Lexus and Acura Are Looking To Shake Up the Super Car Establishment - Should Ferrari and Lamborghini Be Worried?

Almost every week a new set of spy photographs emerge showing either the upcoming Lexus LF-A or the Acura NSX in some stage of testing or development.  We have watched as both cars have been videotaped under various conditions, and rumors continue to circulate as to just how high these cars will be priced once they hit the market.  The consensus seems to suggest that pricing will be north of $150k pricing both the LF-A and NSX into super car territory.

Although it is easy to write off both the LF-A and NSX when the premise of a high six digit price tag is brought to the table, there is a case to be made for the Japanese super car, one that I don't think the Italians - specifically Ferrari and Lamborghini - should write off.  The fact is the original NSX did everything a Ferrari of the day could in terms of performance, but the NSX was also reliable and could be driven as a daily just like a Honda Accord.

Just as Lexus shook the luxury car establishment, Acura did the same with the super car establishment when the original NSX rolled into dealer showrooms.  Whether you love or hate Lexus and Acura, I don't think the current state of super cars would be what it is if it weren't for the benchmarks made by the original NSX.

So the million dollar question is this, will the Lexus LF-A and Acura NSX turn the super car world upside down when these cars hit our shores?

Targeted at the Ferrari F430 and Lamborghini Gallardo LP56--4, the LF-A and NSX seem poised to shake up the whole super car establishment and steal away buyers from the Italians.  Granted one could argue that Ferrari and Lamborghini already sell every car they produce often with long waiting lists, but if buyers start leaving those waiting lists for the Japanese offerings an upset could be in the making.

With that said I will acknowledge the fact that the Italians do have a long history and heritage to fall back on, but the same could be said of Mercedes-Benz in 1989 when Lexus came onto the scene.

In the end time will tell how much impact the LF-A and NSX will have on Ferrari and Lamborghini, but if the past is any indicator of the future, I would say we are in for an exciting new round of innovation and technology as the Japanese push the Italians into high gear to produce the next round of super cars.

Will Lexus and Acura upset the super car establishment?

And more importantly than that, which super car would you want to own?  Would you buy Italian with either the Ferrari F430 or Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, or do you go Japanese in choosing the Lexus LF-A or Acura NSX?

Japanese technology versus Italian heritage, and you decide the winner.

JudasLease - 8/2/2008 12:18:08 AM

+4 Boost

You do realize no one buys an expensive Acura or Honda and Lexus only sells one 100k car (though it does sell very well).

With the economy here in shambles, they better hope other markets want these cars.

Also an exotic better look the part, the Lexus LF-A looks very good, the ACura looks like absolute crap

Jaybrn - 8/2/2008 11:23:03 AM

+3 Boost

I think of the price point was set around the V-8 Audi R8 pricing -low 100k's, I would see them as more compelling. Im not sure a person willing to spend 300K for a Ferrari is necessarily cross shopping for a NSX just because its a competitor, Italian cars invoke passion that is bankable as we see with the waiting lists and routine paying of over sticker.

AMiodynski - 8/2/2008 12:27:51 PM

-9 Boost

At my store, we have already taken 5 deposits on the LFA and that's for a car that's over a years time away !!

Who's next?

