Just received Autoweek for June 9, 2008 with Nurburgring 24 writeup.

"The stealth-black, carbon-reinforced-plastic-bodied LF-A prototype was fast - when it ran. This version of the rear-drive, front-engine car that's headed to production soon had a normally aspirated 4.8-liter V10 and a six speed paddle-shift transmission. The radiators are at the rear for better weight balance. Toyota claims that the car is closer to the production model than the previous concept cars and that its entry was for testing development and a training exercise for young mechanics. The latter had plenty to do, solving various leaks attributed to the transmission-oil cooler lines. The car also ran out of fuel once and required a brake change. It finished 121st."

At least some information on race problems although no mention of the crash that broke the cover over the left-rear radiator. 24 hour races are an amazing test of endurance, hence the name.

 

The crash happened during preliminaries I believe.

 

Interesting details...hopefully future races will see improvement! As mentioned earlier, there was a preliminary race in which the LF-A won its category.

 

That is absolutely true with CF cars. It's in the owner's manual.

 

Hehe..do you allow mere mortals to touch your Lambo?

 

Yes, but carbon nanotubes are pretty good conductors of electricity. Usually results in electrocution. YMMV.

 

Man, if that thing actually had carbon nanotubes, that would probably be the most expensive car ever

 

Here's a rare pic of the early version of the LF-A undergoing testing at the Portland International Raceway in 1969. Note the taped headlights & fat tires. It appears that they are also trying out Koni shocks in attempt to control the understeer.

 

When did we first start hearing about a Lexus super sports car? If feel like it was at least 4 years ago.

 

About the summer/fall of 04 was when the 1st spy pics of the LF-A was spotted on the ring

 

Late 04, but at the time it was thought to be the alleged replacement to the Supra aka Toyota TXS.

Lexus never said anything till '05 when they presented the concept, in fact, they didn't even acknowledge at the time that it would be built.

 

Development time is on par with the GT-R and NSX which were shown years before this. Also we always knew a new GT-R or NSX were coming...no one thought a LF-A was coming...hell neither an IS-F!

 

i didnt take time to read all the 100+ pages of posts, but for some to say that this is a mistake is understandable.. but here it is, Toyota/Lexus is showing what it can do, they are showing that although they are known for being the luxurious and reliable, and as some say, 'boring' car company, they have achieved unbelievable technology and ability, and are able to compete with any supercar on the market. Will this car sell like a ferrari? no, will it sell like a camry? no, but it is a HUGE step for toyota/lexus. Why do people hate when a company puts its all into a performance car? i'm not going to buy one, i dont have 150k to put down on a car, and very few do. but to see that a company who has always had a reputation as a safe, reliable car, can create such a beast is quite an accomplishment. I applaud lexus and toyota for designing and creating such an amazing machine, and others should too. Whether the car sells or not, it shows what Toyota can do.

as for the debate over carbon fiber safety.. from what i understand, cf shatters upon impact, which absorbs most of the energy... those F1 cars that get into accidents at speeds in excess of 100mph become unrecognizable, and then the driver hops out and walks to the side of the track...

 

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/News/Se...tor-show-2008/
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As per autospies.com, the Toyota Co. announced earlier today that due to not hitting target performance figures, the LF-A will now be pushed back to at least late 2010 or ealry 2011. This is total B.S....my patientce has grown thin for this car. I will be asking for my deposit back from the dealer. Good luck to all who continue to stick it out.