Next Year's Supercars, SLS AMG & LF-A, Which Would You Have?

Any purchase over $100,000 has to be thought over, long and hard.  You cannot just go through a transaction of this significance without weighing all of your options.  And, for an auto enthusiast the list of capable vehicles over the $100k mark is tough to sort through.

Now, what if it was over $200,000?  It becomes even tougher.

Behold the greatness of two new supercars that are refusing to enter the market quietly: Lexus' LF-A and Mercedes-Benz's SLS AMG "Gullwing." 

Lexus' first supercar outing should be a doozy.  From what I have seen in the past, the brand rarely makes a move without the strong possibility of success but from an outsider's perspective, it seems they have a lot to lose.  Lacking the tradition of a Ferrari and a cult following for supercars, it could get hairy.  Or, it could be a stroke of genius -- provided they do not include fake exhaust tips/air intakes.

With that said, this means they have only one other option: to create something great.  Word on the street is that the LF-A will feature a 4.8 liter V10 capable of 550-horsepower. 

In theory it seems that it would not be cool to have a LEXUS supercar, but, I think it would be just the opposite.  Not only does the concept look exceedingly futuristic and sporty, I would take glee in rocketing past an exotic in my reliable and user-friendly Lexus.

A Lexus that has hardcore high-performance is an oxymoron to what the brand has put out previously -- with exception of the IS-F -- and that is precisely what there is to adore about it.  It breaks the rules.

Oh yeah, and it sounds like this:



On the other hand, you can look at something with a bit of pedigree and history, like the upcoming SLS AMG. 

Set to launch in Spring 2010, this vintage-inspired design takes a lot of cues from the uber Benz of yesteryear.  And, it looks really good from what has been released so far.  Although it bears more conservative looks than the LF-A it pulls together its design in one nice, kempt package. 

The exterior has simple lines while the interior is relatively straight forward and typically German with similar ergonomics as found in other MBs.  Certainly a handsome showing.  

Powering the SLS will be a 6.3 liter AMG V8 good for 563-horsepower and 479 lb-ft of toque said to move bratwurst to 60 in 3.8 seconds. 

And if the C/E63 AMGs are any indication of how it will sound, it will frighten the living daylights out of you:



(SLS AMG comes in at approximately 2:05)

No matter how you slice it, the "Gullwing," will always be cool.  There is just something about the wide sills and how the doors go straight up unlike Lamborghini-inspired scissor doors.

So, it seems that although these cars will compete against each other they are extremely different characters.  It becomes a choice of  a futuristic design that pops versus subtle and classic lines. A car with history and a following, or, a car that is rebelling against its siblings.

Either way you come out of the situation a winner, it is just a matter of subjectivity and determining what you desire out of your auto.

What's your pick, spies?



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Agent00R - 7/14/2009 6:07:39 PM

+3 Boost

If anything that should be more motivation to go FOR the LF-A.

DinamoR - 7/14/2009 5:46:41 PM

0 Boost

LF-A

Joe_Limon - 7/14/2009 5:47:57 PM

+2 Boost

I am currently very underwhelmed by the new sls, so I am going to have to say, I'd prefer the LF-A. But isn't the F450 coming out next year? I'd rather have one of those then 10 LF-A's.

DinamoR - 7/14/2009 5:54:40 PM

-2 Boost

Or, it could be a stroke of genius -- provided they do not include fake exhaust tips/air intakes.

--------------------------------------------------

Total B.S. Every car from Ferrari California to Audi R8 has them. Even the new BMW 7 series has fake exhaust tips. Heck, the Ferrari California even has full blown IS-F style stacked fake exhaust tips.

This whole thing is just another fake outrage by homers.

DinamoR - 7/14/2009 5:56:59 PM

-3 Boost

And the IS-F side air intakes are not fake. They pull heat out from the engine bay.

EL34 - 7/14/2009 6:57:19 PM

-2 Boost

The Ferrari California was designed before ToyLex knew what they were going to do with the IF-Flake.

You actually think because a car comes out a monbth and half before another car the later cart ripped off the first car.

Ferrari would never rip off Toyota Corolla.

Ferrari leads in styling.

Every fake watch out there is made in China/Japan.

DinamoR - 7/15/2009 2:51:01 AM

0 Boost

ha I never said they ripped them off retard. I said ferrari has the same fake exhaust tips, meaning they must not be so bad, meaning there is not reason to make fun of lexus for them, if Ferrari and everyone else has them.

