overindulgence, and over-engineering. I was trying to avoid taking it this far, but... as hippieish as it may sound, and as much as I'm sure people here will hate me for saying it, it's my opinion that their mere existence exemplifies a good chunk of what is wrong with humanity. Not claiming to be free of some materialistic desires myself, and I know it's difficult to say where the line is drawn, but I think a $400K performance car (especially one that's slower than a $100K car) is past that line by any reasonable definition.
... They're fun to race in Forza, though.
#50
Guest
Posts: n/a
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I know it's not all about the numbers, brobot, and I know they buy what they want (who doesn't buy what they want?). That's my point. It's about fluff. People buy them when they literally have more money than they know what to do with. I think it's silly to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on something just because you think it's pretty to look at, too, especially when it doesn't do the job it was designed to do as well as it should do it.
As I said, I think many of these cars are just exercises of excess, overindulgence, and over-engineering. I was trying to avoid taking it this far, but... as hippieish as it may sound, and as much as I'm sure people here will hate me for saying it, it's my opinion that their mere existence exemplifies a good chunk of what is wrong with humanity. Not claiming to be free of some materialistic desires myself, and I know it's difficult to say where the line is drawn, but I think a $400K performance car (especially one that's slower than a $100K car) is past that line by any reasonable definition.
... They're fun to race in Forza, though.
As I said, I think many of these cars are just exercises of excess, overindulgence, and over-engineering. I was trying to avoid taking it this far, but... as hippieish as it may sound, and as much as I'm sure people here will hate me for saying it, it's my opinion that their mere existence exemplifies a good chunk of what is wrong with humanity. Not claiming to be free of some materialistic desires myself, and I know it's difficult to say where the line is drawn, but I think a $400K performance car (especially one that's slower than a $100K car) is past that line by any reasonable definition.
... They're fun to race in Forza, though.
![Big Grin](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
#51
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
![Stick Out Tongue](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
as hippieish as it may sound, and as much as I'm sure people here will hate me for saying it, it's my opinion that their mere existence exemplifies a good chunk of what is wrong with humanity.
![Roll Eyes (Sarcastic)](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif)
I think a $400K performance car (especially one that's slower than a $100K car) is past that line by any reasonable definition.
![Stick Out Tongue](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
#52
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (2)
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
As I said, I think many of these cars are just exercises of excess, overindulgence, and over-engineering. I was trying to avoid taking it this far, but... as hippieish as it may sound, and as much as I'm sure people here will hate me for saying it, it's my opinion that their mere existence exemplifies a good chunk of what is wrong with humanity. Not claiming to be free of some materialistic desires myself, and I know it's difficult to say where the line is drawn, but I think a $400K performance car (especially one that's slower than a $100K car) is past that line by any reasonable definition.
Sure, people have said that about the LFA as well, then they drove it and understood why they were inherently wrong.
#54
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
This is a cumulative list. They don't test every car every year. They only test new cars or existing models for which substantial changes have been made. For example, 2008 IS F tested in 2008 (3:14.0) but not tested again until 2011 (3:05.4) after substantial updates.
Here is the list through 2012.
I cannot find (yet) a list that includes the 2013 tests listed at the top of this thread with the historic list at the link.
LFA at 2:55.1 was beat by the Ferrari 458 in 2013 and also by 11 other cars previously tested.
Some examples from the total list:
2008 Viper SRT10 ACR (2:48.6)
2012 ZR1 (2:50.7)
2007 Z06 (2:58.2)
2011 CTS-V (3:04.2
I think this LL test is a pretty unbiased way to compare performance (and nothing else) but still includes driver skill and tweaked-vs.-stock as variables.
Not sure C&D should allow Ferrari engineers to "help" with the test. Also, C&D should attempt to enforce testing of stock (unmodified or untweaked) cars somehow. Not sure how they account for variations in driver skills. Even one driver in one car will vary from day to day.
