Official LF-A(II) thread (Will debut at Tokyo Auto Show, Lexus details Oct 20th, 8pm)
08-15-08, 01:13 PM
#1576
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That would get a reaction.Other than that, it will be oh, yeah, they finally launched it.
As for the IS-F, it was a skunk works project that from what I can see is another of Lexus "let's test the waters" projects, like the half-hearted, tepid, "L-Tuned" program was. The IS-F is obviously a serious piece of engineering, but maybe they should have named it the IS-stealth cuz almost no one knows of its existence.
08-15-08, 02:27 PM
#1577
Pole Position
There can be nothing 'sudden and unpredicted' about the LF-A's debut, unless it were in the next few weeks. That would get a reaction.
Other than that, it will be oh, yeah, they finally launched it.
As for the IS-F, it was a skunk works project that from what I can see is another of Lexus "let's test the waters" projects, like the half-hearted, tepid, "L-Tuned" program was. The IS-F is obviously a serious piece of engineering, but maybe they should have named it the IS-stealth cuz almost no one knows of its existence.
That would get a reaction.Other than that, it will be oh, yeah, they finally launched it.
As for the IS-F, it was a skunk works project that from what I can see is another of Lexus "let's test the waters" projects, like the half-hearted, tepid, "L-Tuned" program was. The IS-F is obviously a serious piece of engineering, but maybe they should have named it the IS-stealth cuz almost no one knows of its existence.
08-15-08, 06:40 PM
#1578
I'm curious why ya'll are bagging on the LF-A speculative release dates so much...remember how long the GT-R cycle time was from R34 to now? And now look at the NSX and all it's iterations.....Talk about overdoing it! I won't even get into how many times the Supra was gonig to be released in coming years....:X
08-16-08, 06:15 AM
#1579
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In the early 80's the Toyota Celica Supra (a stretched Celica) came out with an inline 6 with fuel injection. Later it was just a Toyota Supra always had a inline 6 then a turbo was added. supra was just dropped not that long ago.
08-18-08, 07:51 PM
#1582
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Now maybe there is hope yet I just read this on Yahoo.com this is from Road and Track. 
http://autos.yahoo.com/auto-shows/de...s-LF-A-Concept
Lexus LF-A Concept
By Sam Mitani
provided by:
The Lexus supercar, version 2
We've known for a couple of years that Lexus was working on a super sports car, one that would possess Ferrari-like performance and celebrate Toyota's involvement in Formula 1...but we didn't know that it was going to look like this. Unlike the model that made its debut at the North American International Auto Show two years ago, the latest version of the exotic LF-A Concept is definitely a head-turner. And judging by its stunning appearance at this year's Detroit show, the car is virtually production-ready.
The LF-A's front end has been thoroughly reworked, now sporting a face that's far from beautiful, but strong and aggressive, a testament to its performance character. The rear end has stayed relatively unchanged, highlighted by slim taillights at the corners, draped by large square mesh openings. The car's dimensions are 175.6 in., 74.6 and 48.0; overall length, width and height. Wheelbase is 102.3 in. Of note are the massive tires, 265/30R-20s up front and 305/30R-20s at the rear.
Lexus LF-A
Our first impression of the car's cockpit? The clean and attractive interior layout is a study in form following function, luxury blending with sport. High-grade leather is virtually everywhere, with the dashboard and center console presented in a straightforward yet elegant manner. The leather/carbon-fiber-trimmed steering wheel and racing-style bucket seats tell you that this is a driver's car. There are two pedals on the floor, suggesting that the Lexus supercar will be equipped with a manual-based automatic transmission, perhaps a double-clutch type like Audi's DSG.
As for the engine, we hear that Toyota engineers have been considering a 5.0- liter V-10 that will produce around 550 bhp. There are reports, however, that they are currently testing a 4.8-liter version that may also make its way into the GS sedan, giving Lexus a rival for the BMW M5. Logic dictates that if the company is going to produce two V-10-powered cars, they should share the same block. Chances are that the LF-A's engine will be bored to 5.0 liters (or maybe more). This engine is not to be confused with the 5.0-liter V-8 that will be going into the IS-F.
The launch date of the future Lexus is sometime in 2009, which Toyota hopes will coincide with the company's first Grand Prix victory (although some predict that its first win will come sooner). A Toyota source who wished to remain anonymous said: "Because there are probably two more years until the car makes its debut, the styling of this car may change yet again. We at Toyota believe that it's paramount that everything is right with this car. There's no room for failure."
