Lexus LFA Driver Development Center program at Infineon (official)
03-09-11, 01:42 PM
#91
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"07grIS350" - Sounds like you had a blast... Thanks for sharing the awesome details.. 
For future reference the Badge Unit number is located in between the Driver & Passenger seat wall....
Quick point.. The 2011 IS-F speedo is nothing close to the the LFA at all.
I wonder if this Black Demo LFA is unit #009 that has been MIA for some time now...
Joe Z
For future reference the Badge Unit number is located in between the Driver & Passenger seat wall....
.....
It is nice to see that the low speed manners of the car were tuned to make it easy to live with.
The 011 ISF have a speedo similar to the LFA if that helps.
Just after I guessed Gengar would get the first production car with Alcantara seats you mentioned that the black production car has them. Another of my predictions in the dumper.
It is nice to see that the low speed manners of the car were tuned to make it easy to live with.
The 011 ISF have a speedo similar to the LFA if that helps.
Just after I guessed Gengar would get the first production car with Alcantara seats you mentioned that the black production car has them. Another of my predictions in the dumper.
I wonder if this Black Demo LFA is unit #009 that has been MIA for some time now...
Joe Z
03-09-11, 01:43 PM
#92
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Thanks 07, that was extremely helpful.
I had no idea that we would drive solo in the LFA with big brother on the radio.
Did you have a tendancy brake early? The times I was in the car, it was surprising how close got to the corners the pros before getting off the gas and onto the brakes with the LFA.
It is nice to see that the low speed manners of the car were tuned to make it easy to live with.
.
I had no idea that we would drive solo in the LFA with big brother on the radio.
Did you have a tendancy brake early? The times I was in the car, it was surprising how close got to the corners the pros before getting off the gas and onto the brakes with the LFA.
It is nice to see that the low speed manners of the car were tuned to make it easy to live with.
.
The 011 ISF have a speedo similar to the LFA if that helps.
Just after I guessed Gengar would get the first production car with Alcantara seats you mentioned that the black production car has them. Another of my predictions in the dumper.
I am continuing to be surprised about how many dealers are getting the cars. The red one in Costa Rica, the black one in the Netherlands and the dealer you just mentioned. This makes the comment the GM at my dealership made about roughly 50 of the US cars going to dealers sound more credible.
Just after I guessed Gengar would get the first production car with Alcantara seats you mentioned that the black production car has them. Another of my predictions in the dumper.
I am continuing to be surprised about how many dealers are getting the cars. The red one in Costa Rica, the black one in the Netherlands and the dealer you just mentioned. This makes the comment the GM at my dealership made about roughly 50 of the US cars going to dealers sound more credible.
03-09-11, 01:48 PM
#93
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"07grIS350" - Sounds like you had a blast... Thanks for sharing the awesome details..
For future reference the Badge Unit number is located in between the Driver & Passenger seat wall....
Quick point.. The 2011 IS-F speedo is nothing close to the the LFA at all.
I wonder if this Black Demo LFA is unit #009 that has been MIA for some time now...
Joe Z
For future reference the Badge Unit number is located in between the Driver & Passenger seat wall....
Quick point.. The 2011 IS-F speedo is nothing close to the the LFA at all.
I wonder if this Black Demo LFA is unit #009 that has been MIA for some time now...
Joe Z
03-09-11, 01:55 PM
#94
Did you have a tendancy brake early? The times I was in the car, it was surprising how close got to the corners the pros before getting off the gas and onto the brakes with the LFA.
I am continuing to be surprised about how many dealers are getting the cars. The red one in Costa Rica, the black one in the Netherlands and the dealer you just mentioned. This makes the comment the GM at my dealership made about roughly 50 of the US cars going to dealers sound more credible.
it's just like you are used to a camry brakes and suddenly get into an isf, you will find yourself braking too early all the time. once you are used to the brakes in the isf, you will start braking later and later.
now the danger is if one day you go back into the camry
03-09-11, 02:09 PM
#95
The brake capabilities is a constant thing for me.
The LFA brakes blow you away.
The IS350 has nice brakes. When I drive the Vibe, you have to brake much earlier on the street as they are terrible compared with those on the IS.
The LFA brakes blow you away.
The IS350 has nice brakes. When I drive the Vibe, you have to brake much earlier on the street as they are terrible compared with those on the IS.
Last edited by S2000toIS350; 03-09-11 at 02:17 PM.
