Spy Shots: Lexus LF-A
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Hans Lehmann does it again. The ace spy photog captured an undisguised Lexus LF-A prototype lapping the Nürburgring. Lehmann speculates that published images of the upcoming NSX replacement mule have prompted Lexus to let its star be seen too, so as not to fade from enthusiasts' memories. It looks an awful lot like the concept we've seen on the auto show circuit, with some minor tweaks. We're expecting to see this V10 supercar make its official debut in Frankfurt this September.
No word on lap times, but it should be pretty quick. This front-engined supercar is supposed to be powered by a 500-horsepower V10, but may end up as an advanced high-performance hybrid. Lexus executives have hinted that the LF-A could be the next F model to join their new performance line-up alongside the IS-F. They also said we'd see a new vehicle that would combine elements of both the LF-A and the FT-HS that had a hybrid drivetrain. Along with the Nissan GT-R and Acura NSX, the LF-A is marking a new era of Japanese high performance. The Japanese supercar wars are shaping up to be epic.
[Source: World Car Fans]
Hans Lehmann does it again. The ace spy photog captured an undisguised Lexus LF-A prototype lapping the Nürburgring. Lehmann speculates that published images of the upcoming NSX replacement mule have prompted Lexus to let its star be seen too, so as not to fade from enthusiasts' memories. It looks an awful lot like the concept we've seen on the auto show circuit, with some minor tweaks. We're expecting to see this V10 supercar make its official debut in Frankfurt this September.
No word on lap times, but it should be pretty quick. This front-engined supercar is supposed to be powered by a 500-horsepower V10, but may end up as an advanced high-performance hybrid. Lexus executives have hinted that the LF-A could be the next F model to join their new performance line-up alongside the IS-F. They also said we'd see a new vehicle that would combine elements of both the LF-A and the FT-HS that had a hybrid drivetrain. Along with the Nissan GT-R and Acura NSX, the LF-A is marking a new era of Japanese high performance. The Japanese supercar wars are shaping up to be epic.
[Source: World Car Fans]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
BLS 1:59PM (6/12/2007)
Nice profile.
What is with the triple-tailpipe? 10 cyl. 3 tailpipe. Wha??
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MikeW 6:04PM (6/12/2007)
Variable back pressure exhaust.
i.e. If it is an even firing V10 normally all the exhaust comes out the lower center pipe. When the valves open up, the wail of each 5 cylinder comes out of the other two.
if it is odd firing (ala M5/6) then the exhaust from each bank would come out of its own pipe, and when its gets going, the variable back pressure valves would route gases from each bank to the center pipe.
http://gallery.audiworld.com/gallery/album234/R8070087_medium
The equalization of the odd firing of the cross plane crank V8 L R L L R L R R occurs inside the muffler, and when the variable backpressure valves open, it should sound somewhat like a sidepipped cobra L x L L x L x x from one side and x R x x R x R R and the other.
hashiryu 7:37PM (6/12/2007)
very schway!!!!
ruggels 2:00PM (6/12/2007)
anyone care to speculate regarding it's chances to best the R8 on the track, if it can't i quite frankly can't be bothered to care about this model... especially given the whole toyota/lexus utterly crap interrior design language, the erm.. less then sporting nature of both lineups, and recent drops in quality control. This car really needs to best the R8, which currently has zero issue hanging with the big boys, to be taken remotely seriously - what with lexus having zero significant motorsport cred.
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John R 2:03PM (6/12/2007)
Zero motorsport cred? Toyota has been in Formula 1 for how many years now? It stands to reason that Lexus would draw on that experience IMO.
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ruggels 2:31PM (6/12/2007)
Oh, right, how many victories does toyota have?.. in F1?
And you read my words right, what about lexus? Notice how VAG pitted a Bentley team at lemans right before the release of the conti gt? notice audi's been defeating everyone right before the r8 release? notice a trend here? VW's not fielding teams, Audi is, Bentley is, and they market that heavily, and in the case of Audi, the technology spills into their production cars.. and in the case of Audi, they win.
Now look back to lexus - no. Look at toyota F1 - erm not so much. The points stand.
Paul34 makes a lot of good points too, given toyota's abandonment of the whole supercar idea since the supra, and honestly a v10 front engined GT? vs the 911 turbo? the R8? The Gallardo? no thanks man.
Maybe if they're going for the less then excting GT class and competing with... erm... the 6 series?.. wow.
Lexus does need to provide serious competition, in the way the NSX did when it was first released, if they want to be taken seriously. And like it or not, Audi proves a luxury car maker, with large resources, can compete with the big guys and bring something new to the game.
hashiryu 3:03PM (6/12/2007)
So ruggles, what you are basically saying is that motorsports participation is just marketing....
paul34 2:07PM (6/12/2007)
I think Ruggel's point is that Toyota gave up on sporty cars a long time ago, and the fact that they're suddenly giving it a 100% effort (well, sort of... there's only so much you can do if you put an automatic in everything) is really putting a lot of expectations and pressure on Toyota.
Many people in the automotive world lost faith in sporty Toyota a long time ago. They have a lot to prove with this car.
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Nick Blanchard 2:11PM (6/12/2007)
...that's a pretty bad experience to draw upon...
Jon 2:10PM (6/12/2007)
Wow, what a beautiful car.
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John R 2:12PM (6/12/2007)
In any event, the new Skyline GT-R is shaping up to be probably the best bargain out of these upcoming Japanese supercars, with the Honda and Toyota V10 machines costing more than $100k and the GT-R ranging from $57k to $90k depending on trim.
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John R 2:13PM (6/12/2007)
ah...
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Alex 2:15PM (6/12/2007)
V10 is so lame... V8 is where it at.
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geo.stewart 2:20PM (6/12/2007)
well, this is just too much excess. It probably gets the same gas mileage all those freaks are complaining about with the F-450. And imagine trailering one to the track with an F-450. OMG! the greenies are fainting.....
8^>
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Blake 2:36PM (6/12/2007)
That's one of the most boring designs I've ever seen. Period. Let alone the fact this is a $100k automobile. To say the passion is lacking would be an understatement.
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Blake 2:37PM (6/12/2007)
Uber-snore.
DarkKnight67 2:50PM (6/12/2007)
Does nothing for me ... it looks like every other high performance exotic out there (i.e. copy) and they have to be smoking something to believe that people are going to pay upwards of $150,000 for a car with zero history or credibility.
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hashiryu 2:58PM (6/12/2007)
From the article:
"They also said we'd see a new vehicle that would combine elements of both the LF-A and the FT-HS that had a hybrid drivetrain"
I've read the opposite, i.e. The LF-A is way to advanced and expensive to share parts with the FT-HS.... care to lend us a quote that supports your statement Mr.Fillipino?
Anyway, most of the comments o far are fairly spot on. his car does have a heck of a lot to prove, and I for one hope it can put its rubber where the hype is.
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John 2:55PM (6/12/2007)
I want the Ralf Schumacher Edition!
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tim 3:00PM (6/12/2007)
I like this car but that is hilarious!