Krishnen - 8/2/2008 10:39:14 AM

+10 Boost

Most people think that Ferrari, Lamborghini and the likes need not worry about the GT-R because they target different markets. But I personally think they are wrong. Those exotic car manufacturers (ferrari, lambo, etc...) became exotic because they made fast cars. They were the best in the business and they became prestigious because they were the fastest cars around and to be able to maintain that prestige, they need to stay on top in that world of speed. And no matter how prestigious a company is, if it just rests on its reputation to make its sales, it won't stay on top. Take Bugatti for example, when it was bought by the VW Group, it was almost bankrupt and to be able to get back to where it is today, it had to make the world's fastest production car.
And for those who think that Ferrari, Lambo or Porsche are not worried by the latest lap times of the GT-R, you could not be more wrong. Those companies are aware that the GT-R is a threat to them and they are going to react to that threat. It is because of such similar threats that Porsche came out with an SUV, Lamborghini came out with the Gallardo and now Ferrari now has a new entry-level model. They need to adapt to the market and attract new customers.
I'm not saying that the future F430 buyer will suddenly change his mind and get a GT-R cause I don't believe that these two cars are competing for the same customers. But Ferrari should be worried cause now Nissan has the technology to challenge him and in the future, Nissan could use that technology in a better looking car which might sell under a completely different name. Take Pagani for example. That company was founded in 1992 and now its challenging the Enzo and the Murcielago. Imagine Nissan doing the same thing and creating a brand new car with a totally eccentric and beautiful design and sell it under a totally new brand name while using the technology of the GT-R. That car would steal some market shares just like the Zonda did.
So to sum up, I'd say that although the GT-R is not a direct competitor to the big names in the business, it should nonetheless worry the manufacturers as it is an indication of what other manufacturers are capable of doing.

Dave - 8/2/2008 12:42:30 AM

+8 Boost

There are some other differences between the Japanese and Italians instead of just technology versus heritage. The Japanese focus their attention towards supercars only once they've made tons of money producing quality cars for the masses. The Italians, at least the cars they export to the US, only produce cars that a small percentage of the population($$$) will ever be able to afford.
Also, when the Japanese decide to build a supercar, they spend a relatively LONG time with R&D and make sure the end product is top notch. The GT-R concept was introduced back around 2001, but the final production model didn't go on sale until finally this year. How long ago did Lexus and Acura announce they were building the NSX and LF-A? And it's STILL 2 years away.
One thing you can be assured of once you get a Japanese supercar, is that build quality, fit/finish, reliability, and everyday drivability will all be first rate. While everyone likes to think 'no one buys expensive Acuras or Lexuses', you have to recall that back in 1989 when Lexus started, most people couldn't even comprehend the notion of a Japanese luxury car to take on BMW and Mercedes.
I definitely predict Lexus and Acura WILL shake up the super car establishment. The GT-R is already a serious competitor to the 911 Turbo for HALF the price. Acura spooked Maranello with the first NSX. I think Lexus is targeting Lambo and Ferrari while Acura is gunning for Aston Martin. Besides the lack of so called heritage, the Japanese will deliver everything else and then some. They will be worth the $100+ asking prices, and I predict they will sell relatively well. Just look at the initial orders for the GT-R. And I'm sure Acura has some loyal NSX fans.

indifferent - 8/2/2008 1:05:56 AM

-1 Boost

The two do not compete BECAUSE the GT-R is half the price of the 911. Sure, the true car enthusiast will buy the GT-R but a majority of the public will by the 911 becuase when they pull into the valet, they want everyone to see the Porche symbol. Also, when people ask what car the individual drives, he or she wants to be able to say "I drive a Porche". There is nothing special in saying "I drive a Nissian".

The reason Ferrari is so special is BECUASE its cheapest car is over 150000. Most people can afford a Lexus/MB/Nissian/Acura becuase the starting price is less than 30000. There is nothing special with those brands.

mwrmmg - 8/2/2008 1:49:57 AM

+1 Boost

indifferent wrote:

"The two do not compete BECAUSE the GT-R is half the price of the 911"

They do. from now on, all new porsche will be tested against the GTR.

And GTR also won coz they manage built and sell it at half the porsche price.

plus, saying "I drive a GTR" will make those who say "I drive a porsche" go into hiding.

wedouglas - 8/2/2008 2:52:59 AM

+1 Boost

No one will say they drive a GT-R unless they are talking to someone who knows about cars. 99% of the time when people ask what kind of car you drive, they aren't into cars. You tell them the brand and MAYBE the model if they ask.

"What do you drive?"
"A GT-R"
"What's that?"
"A Nissan."

pcar4evr - 8/2/2008 7:57:50 AM

+4 Boost

mwrmmq - I must thank you for: "I drive a GTR" will make those who say "I drive a porsche" go into hiding." Thank you for giving me a good laugh today.

dumpsty - 8/2/2008 10:14:24 AM

-1 Boost

The very phrase, "I drive a Porsche," is cliche...and a very bad one at that.