03-09-11, 02:42 PM
#96
when i drove the lfa, the funny thing is if you just press on the brake lightly, it's a funny feeling, like you can't feel much of the brakes. but as soon as you press it in a bit more, then bam it hits you hard
03-09-11, 02:48 PM
#97
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Were the seats indeed in the Black LFA "Alcantara" or suede like, as found in the prototype Pearl Yellow LFA ??
Or
More like Red Soft leather as seen here: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/6094969-post6.html
Joe Z
Last edited by Joe Z; 03-09-11 at 03:14 PM.
03-09-11, 06:16 PM
#98
Moderator: LFA, Clubhouse
Thread Starter
Very short note as I just got back from Infineon. We had three customers (me, #29, and a guy with a future car) plus Paul Rohovsky and one other guy who took turns (not sure of the relationship with Lexus). 07, are you still in town? I have dinner plans but am going to hang out with some of the Lexus guys in the meantime.
I did get a chance to check this thread this morning and reminded myself 10 times to look at the production number on the black car, but like an idiot I forgot. The new black car is going to be Lexus USA's official vehicle, replacing the yellow one, which they decided to return to Japan soon. This was originally a car headed to a Texas dealership but Lexus USA got it instead. I was surprised to learn that Lexus USA is actually leasing the yellow LFA (i.e., paying to have it, not just "borrowing" it from Japan), so this works out much better for them anyway. In any case, I'll ask Jim about the #.
All the instructors are with the Jim Russell program. My instructor was Formula Drift Pro Tony Brakohiapa. He was really good. We rotated cars so I did get to drive all three. I probably did 15 laps in total. I did back up the black car when we were parking for lunch; the backup cam works just like it does on the F, although I'm not sure it's mounted center.
Very short verdict: The LFA is the best car I have ever driven. It is so incredibly stable in cornering that it is simply mindboggling. Repeatedly through my instruction I was way too tentative because I was expecting it to react like a typical Ferrari or Porsche MR/RR with heavy rear weight bias. It's simply an amazing experience, way more special than any of the exotics I've driven, and especially at a place like Infineon the car really shines.
Have to run. A few photos and other notes later.
The tech guys mounted my GoPro on the rear glass for me and it came out great. I will upload the video of Tony Brakohiapa's hot laps to youtube later this week. 
I did get a chance to check this thread this morning and reminded myself 10 times to look at the production number on the black car, but like an idiot I forgot. The new black car is going to be Lexus USA's official vehicle, replacing the yellow one, which they decided to return to Japan soon. This was originally a car headed to a Texas dealership but Lexus USA got it instead. I was surprised to learn that Lexus USA is actually leasing the yellow LFA (i.e., paying to have it, not just "borrowing" it from Japan), so this works out much better for them anyway. In any case, I'll ask Jim about the #.
All the instructors are with the Jim Russell program. My instructor was Formula Drift Pro Tony Brakohiapa. He was really good. We rotated cars so I did get to drive all three. I probably did 15 laps in total. I did back up the black car when we were parking for lunch; the backup cam works just like it does on the F, although I'm not sure it's mounted center.
Very short verdict: The LFA is the best car I have ever driven. It is so incredibly stable in cornering that it is simply mindboggling. Repeatedly through my instruction I was way too tentative because I was expecting it to react like a typical Ferrari or Porsche MR/RR with heavy rear weight bias. It's simply an amazing experience, way more special than any of the exotics I've driven, and especially at a place like Infineon the car really shines.
Have to run. A few photos and other notes later.
03-09-11, 06:29 PM
#99
Lexus Test Driver
Awesome update
Cannot wait to read your detailed review and watch the video footage, data etc.
Cannot wait to read your detailed review and watch the video footage, data etc.
Very short note as I just got back from Infineon. We had three customers (me, #29, and a guy with a future car) plus Paul Rohovsky and one other guy who took turns (not sure of the relationship with Lexus). 07, are you still in town? I have dinner plans but am going to hang out with some of the Lexus guys in the meantime.
I did get a chance to check this thread this morning and reminded myself 10 times to look at the production number on the black car, but like an idiot I forgot. The new black car is going to be Lexus USA's official vehicle, replacing the yellow one, which they decided to return to Japan soon. This was originally a car headed to a Texas dealership but Lexus USA got it instead. I was surprised to learn that Lexus USA is actually leasing the yellow LFA (i.e., paying to have it, not just "borrowing" it from Japan), so this works out much better for them anyway. In any case, I'll ask Jim about the #.
All the instructors are with the Jim Russell program. My instructor was Formula Drift Pro Tony Brakohiapa. He was really good. We rotated cars so I did get to drive all three. I probably did 15 laps in total. I did back up the black car when we were parking for lunch; the backup cam works just like it does on the F, although I'm not sure it's mounted center.
