Official LF-A(II) thread (Will debut at Tokyo Auto Show, Lexus details Oct 20th, 8pm)
04-16-08, 05:06 PM
#1201
These prototypes must have zero percent of their actual body panels because the only ones they share with the latest round of LF-A concepts is the door panel. Front end, headlamps, air dams, front fenders, rear fenders, rear intake, rear bumper, rear lamps.... all completely different.
Unless they really are planning to just make the production variant look like the first LF-A concept. Which would be lame.
Unless they really are planning to just make the production variant look like the first LF-A concept. Which would be lame.
04-16-08, 05:07 PM
#1202
Lexus Fanatic
04-16-08, 05:09 PM
#1203
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04-16-08, 05:13 PM
#1205
Lexus Fanatic
These prototypes must have zero percent of their actual body panels because the only ones they share with the latest round of LF-A concepts is the door panel. Front end, headlamps, air dams, front fenders, rear fenders, rear intake, rear bumper, rear lamps.... all completely different.
Unless they really are planning to just make the production variant look like the first LF-A concept. Which would be lame.
Unless they really are planning to just make the production variant look like the first LF-A concept. Which would be lame.
I do hope they go with the more menacing looking headlights in the second concept though.
04-16-08, 05:15 PM
#1206
I wonder if they are going to keep the carbon brakes or not? Also, does anyone know how many sightings of the LF-A Roadster were out there? Anyhow, Motor Trend has some tidbits:
http://www.motortrend.com/future/spi...xus_lf_a_spied
http://www.motortrend.com/future/spi...xus_lf_a_spied
Spycam: Lexus LF-A spotted at the 'Ring in high-performance trim
Back, and badder than ever
By Mike Connor
Toyota is back at the Nurburgring testing its long-awaited LF-A supercar. And, as these pics show, the company looks to be readying an even higher performance version of the car, complete with trick aerodynamics.
The giant rear wing on this prototype replaces the retractable item of the regular LF-A. If our experience with the Viper ACR is anything to go by, a properly set-up wing this big could produce 1000lbs of downforce at 150mph, more than enough to keep the carbon-fiber intensive LF-A glued to the track. To balance the car, Toyota is also working on the front end aero package -- note the tabs on each corner, and the slight more aggressive profile of the front airdam.
The appearance of this car is interesting, as it suggests Toyota is still not entirely sure of how to position the LF-A. The regular version will be a semi-luxury supercar, more a Ferrari 599GTB than a Nissan GT-R. Price here in the U.S. is likely to be in the $120,000 to $150,000 range. That puts the LF-A is a way different segment to the Nissan GT-R, but there's no doubt the GT-R's impressive performance -- and the likelihood of an even faster V-Spec version -- has Toyota wondering whether the LF-A is going to be perceived as the best of the Japanese supercars.
As we reported earlier, Toyota has apparently reverted to the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-10 powerplant and rear drive for the regular LF-A. Transmission is said to be a version of the worked eight speed automatic with fast torque converter lockup used in the Lexus IS-F.
Rumors from Nagoya suggest Toyota has experimented with twin-turbo V-8 under the hood, and even considered making the LF-A the world's first hybrid supercar, using the V-8 with electric motors powering the front wheels and a super-capacitor system to provide a near instantaneous power surge on demand. The company also reportedly tried a seven speed manual transmission.
At this point in the car's development program, it's safe to say most of the performance and dynamic parameters are fairly fixed, and can't be significantly altered without a major rework. But aggressive race-car style aerodynamics -- and maybe a weight reduction program that includes stripping out some of the luxury car features of the regular version, could help the LF-A deliver the GT-R-beating lap time around the Nordschleife Toyota so desperately wants.
Back, and badder than ever
By Mike Connor
Toyota is back at the Nurburgring testing its long-awaited LF-A supercar. And, as these pics show, the company looks to be readying an even higher performance version of the car, complete with trick aerodynamics.
The giant rear wing on this prototype replaces the retractable item of the regular LF-A. If our experience with the Viper ACR is anything to go by, a properly set-up wing this big could produce 1000lbs of downforce at 150mph, more than enough to keep the carbon-fiber intensive LF-A glued to the track. To balance the car, Toyota is also working on the front end aero package -- note the tabs on each corner, and the slight more aggressive profile of the front airdam.
The appearance of this car is interesting, as it suggests Toyota is still not entirely sure of how to position the LF-A. The regular version will be a semi-luxury supercar, more a Ferrari 599GTB than a Nissan GT-R. Price here in the U.S. is likely to be in the $120,000 to $150,000 range. That puts the LF-A is a way different segment to the Nissan GT-R, but there's no doubt the GT-R's impressive performance -- and the likelihood of an even faster V-Spec version -- has Toyota wondering whether the LF-A is going to be perceived as the best of the Japanese supercars.