But with those exceptions, this still seems like a pretty unbiased comparison method.
Here is the list through 2012.
I cannot find (yet) a list that includes the 2013 tests listed at the top of this thread with the historic list at the link.
LFA at 2:55.1 was beat by the Ferrari 458 in 2013 and also by 11 other cars previously tested.
Some examples from the total list:
2008 Viper SRT10 ACR (2:48.6)
2012 ZR1 (2:50.7)
2007 Z06 (2:58.2)
2011 CTS-V (3:04.2
I think this LL test is a pretty unbiased way to compare performance (and nothing else) but still includes driver skill and tweaked-vs.-stock as variables.
Not sure C&D should allow Ferrari engineers to "help" with the test. Also, C&D should attempt to enforce testing of stock (unmodified or untweaked) cars somehow. Not sure how they account for variations in driver skills. Even one driver in one car will vary from day to day.
But with those exceptions, this still seems like a pretty unbiased comparison method.
#55
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
This is a cumulative list. They don't test every car every year. They only test new cars or existing models for which substantial changes have been made. For example, 2008 IS F tested in 2008 (3:14.0) but not tested again until 2011 (3:05.4) after substantial updates.
Here is the list through 2012.
I cannot find (yet) a list that includes the 2013 tests listed at the top of this thread with the historic list at the link.
LFA at 2:55.1 was beat by the Ferrari 458 in 2013 and also by 11 other cars previously tested.
Some examples from the total list:
2008 Viper SRT10 ACR (2:48.6)
2012 ZR1 (2:50.7)
2007 Z06 (2:58.2)
2011 CTS-V (3:04.2
I think this LL test is a pretty unbiased way to compare performance (and nothing else) but still includes driver skill and tweaked-vs.-stock as variables.
Not sure C&D should allow Ferrari engineers to "help" with the test. Also, C&D should attempt to enforce testing of stock (unmodified or untweaked) cars somehow. Not sure how they account for variations in driver skills. Even one driver in one car will vary from day to day.
But with those exceptions, this still seems like a pretty unbiased comparison method.
Here is the list through 2012.
I cannot find (yet) a list that includes the 2013 tests listed at the top of this thread with the historic list at the link.
LFA at 2:55.1 was beat by the Ferrari 458 in 2013 and also by 11 other cars previously tested.
Some examples from the total list:
2008 Viper SRT10 ACR (2:48.6)
2012 ZR1 (2:50.7)
2007 Z06 (2:58.2)
2011 CTS-V (3:04.2
I think this LL test is a pretty unbiased way to compare performance (and nothing else) but still includes driver skill and tweaked-vs.-stock as variables.
Not sure C&D should allow Ferrari engineers to "help" with the test. Also, C&D should attempt to enforce testing of stock (unmodified or untweaked) cars somehow. Not sure how they account for variations in driver skills. Even one driver in one car will vary from day to day.
But with those exceptions, this still seems like a pretty unbiased comparison method.
#56
Lexus Fanatic
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: A better place
Posts: 7,285
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Yes, the fact that it was a 458 specially "tuned" by Ferrari engineers there just for that track automatically invalidates the results. Ferrari basically cheated. Now the cynics of course will ask well any other manufacturer could have done the same thing. No, other manufacturers don't engage in that kind of nonsense, because it is cheating the comparison, and is highly misleading. The Italians though are well experienced and versed in the art of being misleading of course.
That, plus the fact that the 458 was driven to the limit, and the LFA was not. Also the 458 had EVERY possible available factory performance option installed, where as the LFA was a customer car which did not have every available factory performance/weight reduction option.
Too many differences and variances in this test to even consider the 458 vs LFA comparison here credible.
Let's not forget, at almost every other track, the LFA has been faster than the 458.
That, plus the fact that the 458 was driven to the limit, and the LFA was not. Also the 458 had EVERY possible available factory performance option installed, where as the LFA was a customer car which did not have every available factory performance/weight reduction option.
