First Drive Review EVER In The Lexus LF-A

I want one!

— WorldofLuxury (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2009 9:24:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 9   

This car will be incredible. It supposedly will cost almost $500,000 in Britain. In USA cars are pretty much half the price, so around $250k I guess here.

— DinamoR (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2009 9:26:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Sounds impressive, Lexus. I'm pleasantly surprised. Now that they have the engine taken care of, lets get that exterior design cleaned up!

— pacotacolol (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2009 9:44:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

It's easy for Lexus to throw in all the latest technology, engine or chassis, but I'm more interested in how much emotional they want to this car to be. At least they are smart enough not to put in AWD to challenge GT-R.

— dlin (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2009 9:53:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Its time for Lexus to keep making cars like this. Hyundai wants their spot from below. Its time for Lexus to be a Mercedes contender.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2009 10:45:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

And we will take your spot, damm it!!! So the time for you guys at Lexus to move further upmarket is now.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2009 10:47:14 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4   

The chassis-tub will hit the headlines hardest, though, because the whole shebang is made from carbon composite, which will provide the LF-A with one of the "STIFFEST" shells in production car history.

SOUND GOOD FOR £250,000 RIGHT?

— diesselxp (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2009 11:07:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I can't remember but who was it that said Toyota/Lexus didn't have a sports car?

With only 500 being produced and what appears to be the numbers to back it up, the LF-A easily qualifies for Supercar status.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2009 11:21:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

Sounds like a real driver's car, from Lexus. They need more stuff like this.

— _43LE (View Profile)

Posted on 7/12/2009 12:26:01 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Looks like it will be worth the wait. Hopefully the economy will be forgiving to a great car.

— Anthony (View Profile)

Posted on 7/12/2009 12:47:32 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Well guys all I can say is to compare the LF-A in the class with the 599 is very serious buisness. That thing is going to basically be a toned down F1 car with beautiful interior/exterior and a little refinement in the suspension.

— lexworld (View Profile)

Posted on 7/12/2009 1:12:24 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

i guess that's on of the cars that has proven it's unreliablity at the 24h of nürburgring, right?

— 100octane (View Profile)

Posted on 7/12/2009 7:06:55 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Who would want to drive a sterile robot looking ToyLex for that kind of money when you could drive a sexy Ferrari or Lamborghini?

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/12/2009 10:19:42 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

Already in need of a Complete Exterior redesign. As well as a mega price reduction. The thing looks dated. If not dated then maybe it looks like some sort of Japanese Aston Martin. A Ferrari F430 parked next to the LF-A would make the LF-A look even more like a touring car. The LF-A already looks Boring!!

— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 7/12/2009 1:12:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

Great LF-A is targeting top Ferrari, the 599. Can't wait to see the real car and more info.

JUGNU

— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 7/12/2009 1:18:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Took long enough! Than again,perfection takes time and patience...and this car might be close to perfect.Not bad.Not bad at all.Not a huge Lex fan,but i give it up to them.

— rxh8me9000 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/12/2009 1:44:35 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Good to hear this. Finally some real takes on the LF-A. The delay will be worth the wait - fiber composite chassis tub - WOW!

— 7msynthetic (View Profile)

Posted on 7/12/2009 3:20:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

this car will weigh 500 pounds less than the GT-R and have 47 more horses than the Aston Martin DBS.

I'll second that on the fiber composite tub- WOW!

— DinamoR (View Profile)

Posted on 7/12/2009 3:32:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

Let me get this straight. Toyota (Lexus) builds a car that is going to be better than a 599 GTB Fiorano. They can't beat Ferrari in real life at the track, so they build a comfortable (cushy), reliable (we will see) sportscar? They may be able to "beat" real car companies with marketing that have a real racing pedigree since the old folks that buy Toyota's (Lexus) don't watch them in F1 anyway. And $250,000 for a Toyota! Talk about a sucker being born every minute, damn!

With all the press this Toyota gets and the "Lexus" fans that actually think it will beat anything remains to be seen. But how many times have we heard the new "Lexus" will kill a _________ and then the car comes out and cannot even win a comparo? In any test! Remember when they said the Toyota L600h could beat a V12 BMW/Mercedes-Benz with a V-8, didn't happen. The "Lexus" IS-F would eat the M3! Oh wait, that didn't happen either. The "Lexus" SC430 will kill the SL500. The SC430 is a convertible for people that don't like convertibles or cars! The one thing the Toyota LS-F may do is make Toyota look like they are selling when they reach 500 units and then they will claim they are "Sold Out"! And if it can't beat a GT-R, which it will not be able to do since that is a different performance envelope it will suck even more! My rant is done, I am weary of reading about this "Special Toyota".

— 1BadMan (View Profile)

Posted on 7/12/2009 4:08:25 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I'm wondering where you guys (the bitter haters) are getting the production pictures of this car from. There are some of you who are claiming it already needs a redesign....The production version DOESN'T EVEN EXIST IN FINAL FORM YET...so transparent. Also, to be fair....this car being reviewed is a fully prepared race car, so I'm sure it handles and sounds like a dream. An M3 (beautiful car by the way) would also be (even more of) a monster as a race prepared auto.

