Autoblog

Exactly, 10 is not divisible evenly by 3. I don't understand how it works. (4-3-3)-3? Sounds like 6 of the 10 cylinders will be creating more power than the other 4. But of course it's a V configuration, so it's probably 5-(6-4)-(4-3-3). So confusing.

The design seems to be a hearkening back to mid-late 80s Asian muscle, and I don't think anyone really wants a retro-style Asian car. May work on the mustang or camaroo... But anyway, no one really care about my opinion out of the millions that care about cars.

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Why do you care about even or odd number as long as it looks cool and sounds awesome?

Tune up your volume and listen:

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

In doubt about its performance, then watch this

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/GeneralFuture/articleId=121313

You should know that 9,000rpm 5.0L v10 using F1 techniques will have far more than 500hp, plus its light weight carbon-fiber body.

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ever heard of whats called a variable backpressure exhaust?

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The Ferrari 360/430 and the Audi R8 have triple exhaust tips. It is just that the common 'low flow' outlet has two tips.

http://gallery.audiworld.com/gallery/album234/R8070087_medium

What does it matter? The maxima has four tips from a single exhaust (dual mufflers, with dual tips -one being from the variable back pressure valve)

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Exhaust tips do not necessarily reflect the exhaust setup it self nor do they have anything to do with the engine specifications (i.e, number of cylinders), because they usually branch out at the very end of the exhaust system (unless you sacrifice the routing of the exhaust system to make room for more tips, which probably is not the case here). Thus, the number of exhaust tips you have doesn't have to "make sense." They are there for cosmetics mostly. Hence, it only makes sense to judge it at an aesthetic level. Some will like it, other won't. I personally like it, because I think it is sporty, modern, racey, and unique. Moreover, the car sounds great, very similar to a Lamborghini Gallardo V10.

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F430 and 911? That would be no challenge and too easy for LF-A to play with lower level players.

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The LF-A isn't designed to take sales away from Ferrari, Porsche, etc. Its designed as an image car. To a lesser extent the IS-F is also in the this category. Its a halo car for the Lexus line-up, its designed to change the perception of the bland Lexus image into something more exciting, I don't think Toyota expects the LF-A to change their bottom line.

When the performance numbers, price, and reviews are in we'll see how well they succeed.

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You sir are on Crack. Lexus is aiming squarely at Mercedes. Their price points and cars clearly show they are after that MFG. It makes total sense to make a 100-150k sports car as a halo model, that will compete with the Aston's, high end AMG's and 911 turbo's the 430 is a different beast, but still this makes total sense for Lexus.

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its supposed to be around 100k i think.

and what would you buy with that kind of money? a chrysler?

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@ ...

"its supposed to be around 100k i think.

and what would you buy with that kind of money? a chrysler?"

If it's a Viper...yes.

Or you could buy a:

Corvette
Saleen Mustang
'08 CTS-V
Jaguar XKR

or for that matter, a used S7, Diablo, Gallardo, Ford GT, or various Ferraris.

I, personally, would go for the Viper... best performance for the money, I think.

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@ Jon

This LF-A is supposed to be a reliable sophisticated luxury GT that could be driven daily with reasonable gas mileage and great performance. Without facts (i.e., not mere speculation that range from $100,000 to $180,000) of what segment/market this car will be price for, it is difficult to make a fair, and more importantly, a meaningful comparison with anything. Thus, if it is priced near $200,000, it would compete against the Aston Martin DB9, Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Gallardo, Bentley GT, etc. which Lexus may have trouble competing against given intangible virtues such as the strength of the Lexus brand among that target audience. I think the car should be priced around $100,000 to $130,000 to compete against the Aston Martin Vantage, Porsche 911 turbo, Maserati GT, BMW M6, Mercedes SL, Audi R8, etc.

In either case, assuming the LF-A ends up with a V10 with "more than" 500hp, trickled down Formula 1 technology, and given videos showing the LF-A lap the Nurburgring at a very rapid pace, it would be very conservative to say that the LF-A will at the very least keep up with Corvette, Saleen Mustang, Viper, or CTS-V (I would venture that only a 2007 Z06 or 2008 Viper would have a chance to out perform the LF-A).

But, more importantly none of the cars you listed offer the target audience the LF-A was meant for what they are looking for - top notch materials, sophistication, and luxury (and arguably reliability). A Saleen Mustang, for example, is not much different than a regular Mustang when you take away its performance upgrades. Thus, comparing it with respect to luxury, sophistication, and quality to the LF-A , which is going to Lexus' flagship halo car is extremely odd. In many respects, the people who will actually buy the LF-A (versus debate about it over the Internet) would never even consider a Viper, a Saleen Mustang, or a Corvette. They would probably find it laughable.

Regarding buying used exotics. I have a lot of experience with exotics such as Lamborghinis, Ferraris, etc. and I would not recommend purchasing them if they are no longer under warranty. Due to their poor reliability, and high repair and maintenance costs, the purchase price is only the preliminary blow to your bank account. The total cost of ownership is really unconscionable.

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