bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

For only half the price I'm not surprised.

Plus, I no longer understand seriously fast road cars that are not AWD.

speedflex

So is the proto here representative of the street model or is this one modified for the endurance race? It does sound sweet, indeed.

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

I have thought a lot about the GT-R/LF-A debate and I guess I would sum it up like this.

At 0-60 in 3.5 and 1/4mile in the mid 11's...there isn't really a whole lot faster that you can get with almost any car. Cars with more and less power get these same numbers, IMO, hit a wall of sorts, and that wall is right around the mid 3 second mark for acceleration.

I wouldn't think the LF-A will be a whole lot faster than the GT-R just because it takes Veyron-style ability and power to topple "the wall".

Lexus just needs to focus on building an exotic performance car with exotic looks to match the credentials. A high revving V10, looks to die for, carbon fiber body structure, ceramic brakes, etc are all things that the GT-R doesn't have. I have seen people talk about the GT-R as if because of it, nobody will ever buy another Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, R8, or Porsche. Even when considering cars like these, numbers aren't everything. The cache, design, and emotion that these cars create is what sells them. Lexus seems to be keeping that in mind, and while Nissan did a great job with the GT-R, it's not the be all, end all of the automotive world.

encore888

^^^
Those all sound like very good ideas, they have to set this vehicle apart. The ceramic brakes were present at one time, but not now, I'm guessing they're still finalizing the specs. It would be unfortunate to have this different class comparison become a distracting element of the car's intro, so making it clear that this is a ultraluxe exotic in every way possible is a way to go. That said, a lot of the reviewers/commenters (myself included) cannot afford this vehicle anyways, so a lot of it is chatter--the real buyers may be more discerning.

BTW, the vid of the LF-A testing went from <4,000 views yesterday to 18,000+ views today.

speedflex

If anything, that is internet and fan hype. At the end of the day Nissan set a goal and exceeded it mightily. They never were interested in building an exotic per se; they wanted to build one of the best driving, handling production sports cars in the world. Again, they more than achieved this mark.

If Lexus' goal is to build a world-class exotic, that is a somewhat different mission. We still have yet to see how the end product will measure up to that goal. I think too many folks are mixing things they probably shouldn't when they start to compare the GT-R and LF-A to one another in areas other than strictly performance. That was probably never Nissan's own intention.

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

Agree 100%

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

Not that I've done it, but from people I know who have, buying an expensive exotic sports car is mostly an emotional decision - they have the money to buy many cars, and in the end buy what stirs their soul.

A Ferrari is more than its specs. It's about a long history, unique design touches inside and out, a race car feel (even though newer ones have gorgeous interiors unlike most of the old ones).

The LF-A has to stir the soul. It will no doubt sell, but whether it will be viewed as a real 'event' in the marketplace we'll have to wait and see.

As I've mentioned the NSX was a real event. The LF-A looks to be a MUCH faster and more sophisticated vehicle, but it's still open as to how it will be received by actual buyers, not just Lexus fans.

The last new entrant to be a real event I'd say is the Veyron. Wow.

Tekknikal

who was that directed at?

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

Everyone.

Tekknikal

it seems odd that you'd use the word 'your' to refer to everyone; its also very unfortunate that some feel attacks are necessary....

anyway, it seems that some clarification might be helpful

brembo gtr are a line of brakes made by brembo. they are racing spec and assembled accordingly. traditionally they are not listed in public catalogs. it appears this is what the racing lf-a is equipped with. on the street id venture to guess the ceramics would be better. why not use them on the race car? probably race rules

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

I hope you don't feel like I was attacking you. I simply made a sarcastic remark about all of the GT-R and LF-A comparisons.

MR_F1

Yeah, one could find the GT racing calipers in their racing catalog, but I've never been able to find the gtr racing brake set.

And yes, There are regulations in place to restrict the use of exotic materials, and limit expense, so you could be quite right.

Tekknikal

A little more info on brembo gtr brakes for those who might not have known:



these brakes are not common and are designed for race use. construction is forged calipers, with a slim profile to improve tolerance for fitment. pistons are ventillated, titanium and some calipers are monoblock in design depending on application, with 4-8 pistons in a sequential sizing. titanium inserts are used to create an added heat barrier. rotors are sold as well in a matching package - this isnt a set that can be bought in pieces. availability is limited and sizing/fitment even more so, as i understand it they do not make these for more than a handful of production vehicles. beyond that its sold to racing teams. these brakes are not aimed at everyone, which is why they arent usually advertised/listed.

tweazy

Well, it looks like the LF-A will be put in a race next month. A 24-hour race on Germany's Nurburgring.


http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl...5999/1531/FREE

MR_F1

Really? Who would have thought....