The name of the car? Our sources in Japan have referred to it as the GT 500, but with the hotted-up version of the Ford Mustang already claiming that designation here in the States, it'll likely go by something else. Insiders say that the letter "F" will be part of the final moniker (as evidenced on the front fender of this show car). Lexus has used this letter to internally designate all its products, and has recently announced F will be part of the official name for all of the company's high-performance cars. Look for something like GT-F or F 500 when the final version comes out.
With constant testing and development of the car - much of it at the famed Nürburgring - Toyota is spending boatloads of cash in an attempt to make this the world's best sports/GT car. This, in turn, will have an effect on the final price, which we hear may be as much as $175,000. But judging by what we've learned so far, it should be worth every penny.
MORE AT ROAD & TRACK
http://autos.yahoo.com/auto-shows/de...s-LF-A-Concept
Lexus LF-A Concept
By Sam Mitani
provided by:
The Lexus supercar, version 2
We've known for a couple of years that Lexus was working on a super sports car, one that would possess Ferrari-like performance and celebrate Toyota's involvement in Formula 1...but we didn't know that it was going to look like this. Unlike the model that made its debut at the North American International Auto Show two years ago, the latest version of the exotic LF-A Concept is definitely a head-turner. And judging by its stunning appearance at this year's Detroit show, the car is virtually production-ready.
The LF-A's front end has been thoroughly reworked, now sporting a face that's far from beautiful, but strong and aggressive, a testament to its performance character. The rear end has stayed relatively unchanged, highlighted by slim taillights at the corners, draped by large square mesh openings. The car's dimensions are 175.6 in., 74.6 and 48.0; overall length, width and height. Wheelbase is 102.3 in. Of note are the massive tires, 265/30R-20s up front and 305/30R-20s at the rear.
Lexus LF-A
Our first impression of the car's cockpit? The clean and attractive interior layout is a study in form following function, luxury blending with sport. High-grade leather is virtually everywhere, with the dashboard and center console presented in a straightforward yet elegant manner. The leather/carbon-fiber-trimmed steering wheel and racing-style bucket seats tell you that this is a driver's car. There are two pedals on the floor, suggesting that the Lexus supercar will be equipped with a manual-based automatic transmission, perhaps a double-clutch type like Audi's DSG.
As for the engine, we hear that Toyota engineers have been considering a 5.0- liter V-10 that will produce around 550 bhp. There are reports, however, that they are currently testing a 4.8-liter version that may also make its way into the GS sedan, giving Lexus a rival for the BMW M5. Logic dictates that if the company is going to produce two V-10-powered cars, they should share the same block. Chances are that the LF-A's engine will be bored to 5.0 liters (or maybe more). This engine is not to be confused with the 5.0-liter V-8 that will be going into the IS-F.
The launch date of the future Lexus is sometime in 2009, which Toyota hopes will coincide with the company's first Grand Prix victory (although some predict that its first win will come sooner). A Toyota source who wished to remain anonymous said: "Because there are probably two more years until the car makes its debut, the styling of this car may change yet again. We at Toyota believe that it's paramount that everything is right with this car. There's no room for failure."
The name of the car? Our sources in Japan have referred to it as the GT 500, but with the hotted-up version of the Ford Mustang already claiming that designation here in the States, it'll likely go by something else. Insiders say that the letter "F" will be part of the final moniker (as evidenced on the front fender of this show car). Lexus has used this letter to internally designate all its products, and has recently announced F will be part of the official name for all of the company's high-performance cars. Look for something like GT-F or F 500 when the final version comes out.
With constant testing and development of the car - much of it at the famed Nürburgring - Toyota is spending boatloads of cash in an attempt to make this the world's best sports/GT car. This, in turn, will have an effect on the final price, which we hear may be as much as $175,000. But judging by what we've learned so far, it should be worth every penny.
MORE AT ROAD & TRACK
08-28-08, 11:44 AM
#1586
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Stillborn?
Call me Naive, but I don't buy this..... not one sentence of this bull....
And Toyota if you are listening, Man up, grab your ***** and just ship the damn thing already....
Don't prove them right.....
