C&D test drives Lexus LF-A
08-20-09, 02:19 PM
#1
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
C&D test drives Lexus LF-A
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...s_lf-a-preview
Some choice quotes:
Article writer Juergen Zoellterwith LF-A chief engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi:
The quotes provide some relevant reference points to the current LF-A discussion--the weight is below, not at 3,300 lbs., the torque figure is given at 369 pound-feet; the 9,000 rpm redline is indicated here; and the ceramic brakes are said to be on the production model. And for once in recent memory, C&D lays off the invective and provides more detail, possibly due to this older, more experienced correspondent.
Some choice quotes:
When it arrives, the $250,000 LF-A will have to duke it out with the far less expensive (by about $170,000) Nissan GT-R for the title of ultimate Japanese supercar. But on the admittedly race-ready version we drove for this story, the handling is even more responsive and direct than the GT-R’s.
[...]
The 175.2-inch-long two-seat supercar is 73.2 inches wide and only 48.4 inches high. Its 101.6-inch wheelbase is 9.1 inches longer than the Porsche 911 Turbo’s, but its claimed curb weight of less than 3300 pounds is nearly 220 pounds lighter than the Porsche’s.
[...]
In the car, the engine feels stronger than 500 horsepower, more like 550. A Lexus spokesman provides a torque figure: 369 pound-feet. We are taken by the quickness of the throttle’s response, especially when the engine is revved past 4200 rpm. Max engine speed is nearly 9000 rpm. The exhilarating responsiveness feels similar to the Porsche GT3’s 3.8-liter flat-six and even reminds us of the Ferrari Enzo. A blast from standstill, with a glance at a stopwatch, suggests a 0-to-60-mph time of about 3.5 seconds, putting the LF-A comfortably into supercar territory. Accelerating out of corners, the car stays planted and is easy to control, thanks to a Torsen-type limited-slip differential and electronic traction control.
When the LF-A hits public roads next year, it will be equipped with ceramic brakes with six-piston calipers in front and four-piston units in the rear. The Nürburg*ring car was equipped with conventional steel brakes to meet race regulations.
The LF-A picks up speed amazingly fast, as if shot from a sling. A nonvariable rack-and-pinion steering system results in precise turn-in, and if any body roll exists, we didn’t detect it. With the engine set behind the front-axle line, the weight distribution comes in at a nearly balanced 49 percent in the front and 51 in the back. Even by changing gears in corners to provoke the chassis, the LF-A remains easy to control.
[...]
The 175.2-inch-long two-seat supercar is 73.2 inches wide and only 48.4 inches high. Its 101.6-inch wheelbase is 9.1 inches longer than the Porsche 911 Turbo’s, but its claimed curb weight of less than 3300 pounds is nearly 220 pounds lighter than the Porsche’s.
[...]
In the car, the engine feels stronger than 500 horsepower, more like 550. A Lexus spokesman provides a torque figure: 369 pound-feet. We are taken by the quickness of the throttle’s response, especially when the engine is revved past 4200 rpm. Max engine speed is nearly 9000 rpm. The exhilarating responsiveness feels similar to the Porsche GT3’s 3.8-liter flat-six and even reminds us of the Ferrari Enzo. A blast from standstill, with a glance at a stopwatch, suggests a 0-to-60-mph time of about 3.5 seconds, putting the LF-A comfortably into supercar territory. Accelerating out of corners, the car stays planted and is easy to control, thanks to a Torsen-type limited-slip differential and electronic traction control.
When the LF-A hits public roads next year, it will be equipped with ceramic brakes with six-piston calipers in front and four-piston units in the rear. The Nürburg*ring car was equipped with conventional steel brakes to meet race regulations.
The LF-A picks up speed amazingly fast, as if shot from a sling. A nonvariable rack-and-pinion steering system results in precise turn-in, and if any body roll exists, we didn’t detect it. With the engine set behind the front-axle line, the weight distribution comes in at a nearly balanced 49 percent in the front and 51 in the back. Even by changing gears in corners to provoke the chassis, the LF-A remains easy to control.
Article writer Juergen Zoellterwith LF-A chief engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi:
The quotes provide some relevant reference points to the current LF-A discussion--the weight is below, not at 3,300 lbs., the torque figure is given at 369 pound-feet; the 9,000 rpm redline is indicated here; and the ceramic brakes are said to be on the production model. And for once in recent memory, C&D lays off the invective and provides more detail, possibly due to this older, more experienced correspondent.
08-20-09, 04:47 PM
#2
Speaks French in Russian
Thanks! 
Is that writer on C&D payroll? I never heard of him before. I think C&D reprinted this review from a different magazine (preferably European magazine).
Is that writer on C&D payroll? I never heard of him before. I think C&D reprinted this review from a different magazine (preferably European magazine).
08-21-09, 06:14 AM
#6
Many people dont seem to understand torque and horse power. Power is just a function of torque, and the fact that this car produces almost twice horse power than torque is just telling you how good the engine is and how well it sustains torque at high RPMs. Most engines lose torque as RPMs climb, thats why most engines you see have hp/tq ratings that are more or less equal, and even tq exceeding hp in older American cars.
08-21-09, 06:44 AM
#7
Good find 
They are certainly very complimentary to the car and Lexus. It must really be fantastic.
I'm very interested in seeing a production one in action once it comes out.
They are certainly very complimentary to the car and Lexus. It must really be fantastic.
I'm very interested in seeing a production one in action once it comes out.
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08-21-09, 06:58 AM
#8
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369 ft/lbs. Rumor was more than 400, but in anycase, you do realize that that figure is 2 lbs short of the IS-F's 5.0 V8 right? In a car that weighs between 500-1000 lbs LESS than an IS-F?!?!?!
Hope that puts a little perspective on it.
Hope that puts a little perspective on it.
08-21-09, 06:59 AM
#9
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Coming from C&D? Indeed.
Many people dont seem to understand torque and horse power. Power is just a function of torque and revs, and the fact that this car produces almost twice horse power than torque is just telling you how good the engine is and how well it sustains torque at high RPMs. Most engines lose torque as RPMs climb, thats why most engines you see have hp/tq ratings that are more or less equal, and even tq exceeding hp in older American cars.
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