Too many differences and variances in this test to even consider the 458 vs LFA comparison here credible.
Let's not forget, at almost every other track, the LFA has been faster than the 458.
#57
Pole Position
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Of course part of the reason I'd (not saying I'd get one but more as an example or generality) a 458, is for the driving experience. One thing about a Ferrari or Porsche is the driving spirit. Sure they are technology laden but still some of the most pure road going cars built to follow their origins tread marks ![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Even Jay Leno, who has driven almost every supercar in existence, was impressed by the LFA's "driving spirit".
#58
Tech Info Resource
![](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/ranks/rank-smod2.gif)
iTrader: (2)
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I'd still buy the Mosler MT900S over any of the other cars if I wanted a fast lap at VIR. Beats everything and no excuses are required. Mosler has also won One Lap every time they showed up. It's really unfortunate Mosler can get their car street legal weighing in at 2450 lbs without fuel, and the lightest LFA is 3200+ despite everything Toyota/Lexus did to make it light.
And back on topic - the thread is about the Lightning Lap. It's not about luxury, exclusiveness, why people spend money on cars, or anything else. It's just about getting around VIR as quickly as possible with the drivers C&D brought to the track in cars provided by the manufacturers. FWIW, Ferrari will not allow their cars to be run without "cheating" because they will not let anyone do a showroom floor test of their machinery and publish the results.
And back on topic - the thread is about the Lightning Lap. It's not about luxury, exclusiveness, why people spend money on cars, or anything else. It's just about getting around VIR as quickly as possible with the drivers C&D brought to the track in cars provided by the manufacturers. FWIW, Ferrari will not allow their cars to be run without "cheating" because they will not let anyone do a showroom floor test of their machinery and publish the results.
#60
Lexus Test Driver
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I think both the LFA and the Porsche are "meh" for that reason. I think they're cool from an engineering and/or car enthusiast standpoint, but they're honestly not cars I would ever buy, no matter how much money I had.
I don't know why you bring up a turbo Civic, though. I wasn't even thinking about mods. Factory performance >>> aftermarket performance, IMO, but even stock for stock, you can get 95% (to even 100%) of the performance by almost any objective measure for 10-20% of the price with some of these exotics. Sure, an LFA or a Porsche may have better interiors or build quality, but it's not like you're going to be driving either very much, let alone taking your family, friends, or clients on any long trips. And I'm sorry, but the desire for "exclusivity" is a shallow reason to buy them IMO.
I don't know why you bring up a turbo Civic, though. I wasn't even thinking about mods. Factory performance >>> aftermarket performance, IMO, but even stock for stock, you can get 95% (to even 100%) of the performance by almost any objective measure for 10-20% of the price with some of these exotics. Sure, an LFA or a Porsche may have better interiors or build quality, but it's not like you're going to be driving either very much, let alone taking your family, friends, or clients on any long trips. And I'm sorry, but the desire for "exclusivity" is a shallow reason to buy them IMO.
If you look purely at price and performance and want to factor in diminishing returns, then even a $20 meal might seem "indulgent" or "excessive" compared to what you could get for your "10-20%" of the cost, and I'm sure someone, somewhere actually feels that way. But imagine if we were on a food enthusiast forum, where people were concerned more with the flavor, quality, and experience of the food and likely couldn't care less about how much calories/$ that food provided, and someone posted about every $20 meal being "indulgent" or "excessive"? I think most of us would at the very least be dismissive of such commentary because of the context of the forum. Yet nevertheless somehow this type of inane drivel comes up again and again in discussion on cars - and that really demonstrates the lack of perspective most people have on the subject.
BTW, a short comment on the first part of your post: If you think something is cool and you can afford it, you really should consider buying it - even if only for the reason that if people don't buy cool things, then people won't make cool things.
Last edited by gengar; 01-10-13 at 08:17 AM.