As we reported earlier, Toyota has apparently reverted to the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-10 powerplant and rear drive for the regular LF-A. Transmission is said to be a version of the worked eight speed automatic with fast torque converter lockup used in the Lexus IS-F.
Rumors from Nagoya suggest Toyota has experimented with twin-turbo V-8 under the hood, and even considered making the LF-A the world's first hybrid supercar, using the V-8 with electric motors powering the front wheels and a super-capacitor system to provide a near instantaneous power surge on demand. The company also reportedly tried a seven speed manual transmission.
At this point in the car's development program, it's safe to say most of the performance and dynamic parameters are fairly fixed, and can't be significantly altered without a major rework. But aggressive race-car style aerodynamics -- and maybe a weight reduction program that includes stripping out some of the luxury car features of the regular version, could help the LF-A deliver the GT-R-beating lap time around the Nordschleife Toyota so desperately wants.
Last edited by encore888; 04-16-08 at 05:23 PM.
04-16-08, 05:28 PM
#1207
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This from "The Passionate Pursuit : Lexus News Blog"
ABSOLUTELY GREAT NEWS!!!!
http://thepassionatepursuit.com/imag...-prototype.jpg
Race-Ready Lexus LF-A spotted near Nürburgring!
krew
Today, 7:45 PM
The Lexus LF-A is certainly causing a stir with its return to Nürburgring, as spy photographers were treated to a special surprise today with the appearance of the prototype supercar decked out in a full assortment of racing trim. Here’s a breakdown:
Super-large fixed rear wing
Redesigned front bumper with stacked side plates and a more aggressive front airdam
Reworked front headlights and lower, inset fog lamps
LeMans-style rearview mirrors
Hood pins
And the telltale sign: A quick access fuel cap positioned behind the passenger-side window
World Car Fans (whose spy photographers are responsible for the image above) also received word that this Lexus could very well be part of the 24 Hours Nürburgring Race held in May, and that an official launch of the production model might happen at the same time. Entering the LF-A in such a legendary race would be quite daring on the part of Lexus, an incredible trial-by-fire if there ever was one.
For more photos of this raced-up LF-A, check out World Car Fans, and cross your fingers for the end of this epic development cycle.
(Thanks Jarrett!))
ABSOLUTELY GREAT NEWS!!!!
http://thepassionatepursuit.com/imag...-prototype.jpg
Race-Ready Lexus LF-A spotted near Nürburgring!
krew
Today, 7:45 PM
The Lexus LF-A is certainly causing a stir with its return to Nürburgring, as spy photographers were treated to a special surprise today with the appearance of the prototype supercar decked out in a full assortment of racing trim. Here’s a breakdown:
Super-large fixed rear wing
Redesigned front bumper with stacked side plates and a more aggressive front airdam
Reworked front headlights and lower, inset fog lamps
LeMans-style rearview mirrors
Hood pins
And the telltale sign: A quick access fuel cap positioned behind the passenger-side window
World Car Fans (whose spy photographers are responsible for the image above) also received word that this Lexus could very well be part of the 24 Hours Nürburgring Race held in May, and that an official launch of the production model might happen at the same time. Entering the LF-A in such a legendary race would be quite daring on the part of Lexus, an incredible trial-by-fire if there ever was one.
For more photos of this raced-up LF-A, check out World Car Fans, and cross your fingers for the end of this epic development cycle.
(Thanks Jarrett!))
04-16-08, 05:29 PM
#1208
^^^
Very interesting, here's the link that that blog post:
http://thepassionatepursuit.com/2008...r-nurburgring/
I hope the rumor is true, and that they are bringing the car out for more than just tests...
Very interesting, here's the link that that blog post:
http://thepassionatepursuit.com/2008...r-nurburgring/
I hope the rumor is true, and that they are bringing the car out for more than just tests...
04-16-08, 05:32 PM
#1209
Lexus Fanatic
World Car Fans (whose spy photographers are responsible for the image above) also received word that this Lexus could very well be part of the 24 Hours Nürburgring Race held in May, and that an official launch of the production model might happen at the same time. Entering the LF-A in such a legendary race would be quite daring on the part of Lexus, an incredible trial-by-fire if there ever was one.
Come on Lexus do it do it do it!!!
Last edited by XeroK00L; 04-16-08 at 05:36 PM.