Most people who've heard that automatically assume you're in the "itty-bitty penis committee" whenever they hear somebody say that with pride & confidence. Unless you're driving the Cayenne, the words Porsche, 911, etc has the connotation that the driver needs a little Porsche to make himself feel better about the inadequate features he has.

And a lot of people like nice cars that they really haven't seen before. I see a Porsche every day, but I doubt I'll see many GT-R's.

mwrmmg - 8/2/2008 1:37:59 AM

0 Boost

Sales and marketwise, it may not.

Performance wise it may. They did so previously with the nsx - drivability + performance compared to the currents of especially ferrari and lambo - they were a real handful.

dlin - 8/2/2008 2:19:07 AM

-2 Boost

Though I won't call Bimmer an Econo, it does look kinda shabby when there's nothing 'super' at stake.

Stop making easy 'halo' money, BMW!

Designer1 - 8/2/2008 2:33:37 AM

+3 Boost

It will be very interesting, being the first step for Lexus and Acura to enter this group of breeds, I believe they will force the Italians to improve their quality and reliability, but in the long run they'll be real competitors.

iBimmer - 8/2/2008 4:46:52 AM

0 Boost

One word.

No.

Speedoholic - 8/2/2008 5:14:40 AM

+2 Boost

Lexus will probably take the Gallardo put their badge on it and lower its price.

CanadaCraig - 8/2/2008 6:03:37 AM

+3 Boost

Should Ferrari and Lamborghini be worried? No. And this comes from a guy who owned an NSX for 11 years. The NSX was [and still IS] a fantastic car. And anyone who says otherwise has either never actually owned one or is such a 'stuck up' that they THINK dissing the NSX makes THEM more valuable. [Or whatever - who knows] A great car is a great car. The problem for Acura OR Lexus isn't whether or not they can build a car that is either the equal to or even better than anything Ferrari or Lamborghini makes - but whether or not those who can afford such a car will care. But that will change in time. And not so much because attitudes change. But because generations will have died off. To my grandfather - you couldn't possibly own anything better than a Cadillac. Maybe 20 years from now you'll be asking, "Hyundai looking to shake up the Super Car Establishment - should Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lexus and Acura be worried?!" Craig!! :o)

dumpsty - 8/2/2008 10:24:00 AM

+3 Boost

You're right. My grandfather would never had thought about own anything but a Cadillac. And my other grandfather was like that with Lincoln...nothing was better. My mom always knew if you pulled up in a big Chrysler, then that was the tops.

None of them ever realized that Lexus and Acura made better cars. I bought an Infiniti, and I enjoy driving it more than the antiquated STS and DTS.

PrancingHorse - 8/2/2008 6:19:05 AM

+2 Boost

This is like comparing a beautiful Victorias Secret Supermodel to a regular fattie american soccer mom.

EL34 - 8/2/2008 10:31:19 AM

+7 Boost

Dude, every Lexus out there right now is designed for women.

Agent63 - 8/4/2008 6:10:13 AM

+1 Boost

MT is a woman. He admitted himself that he's into men.

Agent63 - 8/2/2008 7:12:23 AM

+1 Boost

You guys talk down what Lexus and Acura is coming up with and how their priced. Some of you also brought up BMW as an econobox automaker but the reality is the loyal NSX fans will go and fork out that money whether YOU like it or not. BMW isn't an econobox brand. It's clearly not economic to buy one so get your head out of your own ass and face reality Staar. Even if it was an economy brand their cars sure handle pretty darn.

mpwr - 8/2/2008 9:50:56 AM

-3 Boost

Just a couple of comments,

Whatever Acura and Lexus do they will have to do it better and define there own niche, other wise they will be me too cars.

If we are truly talking Italian super cars then the only brand is Ferrari. Sorry Lambo but you can call yourself Italian when you rely on German engineering and were once owned (and raped) by Chrysler.

Both BMW and Honda's so called econobox's by some of you some how seem to end up on the list of every ones top ten cars year after year, something both Nissan and Toyota have never duplicated.