Obama 2012. Suck on it

:-)

njsidekick3 - 7/14/2009 5:54:57 PM

-3 Boost

LF-A > SLS
2010 XJ > 2010 S-Class
(20??) XJC > (20??) S-Class Coupe

JRobUSC - 7/14/2009 5:57:22 PM

+4 Boost

I'd rather have a Ferrari or an Aston Martin, and I wouldn't even really care which model of each -- I'd pretty much take any model of either of them over either of these. But if I was choosing between these two, I'd take the SLS. The LF-A, if it ever does in fact come out, looks too much like a spaceship for my tastes. Sounds good though.

Agent00R - 7/14/2009 6:07:03 PM

+1 Boost

Sounds fantastic**

DinamoR - 7/14/2009 6:25:27 PM

0 Boost

there is not a single Aston Martin that can match the performance of the LFA. The DBS has only 510 horses and weighs much more than the LFA.

Plus you get to deal with the Ford un-reliability:-)

JRobUSC - 7/14/2009 7:04:04 PM

+5 Boost

"there is not a single Aston Martin that can match the performance of the LFA. The DBS has only 510 horses and weighs much more than the LFA."

You are correct. And I don't care, not even a little. Listen, I know an Aston Martin isn't the fastest. If speed was all I wanted I could get a GTR for $80k, which would at least hang with the LF-A, and get enough change back to buy an Aston Martin V8 Vantage. No sir, I want an Aston Martin because they are unequivocably the sexiest cars on the road. With the LF-A I'd be rationalizing the extreme performance to justify the ugly. With the Aston I'd be drooling over the car while enjoying the plenty fine performance. Let the LF-A outrun me. It might take me longer to get where I'm going, but that's ok, because I'll be savoring every second.

DinamoR - 7/14/2009 7:17:02 PM

-2 Boost

I don't see it that way at all. If the LFA will look similar to the concept in the pic above, it is flat out sexier than any Aston ever made (though astons are very sexy).

Plus the 9000 rpm Engine sounds and performance will be amazing.

I'd savor every second of driving the LF-A. And I would be faster.

JRobUSC - 7/14/2009 8:02:06 PM

+1 Boost

the LF-A looking just like that concept is exactly why I wouldn't want one. Too many creases, scoops, bulges, lines, etc. There are several angles it's not bad looking from, but the front end ruins it for me. On the other hand every angle from which I look at an Aston excites me. It's like automotive sculpture.

Anyway, to each his own, right? We'll have to agree to disagree.

WorldofLuxury - 7/14/2009 6:14:15 PM

0 Boost

LFA!!!
1st reason: I'm a fan :P
2nd reason: It's had great reviews so far

Counter-reason: Its renderings have been god awful, and Lexus vehicles tend to look like those renderings more than I would like.

JUGNU - 7/14/2009 6:26:12 PM

0 Boost

LF-A. not a fan of SLS type designs, it's too retro and the end product is looking like a mix of Z4/6 series and SL. LF-A is looking like a true hardcore Supercar.

JUGNU

Wimmer - 7/14/2009 7:48:23 PM

+1 Boost

Please tell me where you saw these cars in person to make that decision! I want to go there!

DinamoR - 7/14/2009 6:35:39 PM

+4 Boost

I'd take the LFA because:

1. Engine sound. Sounds amazing, like an F1 car almost
2. The 9000 rpm V10 is much more exotic than the C63 like 6,3 liter V8 in the SLS.
3. Design. I've loved this car since the 2007 concept came out.
4. It's a Lexus. I'm a fan and I trust their reliability more.
5. I'm sure the LF-A will be cosiderably faster, on the track or in a straight line.

lexworld - 7/14/2009 6:37:55 PM

0 Boost

A Lexus exotic supercar? It's a no brainer! Realistically this question can only be answered by those who really have very deep pockets. Some times it's not about what you already know, for instance it's like saying; "Give me or tell me something I don't already know or have". Most people with a lot of cash already have a Ferrari, Lamborghini,Aston Martin or Merc(supercar). I'am 100% sure they want to be seen in something new, something that defies and challenge the imagination, something that is loaded with modern day technology and is absolutely beautiful to look at. After all the LF-A has a lot going for it. One thing is for sure....it's not a sleeper because this thing sounds like a freakin Formula 1 car and it is no doubt unbelievably fast.

HSCenterconsole - 7/15/2009 7:58:32 AM

0 Boost

"...they want to be seen in something new, something that defies and challenge the imagination, something that is loaded with modern day technology and is absolutely beautiful to look at."

Obviously somebody dreams of writing Lexus/Toyota advertising copy. If only you were a better writer.

lexworld - 7/14/2009 6:38:54 PM

0 Boost

"Hands down the Lexus LF-A"!

EL34 - 7/14/2009 6:53:54 PM

-2 Boost

I would get the European original Mercedes Gullwing.