Very short verdict: The LFA is the best car I have ever driven. It is so incredibly stable in cornering that it is simply mindboggling. Repeatedly through my instruction I was way too tentative because I was expecting it to react like a typical Ferrari or Porsche MR/RR with heavy rear weight bias. It's simply an amazing experience, way more special than any of the exotics I've driven, and especially at a place like Infineon the car really shines.
Have to run. A few photos and other notes later.
The tech guys mounted my GoPro on the rear glass for me and it came out great. I will upload the video of Tony Brakohiapa's hot laps to youtube later this week.
I did get a chance to check this thread this morning and reminded myself 10 times to look at the production number on the black car, but like an idiot I forgot. The new black car is going to be Lexus USA's official vehicle, replacing the yellow one, which they decided to return to Japan soon. This was originally a car headed to a Texas dealership but Lexus USA got it instead. I was surprised to learn that Lexus USA is actually leasing the yellow LFA (i.e., paying to have it, not just "borrowing" it from Japan), so this works out much better for them anyway. In any case, I'll ask Jim about the #.
All the instructors are with the Jim Russell program. My instructor was Formula Drift Pro Tony Brakohiapa. He was really good. We rotated cars so I did get to drive all three. I probably did 15 laps in total. I did back up the black car when we were parking for lunch; the backup cam works just like it does on the F, although I'm not sure it's mounted center.
Very short verdict: The LFA is the best car I have ever driven. It is so incredibly stable in cornering that it is simply mindboggling. Repeatedly through my instruction I was way too tentative because I was expecting it to react like a typical Ferrari or Porsche MR/RR with heavy rear weight bias. It's simply an amazing experience, way more special than any of the exotics I've driven, and especially at a place like Infineon the car really shines.
Have to run. A few photos and other notes later.
The tech guys mounted my GoPro on the rear glass for me and it came out great. I will upload the video of Tony Brakohiapa's hot laps to youtube later this week.
03-09-11, 07:11 PM
#101
Hi Gengar,
Looks like two for two regarding fantastic experiences.
Thanks for the info about the yellow and black cars. I love accounting but some of that stuff is just goofy. They end up taking one of the 17x US cars for themselves.
Thanks for trying the back up thing. The camera is mounted to the side. This can be seen in a few of the pics loaded here.
I am not sure if there are details around for 29. Did you compare notes on what they ordered? Did the guy with the later car go for a year 2 color?
Are these guys old and funny or young and full of trust funds?
If the 2 day sample is at all representative, there may only be about 20-24 real owners who do this event.
How was the Bardesomo? My wife couldn't make it so I went with a pedestrian place in American Canyon.
Looks like two for two regarding fantastic experiences.
Thanks for the info about the yellow and black cars. I love accounting but some of that stuff is just goofy. They end up taking one of the 17x US cars for themselves.
Thanks for trying the back up thing. The camera is mounted to the side. This can be seen in a few of the pics loaded here.
I am not sure if there are details around for 29. Did you compare notes on what they ordered? Did the guy with the later car go for a year 2 color?
Are these guys old and funny or young and full of trust funds?
If the 2 day sample is at all representative, there may only be about 20-24 real owners who do this event.
How was the Bardesomo? My wife couldn't make it so I went with a pedestrian place in American Canyon.
03-09-11, 07:15 PM
#102
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Interesting ......
Were the seats indeed in the Black LFA "Alcantara" or suede like, as found in the prototype Pearl Yellow LFA ??
Or
More like Red Soft leather as seen here: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/6094969-post6.html
Joe Z
Were the seats indeed in the Black LFA "Alcantara" or suede like, as found in the prototype Pearl Yellow LFA ??
Or
More like Red Soft leather as seen here: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/6094969-post6.html
Joe Z
03-09-11, 07:17 PM
#103
Lexus Test Driver
I think that is a good thing they are replacing the yellow prototype LFA with a new black production model LFA. This will most likely serve as the press car.
Hopefully, we will see a full track test (including test of launch control) of the black production LFA by one of the US publication like CarAndDriver, RoadAndTrack etc. and hopefully the true prowess of LFA will be revealed.
Hopefully, we will see a full track test (including test of launch control) of the black production LFA by one of the US publication like CarAndDriver, RoadAndTrack etc. and hopefully the true prowess of LFA will be revealed.
Hi Gengar,
Looks like two for two regarding fantastic experiences.
Thanks for the info about the yellow and black cars. I love accounting but some of that stuff is just goofy. They end up taking one of the 17x US cars for themselves.
