Official LF-A(II) thread (Will debut at Tokyo Auto Show, Lexus details Oct 20th, 8pm)
06-20-07, 02:02 AM
#471
Lexus Fanatic
While some have speculated that the switch from V10 to V8 engines in Formula 1 might have forced Toyota to rethink the LF-A's power plant, the shriek from its triple tailpipes puts that notion to rest. Compared to the muffled tone of a BMW V10, this LF-A sounds almost uncorked.
06-20-07, 06:35 AM
#473
Driver School Candidate
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The sound and the fury.
The most powerful automobile manufacturer in the world has entered the elite world of the ultra performance, ultra exclusive exotics and this shot across the bows of the Ferraris of the world must have sent quivers down their spines.
From the way this gorgeous machine was handling the curves of the 'ring and from the banshee scream of its unrestricted exhaust, it means business.
WOW!
The most powerful automobile manufacturer in the world has entered the elite world of the ultra performance, ultra exclusive exotics and this shot across the bows of the Ferraris of the world must have sent quivers down their spines.
From the way this gorgeous machine was handling the curves of the 'ring and from the banshee scream of its unrestricted exhaust, it means business.
WOW!
06-20-07, 07:06 AM
#475
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For options on an exotic, you always have to trade off weight vs. comfort. I think the Murcielago handles the compromises well. F430 too.
Things I think are required:
1.) Full time rear view camera (had to aftermarket mine, but I consider this essential for safe driving. None of these cars have good visibility.
2.) Fully adjustable suspension with meaningful and varied sport settings.
3.) Traction control. To keep you from totalling your car when you do something stupid.
4.) Comfortable, supportive, beautiful leather seats. And adjustable, with contrasting stitching (not piping, PLEEESE). 5/6 point racing harness compatible would be a bonus, but not likely.
5.) Working A/C. No joke, old exotics had A/C that did nothing but add weight.
6.) Good electronic displays (Modern Lambos and Ferraris have great instrumentation.)
7.) Stellar brakes. CC, big beefy Brembros, whatever. Just brakes that can stop the car faster than you can believe.
8.) Great engine sound, plus distinctive to that car. A Ferrari should sound like one. Lambo too. And you can tell which one by its note. Lexus should keep this in mind. Nothing like an afficienado hearing it go buy and say, "Ah, a Lexus." I think having dampers that open after about 3K rpm to hear the full throat works best. That way your neighbors don't hate you when you leave in the morning, but it sounds great on the road. AM Vantage, Lambo Gallardo do this very well.
9.) Distinctive styling. Copycats need not apply here.
10.) No scissor doors - Sorry, that's been taken. No prancing horses either.
11.) Parking sensors (don't want to screw up the paint job on an exotic). I actually have a front camera on mine so that I don't hit something when parking.
12.) Serious, Z-rated tires and distinctive, memorable wheels as standard.
13.) Aerodynamic modifications depending on speed / cooling needs. Bat wings, spoilers, whatever it takes to keep the engine and brakes cool, and keep the car firmly planted to the road.
14.) Dependability - if this car comes with a decent duration warranty (Like 5/50) and Lexus reliability, it will be a Ferrari killer.
15.) Option of real performance paddle shifting (like on the Lambos or Ferraris, not the slow shifting, joke versions popping up everywhere. Anything less than 150ms per shift (<100ms preferred) is worthless on a car like this. Also, many purists would prefer 6 spd manual.
Things usually not worth it on an exotic (IMHO):
1.) Memory seats with 14-way settings.
2.) Navigation system. The ONLY cars I think that don't need them are exotics. And it gets in the way of full-time rear view camera which IS important.
3.) Rear seat of any kind (real, pseudo, imagined.)
4.) Cup holder. If you have one, you'll use it and spill something. Much as it annoys me to not have one, it's a good idea.
5.) Sun Roof. Coupe or convertible. Nothing else.
Anyway, ramblings from an exotic owner that want's the LF-A to be a car I'll want to buy.
YMMV, may the responses/flaming begin.
Last edited by zzzzdoc; 06-20-07 at 07:03 PM.
