1SICKREVIEW: Shotgun in the LFA++++++ with Scott Pruett (and IS-F/F-sport/event)
01-29-10, 01:29 PM
#31
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Great write up!
No matter how good it is written, unless one sits in the car travelling down @ 150mph+, feels the G when it breaks or turns the corners while hearing the V10 engine rev at catatrophic RMP... one will never truely understand.
You lucky bastards...
No matter how good it is written, unless one sits in the car travelling down @ 150mph+, feels the G when it breaks or turns the corners while hearing the V10 engine rev at catatrophic RMP... one will never truely understand.
You lucky bastards...
01-29-10, 01:55 PM
#33
Lexus Fanatic
I agree...a good write-up. I was hoping to see the LF-A at the D.C. Auto Show today, but Lexus crapped out and didn't bring it...they sent it to another show instead.
01-29-10, 05:03 PM
#34
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Thanks everyone for the compliments. I have more to come as I made multiple stops in Florida.
Its funny as the GS 400 changed perceptions about Lexus, then the IS 300 came, and then the IS-F but this LFA is just in another universe. Execution is brilliant.
Its funny as the GS 400 changed perceptions about Lexus, then the IS 300 came, and then the IS-F but this LFA is just in another universe. Execution is brilliant.
01-29-10, 06:16 PM
#35
Exactly, this is another E-ticket Lexus, in some ways I'd add the 1SC to the list, they come every generation or two, but their impact is remembered long after production is over.
01-30-10, 12:16 AM
#38
Lexus Test Driver
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 will take plenty of pictures on Wednesday if allowed, although seeing it is of course not nearly as cool as riding in it as some of our fellow forum leaders have gotten to, seemingly multiple times over the last couple months.
Hopefully I'll be driving one within the next two years, though.
01-30-10, 06:31 AM
#39
Out of Warranty
Excellent posts, Mike! Some of the finest automotive journalism these pages have ever seen. Made me feel like I was in the right seat all the way. 
01-30-10, 11:39 AM
#40
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The white-with-black carbon fiber roof and spoiler LFA is nominally Japan's car, but makes occasional appearances in North America.
As to the Matte Black Beast that came to Homestead-Miami Speedway this past Wednesday, it goes on to the Naples Winter Wine Festival on Florida's west coast this weekend ( http://www.napleswinefestival.com/ ), then it's on to the Chicago Auto Show February 10-21 and a few other events/stops before hitting the New York Auto Show on March 31-April 11.
The fact that the Chicago and Toronto, Canada auto shows are on the same dates means that the white-with-black carbon fiber roof and spoiler LFA will be the one appearing in Canada, while Chicago gets the matte black one.
As to the Matte Black Beast that came to Homestead-Miami Speedway this past Wednesday, it goes on to the Naples Winter Wine Festival on Florida's west coast this weekend ( http://www.napleswinefestival.com/ ), then it's on to the Chicago Auto Show February 10-21 and a few other events/stops before hitting the New York Auto Show on March 31-April 11.
The fact that the Chicago and Toronto, Canada auto shows are on the same dates means that the white-with-black carbon fiber roof and spoiler LFA will be the one appearing in Canada, while Chicago gets the matte black one.
01-30-10, 04:32 PM
#42
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Hi Mike, I have a few questions. First have you driven or ridden in any other exotics and if so, can you write something about the comparisons? Second, given your experience, do you now plan to buy one?
01-30-10, 08:24 PM
#43
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i've been in a ferrari 360 and a porsche GT3 (maybe not considered exotic, but definitely rare, and amazingly capable). the ferrari was awesome, but felt kind of harsh and nowhere near as capable as the LFA. the GT3 is VERY capable in the right hands - incredibly fast. wouldn't have as low a center of gravity or weight distribution as the LFA so handling won't be close, but still impressive.
maybe a newer scuderia would be closer and yes, there's many cars with more power and power to weight, but my thing is handling and control more than brute speed.
as for whether i plan to buy one, uh, not until my fortunes change a LOT.
01-30-10, 08:28 PM
#44
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Have I ridden in other exotics. Yup. Have I ridden in other exotics at Homestead with Scott Pruett driving? No.
Even if I rode in every exotic at the track that day, I would have said they were ALL beserk and would have tried my best to describe the differences. There is no way I could exploit the capabilities of the LFA or others the way Mr. Pruett could. It would be a waste in my hands if driving 10/10ths is what is desired. My track experience is limited and Clublexus knows this.
If you read my posts in this thread, you would see my interests are in the IS-F.
I know you are no fan of the LFA, which is fine. My review is not to offend any other car in that class or area. I think they are all wonderful. My review was to put people in the the same seat I was in and looking at different forums, they seem to feel that way and for that, I am thankful.
01-31-10, 01:36 AM
#45
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Tommy,
Have I ridden in other exotics. Yup. Have I ridden in other exotics at Homestead with Scott Pruett driving? No.
Even if I rode in every exotic at the track that day, I would have said they were ALL beserk and would have tried my best to describe the differences. There is no way I could exploit the capabilities of the LFA or others the way Mr. Pruett could. It would be a waste in my hands if driving 10/10ths is what is desired. My track experience is limited and Clublexus knows this.
If you read my posts in this thread, you would see my interests are in the IS-F.
I know you are no fan of the LFA, which is fine. My review is not to offend any other car in that class or area. I think they are all wonderful. My review was to put people in the the same seat I was in and looking at different forums, they seem to feel that way and for that, I am thankful.
Have I ridden in other exotics. Yup. Have I ridden in other exotics at Homestead with Scott Pruett driving? No.
Even if I rode in every exotic at the track that day, I would have said they were ALL beserk and would have tried my best to describe the differences. There is no way I could exploit the capabilities of the LFA or others the way Mr. Pruett could. It would be a waste in my hands if driving 10/10ths is what is desired. My track experience is limited and Clublexus knows this.
If you read my posts in this thread, you would see my interests are in the IS-F.
I know you are no fan of the LFA, which is fine. My review is not to offend any other car in that class or area. I think they are all wonderful. My review was to put people in the the same seat I was in and looking at different forums, they seem to feel that way and for that, I am thankful.