All I'm saying is, looks like Lexus is on the right track, so let's see what the prodution version (street legal) looks and performs like before taking a dump on it...

'Everyone' hated on the GT-R before it came out, and now the Porsche is playing catch up on the PR and Production fronts....

Patience guys!

— jeeka715 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/12/2009 4:31:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Um we can all agree that the LFA is a "little" different than what Toyota has done in the past (can't remember if a Corolla has ever had a fiber composite tub). And is there anything quotable from Toyota other than approximate specs? Nope. Also, when did Toyota say that the IS-F would kill an M3? Only the fans (that's why they are fans). In addition, the good ol' over used, super cheesy quote "well if it can't beat a ____ or a ___ it aint worth it" is such a freakin cop out only for those dudes with little b$lls. Love to hear the next one "well if can't beat my mom's K-Car with a twin turbo hemi it aint worth it". Now that sounds so retarded, and ignorant. The LF-A will rock, just like the ZR1, GTR, 599 GTB and the likes. We should all be happy that car manufacturers decide to make these cutting edge super cars because if they didn't we'd all be driving mom's twin turbo K-car.

— 7msynthetic (View Profile)

Posted on 7/12/2009 5:33:59 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Lexus will make HISTORY with this car. It'll be that special.

This car will be a major thorn in the side of all the Eurotrash faithfuls out there, first it was the GT-R, and now this thing...

they'll be crying themselves to sleep at night and having nightmares at the though of a company specializing in "old man's cars" can produce a supercar the likes of McLaren F1, Ferrari 599 GTB and Bugatti Veyron.

Let the nightmares begin!

— sector (View Profile)

Posted on 7/12/2009 6:33:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Why is it that only the Americans believe that Lexus Builds the best cars in the world? I've yet to hear anyone from any other country (including japan) back Lexus the way the Americans do. Why is that? We seem to have (false) pride issues here in America.

look at it this way. Has Lexus ever built a performance orientated car that was the benchmark for all to follow? The LF-A will be a nice car for sure but claiming that it will be better than a Bugatti Veyron is just retarded Fanboy speak.

— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 7/13/2009 1:11:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Top speed of the LF-A is est around 230mph, cd drag around .23, 1/4 mi approx. 132-136mph, 0-60 est 2.9, weight 1500kg(3306lbs). We're talkin a little bit beyond the Corvette ZR1 and the Ferrari 599. The price tag will probably be right there around $300,000 not to mention it will probably be a dream exotic to drive in terms of refinement. By the way, the clonk you read about is pretty much the same clonk found and heard when shifting gears in an F1 car. The day of reckoning is fastly approaching. Pretty much the result of halo timing and brand resentment(haters,pessimist and prejudice).

— lexworld (View Profile)

Posted on 7/13/2009 1:15:25 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Lexsucks,
Because in Japan they always called them Toyotas until recently. The Japanese are one of the few countries who like their cars because they know what they're capable of engineering.

The 599 GTB reminds me of a Datsun 240Z.

As for beating the Ferrari, all the LF-A has to do is match the 599's performance. On a first try with a smaller engine, that would send the Italians running and bolting on 9 more cylinders.

Will have to wait and see the real LF-A before we can make a comparo but the Saleen S7 TT already blows the doors off the Ferrari )0-60 and topspeed) so whats the big deal about the 599 besides the owner wishes they were hung like horse?

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/13/2009 8:19:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Ferrari and their performance is great, but when compared with other cars that perform just as good or better for way less, you're paying for the name. The history of that name, what comes with that name, the thought of that name. Lexus? Nice luxury, nice quality, that's what you pay for, lexus is looked at like that. Now with the LF-A they can be looked at differently. If anyone read the article it was the race car that he drove at goodwood. This thing is still a prototype. The clunks in the gearbox? Yeah that'll be fixed by production, the price? who knows if 250K is the real asking price. Where's the confirmation in that? All that Lexus really said was 6 digits, that's over 100K. Now if this car impressed the writer in the wet at goodwood on a slim section of road, just wait till it gets to a real road, or real track.

— freshseth83 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/13/2009 8:31:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I Agree with ya freshseth83, however the LF-A is built to be a halo(hay-low) exotic and is designed to perform out of character with the Lexus philosophy thus putting it in direct competion with exotics like the Ferrari 599 and the likes. Make no mistake about it and remember this thing has a Formula 1 based V10 high-reving(9,000rpm)engine in it. This is a very expensive and durable motor which requires a substantial buget to build and warrant. Approx. $300,000 exotic with a production of 500 for the world to share. Trust me, the first few will probably go for a lot more than that because of demand. Don't think for a minute their ain't 500 rich men and women that won't want to be seen driving this bad---! car when it becomes available.

— lexworld (View Profile)

Posted on 7/13/2009 9:28:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

You People just don't get it.
As is normal for people who do not drive SuperCars or Over 100mph on a daily basis for you it is all about numbers, its all you can use to do your comparisons.

All you lexus Fans are used to Quiet & Reliable vehicles to get you from A to B. No Drama, No Exitement.

So we should not be suprised at you inability to see the Futility of your expectations for the LFA.