The ToyLex looks like generic crap from 4 or 5 different European cars.

_43LE - 7/14/2009 11:42:55 PM

+4 Boost

Yeah, but earlier in a post today you said it looked like origami bling bling. No wonder we hold no value in whatever you say, you're all over the place. :-/

diesselxp - 7/14/2009 7:14:54 PM

+2 Boost

LF-A

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.

theoptimisticpessimist - 7/14/2009 8:31:14 PM

-3 Boost

Buggati Veryon

Bmw8ter - 7/14/2009 8:31:37 PM

+2 Boost

The SLS is no replacement for the SLR; not even close. I'll take an
LF-A.

Bmw8ter - 7/14/2009 8:34:20 PM

-2 Boost

I wouldn't hesitate to take the SLR over an LF-A though. Gorgeous car.

Bill - 7/14/2009 8:35:32 PM

0 Boost

I question the need for this thread.

Both cars have not even been fully released to the public yet. We keep seeing a disguised LF-A and an SLS on a poor quality photograph. The only real test of how good these cars look is seeing them in real life. Right now, only the fanboys and haters have something to say here.

Pathetic.

Camryman - 7/14/2009 10:01:21 PM

+2 Boost

Your kinda right. Lets'see the finished product on each. However from what I seen so far I like the Lex LF-A. However I'll reserve final judgment once we see production models.

Yonder7 - 7/14/2009 8:40:31 PM

-3 Boost

In fact the toyota looks like is melting down for the wind....very rare design...If I do not see the outside, I prefer to pick the Benz.

EL34 - 7/14/2009 9:32:37 PM

-5 Boost

Why does the ToyLex look like a big vicious insect?

Just like that Infiniti SUV looks like a humongous beetle.

_43LE - 7/14/2009 11:43:44 PM

+3 Boost

Confirmed, EL34 is definitely on acid...

dlin - 7/14/2009 10:25:59 PM

+3 Boost

I'll take the one that revs to 9000 rpm!

sector - 7/14/2009 10:48:43 PM

-1 Boost

LF-A = poor man's F1 car

SLS = rich man's novelty item, that will look good at the mall or the golf club

so, LF-A FTW

HSCenterconsole - 7/14/2009 10:55:39 PM

-4 Boost

Is this even a question?

SLS by far. The LF-A has been in development almost twice as long as the SLS and it still is far from hitting the streets -- all info released on it is still rumor. At the end of the day, Mercedes has one of the most incredible automotive histories out there. Lexus/Toyota is nowhere close.

As much as I like the new SLS (from what I've seen) and how it reflects the classic 300SL, I'd still take a 430 Ferrari before purchasing one.

sector - 7/15/2009 3:28:35 PM

+2 Boost

"Is this even a question"

Yes, a valid question for those who don't have clouded badgewhore minds and prejudice with anything other than Eurotrash.

dotuno - 7/14/2009 11:23:37 PM

-2 Boost

Not trying to be offensive at all, but the front of the LF-A in the picture somehow made me think, "cottage cheese".

Why so clumsy? The other angles are actually much better, even striking, but the front? Was it already in an accident?

lexworld - 7/14/2009 11:36:05 PM

+4 Boost

Wana know the difference between a Toy/Lex fanboy and a hater? Passion vs envy. Both are emotions but, envy is a feeling of discontent or resentment for someone else's possessions, genuine passion or advantages. If you don't like something, you just don't like it for whatever reason, but Hate!...."Oh that's a different display of emotions altogether"! In all actuality it lowers one's perception of you.

1dott8 - 7/15/2009 12:22:45 AM

-5 Boost

not a fan of either. can i have another option?

nmk1 - 7/15/2009 12:47:33 AM

-3 Boost

Frankly, I think the rendered images of both cars are less than impressive. As far as the Lexus is concerned, I would never buy the LFA at the price point at which it's being positioned. It's price will put it between the new F430 replacement and the 599. I can't speak for the new car, but the 599 is one one of the most elegant and beautiful cars I have ever seen. The interior, also, is the very pinnacle of understated elegance. You really feel as though you are in a work of art.

Japanese sports cars, including the GTR, seem a bit juvenile and boy racerish to me. They lack the prestige and class of their European rivals and, lets face it, that is important. I would be highly surprised if people would be willing to shell out this kind of money for a Lexus and pass up on a Ferrari, Lambo, Aston, or 911 Turbo.

