4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

BMW fans should be thanking Lexus/Infiniti for kicking off a hp war, if the IS350 and G35 didnt exist, everyone would still be driving the 330 instead of 335s, because there would be little reason for BMW to change anything without competition

encore888

With the Winding Road rumors that they are restyling elements to get even more top speed, it's possible that the LF-A will approach best-in-class levels---although I don't know whether it will be like the LS (0.25-0.26).

gengar

It's not going to be anywhere close to the LS. Keep in mind that drag coefficient is independent of area; the area must be factored in to determine the drag. Therefore, because of having a lower cross-sectional area, a car can have a much lower drag than another vehicle despite having a higher drag coefficient.

Additionally, the necessity for downforce at high speeds increases the drag coefficient. Of course, on the LF-A, the spoiler can retract at highway speeds therefore lowering the drag and theoretically benefiting an EPA rating. But other downforce design mechanisms or elements will also increase the drag.

Just for reference, most supercars are around .35 drag coefficient. The F430 is ~.33, the SLR .37, and the Carrera GT very high - close to .40 (probably why it could only achieve 208mph top speed in testing).

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

Somehow I doubt customers of the LF-A will care. And if they really do, then why are they buying that kind of vehicle?

And no way it will have drag as low as the LS. Drag is NEEDED in a supercar for downforce.

encore888

A video for the LF-A Roadster is "coming soon" now at Lexus.jp:

http://lexus.jp/brand/ms/detroit2008/

jsl55

notice how the calipers say Lexus.......they are made for Lexus by Brembo. no other car company has been able to get their badge on a Brembo caliper.

MR_F1

IIRC, not true.

gengar

I'm also wondering if the sequential manual will be in-house or borrowed from someone else.

Koma

iTrader: (3)

I think it'll be F1 borrowed technology so I would assume whoever makes their F1 gearboxes (in house or outsourced to Aisin or Getrag, etc.)

MR_F1

TTE or Williams F1

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

So did Lexus announce any availability date yet for the LF-A?

Gojirra99

Not that I'm aware of . . .

JHStrange

Isn't it more likely a derivative of the 8 speed they are putting in the LS/GS/IS? It seems these are giving the level of control and speed a pure manual would give but with some of the smoothing characteristics you get with an automatic. It would need to be engineered to support the torque levels being generated but doesn't look too far off the mark now.

MR_F1

The LF- A will use a transaxle SMT, ie. a rear mounted axle transmission combination. It will also be a sequential box, not a true auto.

JHStrange

The Roadster has been added to Lexus.com Future/Concept Vehicles section. No new info but nice to see it on there.