The writing has been on the wall for some time. Although the Lexus flagship graduated from "concept" to "prototype" when it campaigned in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, Toyota has refused to even hint at a production date for the V10 supercar. Then Toyota declined to plonk an LF-A silhouette on their Super GT racer, electing to continue with the doomed SC 430 jello mold.
Then news broke that production cars would cost a whopping $225,000, but the LF-A still wouldn't turn a profit. Needless to say, Toyota doesn't like things that are not profitable.
Finally, members of the testing and development crew who have been putting the car though its paces in Germany, as well as test drivers from rival Honda and Nissan crews, have told Autoblog that the LF-A is not destined for the showroom, and will remain only a development platform......
Then news broke that production cars would cost a whopping $225,000, but the LF-A still wouldn't turn a profit. Needless to say, Toyota doesn't like things that are not profitable.
Finally, members of the testing and development crew who have been putting the car though its paces in Germany, as well as test drivers from rival Honda and Nissan crews, have told Autoblog that the LF-A is not destined for the showroom, and will remain only a development platform......
Call me Naive, but I don't buy this..... not one sentence of this bull....
And Toyota if you are listening, Man up, grab your ***** and just ship the damn thing already....
Don't prove them right.....
08-28-08, 11:56 AM
#1587
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LF-A: More speculative fuel for the fire
Rumormill: Lexus LF-A... Stillborn?
Posted Aug 28th 2008 12:27PM by Justin Gardiner
Filed under: Sports/GTs, Lexus, Toyota, Rumormill
The writing has been on the wall for some time. Although the Lexus flagship graduated from "concept" to "prototype" when it campaigned in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, Toyota has refused to even hint at a production date for the V10 supercar. Then Toyota declined to plonk an LF-A silhouette on their Super GT racer, electing to continue with the doomed SC 430 jello mold.
Then news broke that production cars would cost a whopping $225,000, but the LF-A still wouldn't turn a profit. Needless to say, Toyota doesn't like things that are not profitable.
Finally, members of the testing and development crew who have been putting the car though its paces in Germany, as well as test drivers from rival Honda and Nissan crews, have told Autoblog that the LF-A is not destined for the showroom, and will remain only a development platform.
No reasons were given, but we can think of a couple. How many people are willing to part with nigh on a quarter of a million bucks for a Toyota/Lexus? Also, the world's most prolific car maker may not be willing to join the current Nurburgring pissing contest unless it is 100% sure that they can beat the Viper, ZR-1 and perhaps more importantly, the GT-R and upcoming NSX replacement.
Actually, one 'Ring test driver didn't mind going on the record with his opinion. Former Nissan racer, NSX development driver and Nurburgring legend Motoharu "Gan-san" Kurosawa reckons, "Toyota are good at making money, but they're no good at making sports cars."
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/r...f-a-stillborn/
Posted Aug 28th 2008 12:27PM by Justin Gardiner
Filed under: Sports/GTs, Lexus, Toyota, Rumormill
The writing has been on the wall for some time. Although the Lexus flagship graduated from "concept" to "prototype" when it campaigned in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, Toyota has refused to even hint at a production date for the V10 supercar. Then Toyota declined to plonk an LF-A silhouette on their Super GT racer, electing to continue with the doomed SC 430 jello mold.
Then news broke that production cars would cost a whopping $225,000, but the LF-A still wouldn't turn a profit. Needless to say, Toyota doesn't like things that are not profitable.
Finally, members of the testing and development crew who have been putting the car though its paces in Germany, as well as test drivers from rival Honda and Nissan crews, have told Autoblog that the LF-A is not destined for the showroom, and will remain only a development platform.
No reasons were given, but we can think of a couple. How many people are willing to part with nigh on a quarter of a million bucks for a Toyota/Lexus? Also, the world's most prolific car maker may not be willing to join the current Nurburgring pissing contest unless it is 100% sure that they can beat the Viper, ZR-1 and perhaps more importantly, the GT-R and upcoming NSX replacement.
Actually, one 'Ring test driver didn't mind going on the record with his opinion. Former Nissan racer, NSX development driver and Nurburgring legend Motoharu "Gan-san" Kurosawa reckons, "Toyota are good at making money, but they're no good at making sports cars."
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/r...f-a-stillborn/
08-28-08, 12:07 PM
#1589
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08-28-08, 01:36 PM
#1590
Lexus Test Driver
i hope it comes out... because if not... lexus will be a laughing stock... so many concepts and prototypes and testing it in races and to do nothing with it, is quite a shame.