If racing is the birthplace of innovation and heritage then Ferrari of course is without equal and Honda is the best of Asia. Toyota would be a distant third.

My first choice would be the Ferrari because there is nothing like owning one for the passion or feeling you get from the car, and to me that is what a supercar should do and more. Honda would be my second choice because they have shown what they can do and shook up the world with the NSX.

Star - 8/2/2008 9:50:57 AM

-1 Boost

Do you want RICE? Get one of the econoboxes like GT-R, LF-A or NSX built for the "fast and furious" crowd that thinks "nos" and the quarter mile mean everything.
Do you want engineering marvels that offer a way superior driving experience and also recognition in the real car enthusiast world(not the kiddie racer world)? Then get the magnificent cars produced by Ferrari or Lamborghini that were designed to offer you a lot more than just speed.
How could somebody imagine that the best engineers in the world who work for Ferrari, Lamborghini or Porsche would feel threatened by the run of the mill average Japanese engineers who work for companies that produce econo cars like Nissan, Lexus or Acura. Let's get real.

Htay7500 - 8/2/2008 12:01:05 PM

-1 Boost

you're obviously entitled to your opinion but its sad and funny that people don't know how to use the term "rice" or econobox". someone had a bad day...

sulev - 8/4/2008 1:07:22 AM

+2 Boost

Funny you mentioned that, because the chief designer that responsible in creating the magnificent Enzo, is a Japanese.. Ken Okuyama-san

Htay7500 - 8/4/2008 10:11:09 AM

+2 Boost

and he was also responsible for the development of the NSX.

Tour18 - 8/2/2008 10:07:07 AM

-2 Boost

As long as the Japanese design RICER into every aspect of the exterior, no european manufacturer will ever have anything to worry about. Ever.

It is unbelievable that Asians can start with a clean sheet of paper can come up with the antithesis of a Bangle Mobile time after time.

jsell - 8/2/2008 10:29:04 AM

+2 Boost

Call me stupid, but the Acura and Lexus look like they might stand up to the Lambo and Ferrari in that picture above. Obviously, the Acura has a lot of styling cues borrowed from those cars. But, like most have said, when you can say I drive a Lamborghini Gallardo, that has much more substance than either of the 2 japanese cars. Either way, they all could sit in my driveway.

V-10 NSX

EL34 - 8/2/2008 10:32:49 AM

-4 Boost

The styling alone screams I eat Sushi.

Yuck!

EL34 - 8/2/2008 10:30:14 AM

-2 Boost

All the silly little gimps that can't afford a Ferrari will buy this crap and they will be the most obnoxious drivers on the road.

Htay7500 - 8/2/2008 11:25:39 AM

+5 Boost

just like corvette owners?

EL34 - 8/2/2008 12:20:59 PM

+3 Boost

Wrong, the majority of Corvette owners I see on the road drive with respect for others on the road.

The worst are these gimps in their Nissan 350Z that drive like a-holes.

They race everyone on the road like they think they're speacial.

They're obnoxious pigs!

Htay7500 - 8/2/2008 12:34:25 PM

+5 Boost

"They're obnoxious pigs!"

so are the M3 drivers:

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?referrerid=103730&t=1560109

EL34 - 8/2/2008 2:09:20 PM

-3 Boost

Very rarely do I see an M3 driver cutting in and out of traffic like those spoiled rich boys in their Mitsu's and Subaru's.

Htay7500 - 8/2/2008 2:55:54 PM

+2 Boost

the kid that posted on the site I provided is spoiled and intoxicated, claiming to race a 350z and winning. even better, he 18. and these individuals, they don't seem to be doing anything wrong eh?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0TDoZ8YRiE

Agent00J - 8/2/2008 10:35:56 AM

0 Boost

Don't miss the point that if Lexus and Acura really want their way into this segment of the market, both companies have the resources to get it done. That alone should make for a very interesting next round of super cars from all makers, but especially the Italians.