04-16-08, 05:47 PM
#1210
Lexus Fanatic
Original report and pics (slightly different angles than KGP's version) from worldcarfans.com.
http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080416....ace-ready-trim
Lexus LF-A Spied in Race Ready Trim
Possible debut at 24 Hours Nürburgring
With recent appearances of the Lexus LF-A prototype production version becoming a common occurrence in and around the Nürburgring area, spy photographers have caught something special in its wake. Never seen before, an LF-A prototype in race trim was spotted wearing a more purposeful aerodynamics kit which includes a redesigned front bumper with stacked front winglets or dive planes on the sides, smaller Le Mans Prototype style mirrors and dramatic fixed rear wing. Other significant observations include revised headlamps, lower bumper mounted fog lamps, hood pins, wavy body panels indicating composite or plastic material, roll cage and most importantly a quick-access fuel filler cap behind the passenger side window with carbon fiber mounting panel.
Our spy sources have heard rumours that Lexus will use the upcoming legendary 24-hours race at the German Nürburgring in May to launch the all-new LF-A to the public. Given all of these revealing details, perhaps they're not rumours after all. However, it won't be the production car that debuts but instead this aggressive race variant. So, if it's a race car, then why is it strutting around on public roads? Simply because the 24 Hours Nürburgring is a unique race that allows vehicles ranging from regular road cars, European Touring Car Championship, German Touring Car (DTM) and of course Le Mans GT cars.
There's no doubt that the LF-A will be a hyper car of delirious proportions, but with the likes of a Nissan GT-R V-Spec and GT-R Super GT grabbing all the headlines lately, it's no surprise Toyota wants a piece of the action.
http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080416....ace-ready-trim
Lexus LF-A Spied in Race Ready Trim
Possible debut at 24 Hours Nürburgring
With recent appearances of the Lexus LF-A prototype production version becoming a common occurrence in and around the Nürburgring area, spy photographers have caught something special in its wake. Never seen before, an LF-A prototype in race trim was spotted wearing a more purposeful aerodynamics kit which includes a redesigned front bumper with stacked front winglets or dive planes on the sides, smaller Le Mans Prototype style mirrors and dramatic fixed rear wing. Other significant observations include revised headlamps, lower bumper mounted fog lamps, hood pins, wavy body panels indicating composite or plastic material, roll cage and most importantly a quick-access fuel filler cap behind the passenger side window with carbon fiber mounting panel.
Our spy sources have heard rumours that Lexus will use the upcoming legendary 24-hours race at the German Nürburgring in May to launch the all-new LF-A to the public. Given all of these revealing details, perhaps they're not rumours after all. However, it won't be the production car that debuts but instead this aggressive race variant. So, if it's a race car, then why is it strutting around on public roads? Simply because the 24 Hours Nürburgring is a unique race that allows vehicles ranging from regular road cars, European Touring Car Championship, German Touring Car (DTM) and of course Le Mans GT cars.
There's no doubt that the LF-A will be a hyper car of delirious proportions, but with the likes of a Nissan GT-R V-Spec and GT-R Super GT grabbing all the headlines lately, it's no surprise Toyota wants a piece of the action.
04-16-08, 05:53 PM
#1211
Thx for the info, XeroKOOL. 
Now I wonder, what are the pros and cons of a rather audacious race debut like that? Would traditionally careful and reserved Toyota and Lexus execs go for such a move? It sounds somewhat risky.
...but exciting if true!
btw what are those red letters (?) the brakes are stamped with...?
Now I wonder, what are the pros and cons of a rather audacious race debut like that? Would traditionally careful and reserved Toyota and Lexus execs go for such a move? It sounds somewhat risky.
...but exciting if true!
btw what are those red letters (?) the brakes are stamped with...?
04-16-08, 06:04 PM
#1214
Thx for the info, XeroKOOL.
Now I wonder, what are the pros and cons of a rather audacious race debut like that? Would traditionally careful and reserved Toyota and Lexus execs go for such a move? It sounds somewhat risky.
...but exciting if true!
btw what are those red letters (?) the brakes are stamped with...?
Now I wonder, what are the pros and cons of a rather audacious race debut like that? Would traditionally careful and reserved Toyota and Lexus execs go for such a move? It sounds somewhat risky.
...but exciting if true!
btw what are those red letters (?) the brakes are stamped with...?
The 8spd auto is disappointing. I was hoping for a SMT type transmission (less power loss). The 8spd might be quick but it's still a torque converter so there's a decent amount of power loss.
04-16-08, 06:11 PM
#1215
Lexus Fanatic