Saleen might be faster than 599 in a straight line, but more people will Want/Buy 599 because of the Complete Package.
Ugly American Contraption might be Faster than Veyron, but more will Want/Buy the Veyron because of the Complete Package.

Just take a look at the Interior and Exterior Pics of the SSC Ulitmate Aero, then compare them to the Pics of the Veyron and you will see why people will pay 5 times more for the Veyron than they would for the SSC.

Even the Name is Repulsive " SSC Ultimate Areo "

— I95SPEEDINGTICKETS (View Profile)

Posted on 7/13/2009 10:53:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

StarSearch, As of 2 Months agao Hyundai outsells Honda in the US. Globally KIA/Hyundai sells twice as many cars as Honda/Acura.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 7/14/2009 2:02:48 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4   

If it wasnt for the US Market, Lexus/Toyota and Acura Honda would be in big trouble, as in other countries, especially in the Euro Zone, becuase Lexus/Toyota and Acura Honda=Old People's Cars. At least the Euro Journalists says KIA/Hyundai cars are fun. Lexus comments=Its like sitting in a vat of hot wallpaper paste. Honda Comments=old people drive those.

As Europe is 5-10 years ahead of the US with people trading their Hondas and Acuras for the more fuel efficient and exicitng Hondas and Toyotas. By the way, Hyundai/KIA abnd VW/Audi lead Euro CAFE figures. If Hyundai were to bring their Euro Powertrains (in which they are starting to) ovet they would lead here too.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 7/14/2009 2:09:03 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4   

Thats excitng Hyundai Products, rather. Toyota=Appliances. KIA=reliable stallwarts and grunty little cars that have passion. Now their designs are catching up to how the cars actually feel. Some people are a little bothered by the less refined KIA engines. People like myself love those little gurnty engines, and wishes that KIA would not listen to some auto jouranlists in terms fo engine refinment.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 7/14/2009 2:14:36 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4   

Toyota sells more cars in the world than any other company. it's a fact. even in the slump they still sell more than anyone else. GM was the only one that was up there with them, but now GM is only 3 brands instead of almost 13 who is going to charge toyota? Kia Hyundai? not for a while. Honda? Nowhere close, only the Volkswagen group is close, and they're still far off. Every company has to start somewhere right? So everyone claims lexus is stupid for making a supercar. So in the 50's and before that the 40's making a supercar was smart for ferrari and lamborghini's and porsches? They're still around today aren't they? Look at Koenigsegg, or Gumpert, or Saleen, or Ford. The only thing i can say about those guys was that they had a one off supercar, tuned cars, or had one famous car. Crack on them for making ultra-expensive supercars. Last I checked the Lexus even at 300K which is highly doubtful is way cheaper than any Koenigsegg, yet said to perform in their league, cheaper than any Saleen, yet said to perform in their league, cheaper than any Pagani, yet said to perform in their league, and the list goes on. But because it's from lexus that it's discredited? PLEASE!!! Except for Ford those last companies i named have no racing Prestige to them and don't even use their own engines.

— freshseth83 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/14/2009 1:13:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

"Toyota sells more cars in the world than any other company. it's a fact. "

What does building and selling millions of Ecomomy cars have to do with building a supercar? You mentioned Koenigsegg, Gumpert, Saleen, and Ford. What about Ferrari, Lambo and Buggati?

— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 7/14/2009 1:57:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

Now that Toyota has shown what it can really do, will they take MB & BMW head on or remain content to be a "value" luxury brand? Is the halo for real or just looks?

— thstone (View Profile)

Posted on 7/14/2009 5:39:10 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

"I thought Hyundia wants Honda's spot. All Hyundai does is copy Honda. Even down to the "H" in the grill."

The "H" in the Grille signifies 2 people (Customer and Company skaking hands) smart guy. Who knows Hyundai might change the Logo after another 10-20 years? Everybody else has done it. Hyundia has gone through 3 logo changes.

1. HD Logo from 1968 to 1985

2. Hyundai Nameplate from 1986 to 1992.

3. Hyundai Nameplate Plus "H" Logo 1993 to Present.

The H Logo is quite adequate, but I liked that old school HD Label.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 7/15/2009 5:42:37 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Lexsucks,
S7 TT does 060 in 2.8sec and has a top speed in excess of 248mph. It probabl doesn't have any magic feel though.

I'm not asking anything, just saying the Ferrari isn't the fastest car around nor is it the most expensive (S7 TT is $550K USD). All Lexus needs to do on their first attempt is to match Ferrari's numbers and it'll get instant recognition from people who don't require a horse on the hood to show how well endowed they are.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/16/2009 7:01:10 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Hyundaismoke,
Tell Hyundai/KIA to raise their prices to match Honda and see how their sales do then. Its been said many times, anyone can break volume records when they give their cars away for free.

Case in point, Honda's net profit fell 77% last year and were still 3x that of Hyundai's, which was down in part, but not entirely, by KIA's lousy performance.
http://www.motorauthority.com/2008-honda-profits-dive-77-but-remains-in-the-black.html
Tends to happen when all you do is sell cars at a loss.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/16/2009 7:08:07 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1