-00J

JRobUSC - 8/2/2008 12:08:52 PM

+2 Boost

they'd have a very tough time competing. The Mercedes brand name, for example, has much more cachet than Acura or Lexus, and they've had trouble selling cars in the same pricerange as Ferrari and Lambo (see: crappy sales of the SLR). Same thing with Porsche and the Carrera GT. If those higher end marques couldn't do it, I don't see Acura and Lexus doing it either.

2ndbimmer - 8/2/2008 10:40:24 AM

+3 Boost

I dont think so. when people say people with small penises drive ferrari and lambos, it just means they are jealous.

pcar4evr - 8/2/2008 5:38:49 PM

+1 Boost

I think I've discovered a new truth today today. It appears that if you drive a Porsche, Lambo, Ferrari, Vette, etc people think you have a small penis. But according to the World Book of Records, Asian men are among the least well-endowed men in the world. Wouldn't that mean that driving an Asian car, built by poorly endowed men implies that you are driving a car that should be a penis extender. Wouldn't that explain all the big tail pipes on all those Toyotas, Hondas etc. And maybe that's why the GTR is so oversized. I think I may have overturned the whole penis size - car theory.

0to60 - 8/2/2008 10:57:17 AM

-1 Boost

No

0to60 - 8/2/2008 11:04:32 AM

0 Boost

I think this is similar to the ? should BMW, Lexus, and MB be worried concerning the Hyandai Genesis. Especially competing against the S, LS and 7 series. The answer is NO! I saw the Genesis and although it did turn my head, I dont think it is quite there yet and likely wont be for a while. The rear had to many ties to Hyandai (mainly the badge). It in a big way I think devalues the car. The front is nice however. They def will need to create a brand before I think they will have impact on that market. They may however steal some sales from the Lexus ES, Toyota Avalon, and Nissan Maxima. I think it competes better with those cars. Likewise I think Acura and Lexus should stick to the lower price point. If they come out with a super car, it should still have a super low price tag. Maybe they should go after Maserati.

M53R - 8/2/2008 11:54:04 AM

-1 Boost

I dont think so. It is going to be a very rare scenario to see a Lambo/Ferrari owner going to a Nissan/Acura/Lexus dealership to trade in for a GT-R/LF-A/NSX.

EL34 - 8/2/2008 12:22:32 PM

-1 Boost

Can you imagine a Porsche or Ferrari rally and some dweeb shows up in his silly lookin' Lexus, Nissan or Acura?

lol

0to60 - 8/2/2008 5:39:07 PM

0 Boost

Porche yes, Ferrari, no

Dave - 8/2/2008 12:25:46 PM

+1 Boost

I disagree with Acura/Lexus not being able to compete because 'Mercedes has a hard time with the SLR and with Porsche and the Carrera GT.' Those cars are in the $400,000+ territory being compared to the likes of the Ferarri Enzo.
Lexus and Acura are aiming for the Ferrari F430 and Gallardo range of cars.

enthusiastx11 - 8/2/2008 2:37:46 PM

+1 Boost

no. nein. nyet. non.

07G35J - 8/2/2008 2:44:48 PM

+2 Boost

No!

theoptimisticpessimist - 8/2/2008 2:54:05 PM

+1 Boost

In a word, no. It doesn't come down to performance or looks but exclusivity. While Acura and Lexus may only make small number of these cars, both companies still make cars the start at $30K, thus a lot of people can own both Acura and Lexus cars only a very few and select people can buy a Ferrari.

An early comment speaks of "five deposits on the new Lexus and it's a year a way", that great but go try to buy a new Ferrari, my local dealer is sold out on every model for it's entire production run (years out) and sold out of models that are still on the drawing board.

I have no doubt these will be great cars but they will never be Ferrari.

rocker - 8/2/2008 4:07:04 PM

+1 Boost

Feable article, who writes this dribble. I guess you would take one of these to a car wash.

Agent00J - 8/2/2008 6:50:47 PM

+1 Boost

Feeble comment. I wrote the dribble, and no, I probably wouldn't run a Ferrari or Lamborghini through the car wash I ran the M3 however the wash I ran the M3 threw also sells high end exotics like Ferrari and as such probably knows a thing or 2 about how to wash them.