Anthony - 7/15/2009 1:09:48 AM

+3 Boost

I sound like a broken record, but you people seem to need to hear it: prestige and class are not important. Koenigsegg and Pagani sell super-exotic, ridiculously expensive cars without proper "prestige and class" all the time. One company doesn't even make their own engines for their cars. Also, people who can afford these types of cars are not "passing up" one car because they buy another. People who can afford a Ferrari or a Lexus LF-A can quite possibly also afford the luxury of not compromising.

wins555 - 7/15/2009 1:16:05 AM

+1 Boost

LF-A simply because it will only make 500 units and this would be a collector car that you can drive everyday without worrying about it breaking down. Not that the SLS will breakdown a lot but 500 units is really few and who would have thought the original MB Gullwing would be such a collector's dream back when it was introduced more 50 years ago. Lexworld is spot on. Either you want one or you don't. No reason to hate one or the other. Also, IMO there won't be a shortage of millionaires wanting to buy the 500 units around the world for the LF-A. As for the SLS, there won't be a shortage of buyers either but they can surely take their time in deciding when to buy one since it won't be a limited production model.

pennfootball - 7/15/2009 9:57:43 AM

+1 Boost

I'd have to see which one I fit in better, and you also have to drive them yum yum to make ANY decision on buy a car!

Always TEST DRIVE Twice
or forever hole your peace!

EL34 - 7/15/2009 11:05:00 AM

-5 Boost

It used to be ToyLex would copy the Germans, but then they got it thru their heads to design their own cars. They still lift ideas from other cars, but with this ToyLex they decided a good old American fresh water catfish would be the backbone of their design.

There's no way I'm going to drive around in a catfish mobile.

dlin - 7/15/2009 11:39:26 AM

+2 Boost

9000 rpm..... Unbelievable and output of 115 hp/L? That's a Ferrari engine without fuel penalty and simply something easy-solution turbo engine can never match. This will put LEXUS in the tier of real sports car maker, joining MB and AUDI..... Well, move your fat ass, BMW!

Could this also mean all the engines from LEXUS later will have redline of 8000 rpm?

answer - 7/15/2009 11:40:54 AM

+3 Boost

I'd prefer the LF-A, but would be happy as hell to have the SLS.

It seems the SLS is going to have the same fanboy trend of being poo-pooed by fanboys (especially the German fanboys) as was the SLR. I'll never understand the resentment the SLR generated. Was it the unatainable price? The fact Paris Hilton had one?

The SLS is beautiful. The original gullwing is a personal favorite and this looks like a great spirtual successor.

That said, I'd still prefer the LF-A. A car that has been so long in development and had so many near-death experiences has to be great for the designers to endure all that madness.

THESCOOTER - 7/15/2009 11:45:50 AM

-3 Boost

At this level you have to think about pedigree - come on, seriously is this a question? What heritage is the LF-A building on? The SLS is the sure choice here -- LF-A cannot compete with a legacy of ultra-luxury vehicles over a body of work spanning a century. Come on, the M-B guys were doing ultra-lux when Toyota was in the loom business. Yeah I know, Toyota/ Lexus QRD...blah, blah,blah. Really? The people buying these vehicles have MANY others to choose from on a daily basis I don;t think the repair bill, quality and durability are really going to swing them into a Japanese exotic I can drive everyday.

LF-A will be priced at this level and sell out, but really never be a true competitor at this level.

Make mine a Carerra GT

JUGNU - 7/15/2009 2:24:06 PM

+4 Boost

What's the history and pedigree of Pagani, Koenigsegg...etc but they still make one of the finest Supercars money can buy and compete with Ferrari and Lamborghini for customers.

And also what's the history and prestige of Porsche's, BMW's, Audi's...etc SUVs? But still people buy them.

JUGNU

Shogun - 7/16/2009 5:33:53 AM

+4 Boost

My vote goes to Lexus LF-A.

xj13 - 7/16/2009 8:02:57 AM

-2 Boost

SLS all the way, forget the LF-ZZZZZZZZZ

freshseth83 - 7/16/2009 4:38:46 PM

+4 Boost

LF-A all day. Knowing how the SLR was, overpriced, overweight, overdone- nothing from mercedes looks like the McLaren F1. They swayed from the orginal and made big huge overweight cars that really have no purpose. None of them race unlike the F1 which won LeMans how many times? Seriously! Like the guys from Lexus said, they take their road cars to the race track, we'll take our race car to the road. Even Ferrari's aren't all that hard core anymore. It's all about creature comfort. Well if you haven't been paying attention the Lexus has that to give as well. It's a damn LEXUS!! The smoothest riding quietest interiors in the business, i think they would if anyone know the word Luxury. And the interior of the LF-A? Alcantara leather, carbon fiber and metal trimming, sounds like an exotic and supercar to me... for 200K? that's like finding Michael Jordan's rookie card at a flea market for 100 bucks.