Thanks for trying the back up thing. The camera is mounted to the side. This can be seen in a few of the pics loaded here.
I am not sure if there are details around for 29. Did you compare notes on what they ordered? Did the guy with the later car go for a year 2 color?
Are these guys old and funny or young and full of trust funds?
If the 2 day sample is at all representative, there may only be about 20-24 real owners who do this event.
How was the Bardesomo? My wife couldn't make it so I went with a pedestrian place in American Canyon.
Looks like two for two regarding fantastic experiences.
Thanks for the info about the yellow and black cars. I love accounting but some of that stuff is just goofy. They end up taking one of the 17x US cars for themselves.
Thanks for trying the back up thing. The camera is mounted to the side. This can be seen in a few of the pics loaded here.
I am not sure if there are details around for 29. Did you compare notes on what they ordered? Did the guy with the later car go for a year 2 color?
Are these guys old and funny or young and full of trust funds?
If the 2 day sample is at all representative, there may only be about 20-24 real owners who do this event.
How was the Bardesomo? My wife couldn't make it so I went with a pedestrian place in American Canyon.
Last edited by 05RollaXRS; 03-09-11 at 07:22 PM.
03-09-11, 07:18 PM
#104
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I had to fly out on Tue, because March Break starts on Thu for me. I am glad you had a good time too.
Very short note as I just got back from Infineon. We had three customers (me, #29, and a guy with a future car) plus Paul Rohovsky and one other guy who took turns (not sure of the relationship with Lexus). 07, are you still in town? I have dinner plans but am going to hang out with some of the Lexus guys in the meantime.
I did get a chance to check this thread this morning and reminded myself 10 times to look at the production number on the black car, but like an idiot I forgot. The new black car is going to be Lexus USA's official vehicle, replacing the yellow one, which they decided to return to Japan soon. This was originally a car headed to a Texas dealership but Lexus USA got it instead. I was surprised to learn that Lexus USA is actually leasing the yellow LFA (i.e., paying to have it, not just "borrowing" it from Japan), so this works out much better for them anyway. In any case, I'll ask Jim about the #.
All the instructors are with the Jim Russell program. My instructor was Formula Drift Pro Tony Brakohiapa. He was really good. We rotated cars so I did get to drive all three. I probably did 15 laps in total. I did back up the black car when we were parking for lunch; the backup cam works just like it does on the F, although I'm not sure it's mounted center.
Very short verdict: The LFA is the best car I have ever driven. It is so incredibly stable in cornering that it is simply mindboggling. Repeatedly through my instruction I was way too tentative because I was expecting it to react like a typical Ferrari or Porsche MR/RR with heavy rear weight bias. It's simply an amazing experience, way more special than any of the exotics I've driven, and especially at a place like Infineon the car really shines.
Have to run. A few photos and other notes later.
The tech guys mounted my GoPro on the rear glass for me and it came out great. I will upload the video of Tony Brakohiapa's hot laps to youtube later this week.
I did get a chance to check this thread this morning and reminded myself 10 times to look at the production number on the black car, but like an idiot I forgot. The new black car is going to be Lexus USA's official vehicle, replacing the yellow one, which they decided to return to Japan soon. This was originally a car headed to a Texas dealership but Lexus USA got it instead. I was surprised to learn that Lexus USA is actually leasing the yellow LFA (i.e., paying to have it, not just "borrowing" it from Japan), so this works out much better for them anyway. In any case, I'll ask Jim about the #.
All the instructors are with the Jim Russell program. My instructor was Formula Drift Pro Tony Brakohiapa. He was really good. We rotated cars so I did get to drive all three. I probably did 15 laps in total. I did back up the black car when we were parking for lunch; the backup cam works just like it does on the F, although I'm not sure it's mounted center.
Very short verdict: The LFA is the best car I have ever driven. It is so incredibly stable in cornering that it is simply mindboggling. Repeatedly through my instruction I was way too tentative because I was expecting it to react like a typical Ferrari or Porsche MR/RR with heavy rear weight bias. It's simply an amazing experience, way more special than any of the exotics I've driven, and especially at a place like Infineon the car really shines.
Have to run. A few photos and other notes later.
The tech guys mounted my GoPro on the rear glass for me and it came out great. I will upload the video of Tony Brakohiapa's hot laps to youtube later this week.
03-10-11, 03:44 AM
#105
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Gengar, awesome! Events like this make ownership more of a joy. Do some of the LFA owners here plan on spending more track days with their cars or leave it strictly to street duty?