-00J

rocker - 8/2/2008 10:45:08 PM

0 Boost

That's more like. I would much rather have you respond aggressively than delete my comments. Deleting comments means you can't handle so now I have more respect for you. I would not put anything thru a car wash, too many things could happen to it. And as far as the article, keep up the good work. Glad to see anyone enjoying an extremely nice car.

Lexus - 8/2/2008 5:16:53 PM

0 Boost

Lambo and Ferrari should be worry, but not anytime soon. Just like when the maker of Lambo before he make those Lambo cars, he make and sales tractor for a living.

People must of laugh at him he said coming out with car that will go against the like of Ferrari, Jaguar, or MB. But look at Lambo now, they have earn their right to be in the Supercar category.

It will take sometime, eventually the new money will get use to it and buy Lexus LF-A, and NSX. The past Honda NSX has been proven to be just as good or better than their rival. So does the past and present Nissan GT-R.

investor27 - 8/2/2008 6:17:36 PM

+1 Boost

I'd like to see where you can get the GT-R for $70,000. Not here in the US. At least not in 2008 or 2009.

sector - 8/3/2008 2:00:59 AM

-3 Boost

Ferrari, Lambo, Porsche are the ultimate badge whore cars. The shallow posers who buy these have done so, not because they want the ultimate drivers cars, but more so because they are egotistical and are megalomaniacs needing material possessions to fill a void. These people have no reason to buy Lexus or Acura or Nissan for that matter even if it costs much less, perform as well or better... they are paying for the image, nothing else.

pcar4evr - 8/3/2008 3:13:42 PM

+1 Boost

do you realize what an ass you sound like? But I guess this is the value of the internet, it allows nobodies to vent their frustration so they don't shoot up schools

Imola48isX5 - 8/3/2008 2:13:30 AM

0 Boost

lets see if lexus can make a production car and not just another concept

Bu6alal - 8/3/2008 6:54:18 AM

-1 Boost

Wake up call !!!! History will repeat it self. Lexus is a Toyota; they started with small compact cars and grew their way up smashing every car market segment they entered. Italians should be scared, Lexus is planning to take over, and it only took them 10 years to do that for the luxury car segment.

xj13 - 8/3/2008 8:37:03 AM

+2 Boost

THE LF-Almost a car. When it's real, then well discuss it, until then keep dreaming lex.

MeanVulcan - 8/3/2008 11:36:07 AM

+1 Boost

"Should Ferrari and Lamborghini Be Worried?"



... ammm.... NO.

VISO - 8/4/2008 1:06:01 AM

0 Boost

To repeat a previous post from above:

"Do you realize what an ass you sound like? But I guess this is the value of the internet, it allows nobodies to vent their frustration so they don't shoot up schools."

Well said pcar4evr

VISO - 8/4/2008 1:08:45 AM

0 Boost

So according to your logic, that makes BMW even more lowend since BMW has nothing to touch the Audi R8 V8, yet alone the upcoming R8 V10. See post above to explain your existence.

BenzMan - 8/4/2008 1:42:00 PM

+1 Boost

By the way, if your a first time Ferrari buyer, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to purchase one new.

supermoto - 8/4/2008 5:35:58 PM

+1 Boost

Future conversation:
"I just bought a $200k car!"
"Cool, what kind?"
"Acura"
"Idiot"
If the new LSA and NSX were built by stand-alone car companies, they would not sell enough to stay in business. Instead they are subsidized advertising to make their $25k models seem better. How sad. Any person who buys one is a tool.

Targa - 8/4/2008 3:45:20 PM

+2 Boost

In a word, no.

Can Lexus and Acura make a car that is on par technologically and performance wise with the Ferrari and Lambo, absolutely.

The issue comes in with the people who buy in this range. They want to go to the exclusive dealerships and throw around tons of money to impress.... who ever it is they are trying to impress. It is not just about the car, but what the car represents. That is cool and to each their own. This crowd, however, will not go to a dealership where their car is sitting next to a IS250. That is not a dis on the IS250, but it is not exclusive enough.

lovecars11 - 8/5/2008 8:00:57 AM

0 Boost

Porsche is German for Wanker.