1SICKREVIEW: Shotgun in the LFA++++++ with Scott Pruett (and IS-F/F-sport/event)
01-29-10, 06:29 AM
#16
Lexus Fanatic
Congragulations, Mike. 
Seems like it was quite an experience. 
I have already left my comments on the LF-A in the thread Paul posted (post #39), so I'll ask you about the IS-F. You say it will likely be your next car. You and I have already reviewed at least one IS-F apiece (though, in my case, not on a track like you), so I don't need to go into the details. But, given that you were on a smooth, well-maintained track course, you did not find the ride excessively stiff (for a sedan)? The regular, frost-heaved roads in this area made the IS-F that I reviewed ride and jump up and down like a bronco.....it, and the Mitsubishi Evo, were probably the two harshest-riding sedans I've ever encountered. You probably wouldn't have noticed that on a glass-smooth track, of course....but on a rougher street it, can a different matter. Several CL members criticized me when I complained about the harsh suspension, but even some auto mags agreed. I also noticed that the torque, not bad, of course, at any RPM, really explodes between 3600 and 4000 as the fuel-injectors get reprogrammed in that range.
I agree with you, BTW, that both the Electric Blue and Matador Red are great colors...the Matador red is just stunning, no matter what Lexus model it is. on.
Did you get any actual driving time in the LF-A, or was it all shotgun?
Seems like it was quite an experience. I have already left my comments on the LF-A in the thread Paul posted (post #39), so I'll ask you about the IS-F. You say it will likely be your next car. You and I have already reviewed at least one IS-F apiece (though, in my case, not on a track like you), so I don't need to go into the details. But, given that you were on a smooth, well-maintained track course, you did not find the ride excessively stiff (for a sedan)? The regular, frost-heaved roads in this area made the IS-F that I reviewed ride and jump up and down like a bronco.....it, and the Mitsubishi Evo, were probably the two harshest-riding sedans I've ever encountered. You probably wouldn't have noticed that on a glass-smooth track, of course....but on a rougher street it, can a different matter. Several CL members criticized me when I complained about the harsh suspension, but even some auto mags agreed. I also noticed that the torque, not bad, of course, at any RPM, really explodes between 3600 and 4000 as the fuel-injectors get reprogrammed in that range. I agree with you, BTW, that both the Electric Blue and Matador Red are great colors...the Matador red is just stunning, no matter what Lexus model it is. on.
Did you get any actual driving time in the LF-A, or was it all shotgun?
01-29-10, 07:05 AM
#18
Forum Administrator
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Great writeup Mike!
01-29-10, 07:24 AM
#20
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Thanks guys.
Mike, good questions. bitkahuna told me a long time ago that no one camera fits all needs, you need different cameras for different times. I feel Lexus has done a great job expanding their lineup where they offer as sedate as possible and now as invigorating as possible. I say all that to say while the IS-F would certainly make a great Daily Driver for me, I think I would prefer something else for a DD, something more calming.
The IS-F hopefully would be added and not replacing anything when that time comes . I never felt it was too harsh just driving around, maybe sometimes on the track. I can't complain much about a car who's intention is high performace that is rides harsh. If a RX 350 rides harsh, that is an issue for me.
Congragulations, Mike. Seems like it was quite an experience. I have already left my comments on the LF-A in the thread Paul posted (post #39), so I'll ask you about the IS-F. You say it will likely be your next car. You and I have already reviewed at least one IS-F apiece (though, in my case, not on a track like you), so I don't need to go into the details. But, given that you were on a smooth, well-maintained track course, you did not find the ride excessively stiff (for a sedan)? The regular, frost-heaved roads in this area made the IS-F that I reviewed ride and jump up and down like a bronco.....it, and the Mitsubishi Evo, were probably the two harshest-riding sedans I've ever encountered. You probably wouldn't have noticed that on a glass-smooth track, of course....but on a rougher street it, can a different matter. Several CL members criticized me when I complained about the harsh suspension, but even some auto mags agreed. I also noticed that the torque, not bad, of course, at any RPM, really explodes between 3600 and 4000 as the fuel-injectors get reprogrammed in that range.
I agree with you, BTW, that both the Electric Blue and Matador Red are great colors...the Matador red is just stunning, no matter what Lexus model it is. on.
Did you get any actual driving time in the LF-A, or was it all shotgun?
Seems like it was quite an experience. I have already left my comments on the LF-A in the thread Paul posted (post #39), so I'll ask you about the IS-F. You say it will likely be your next car. You and I have already reviewed at least one IS-F apiece (though, in my case, not on a track like you), so I don't need to go into the details. But, given that you were on a smooth, well-maintained track course, you did not find the ride excessively stiff (for a sedan)? The regular, frost-heaved roads in this area made the IS-F that I reviewed ride and jump up and down like a bronco.....it, and the Mitsubishi Evo, were probably the two harshest-riding sedans I've ever encountered. You probably wouldn't have noticed that on a glass-smooth track, of course....but on a rougher street it, can a different matter. Several CL members criticized me when I complained about the harsh suspension, but even some auto mags agreed. I also noticed that the torque, not bad, of course, at any RPM, really explodes between 3600 and 4000 as the fuel-injectors get reprogrammed in that range. I agree with you, BTW, that both the Electric Blue and Matador Red are great colors...the Matador red is just stunning, no matter what Lexus model it is. on.
Did you get any actual driving time in the LF-A, or was it all shotgun?
The IS-F hopefully would be added and not replacing anything when that time comes . I never felt it was too harsh just driving around, maybe sometimes on the track. I can't complain much about a car who's intention is high performace that is rides harsh. If a RX 350 rides harsh, that is an issue for me.
01-29-10, 08:42 AM
#24
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Mike, that write-up of yours really rocked! Color me impressed!
It was great seeing you and Paul again. Certainly brought back sweet (and, ultimately, bittersweet) Dragon memories...
Oh, and thanks for the shout-out in the second post...
It was great seeing you and Paul again. Certainly brought back sweet (and, ultimately, bittersweet) Dragon memories...
Oh, and thanks for the shout-out in the second post...
01-29-10, 08:57 AM
#25
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Great write up & pics Mike!!!
I missed the Cali event a few months back...
Overruled by 2nd grade field trip...
Hey Joaquín...
You lucky guy!! Did you get anymore LFA seat time @ Homestead??
Joe Z
I missed the Cali event a few months back...
Overruled by 2nd grade field trip...
You lucky guy!! Did you get anymore LFA seat time @ Homestead??
Joe Z
01-29-10, 09:09 AM
#26
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I felt I was blessed and privileged enough to drive the beast back in October (see http://www.lexusfforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2065 ) when, ironically, I drew one of the lucky F-Sport decals with "LFA!!!" written on the back. I felt guilty that my friends wouldn't be able to, at least vicariously from the passenger seat, experience the LFA on a race track, so I held an impromptu re-drawing among 3 of my friends that were with me for the event, and one of them drew the lucky sticker and got my ride.
01-29-10, 09:34 AM
#27
my gosh, that write up was soooo descriptive felt like I was there also
Still absorbing the LFA that the ISF is..well, a little insignificant right now.
Sort of like going to the car shows and checking out the Exotics first, and then everything else is so blah and plain
Still absorbing the LFA that the ISF is..well, a little insignificant right now.
Sort of like going to the car shows and checking out the Exotics first, and then everything else is so blah and plain
