LFA Launch Control details
I don't take any offense from your post. However, I do feel quite sad that you have the beliefs that you do. I feel quite sad that you actually believe the "full potential" of a supercar only is reached when some silly automated launch control system is activated... and the LFA's engineers would feel sad too.
To be perfectly honest, I would have been more happy if launch control had been left off the LFA entirely.
There is absolutely no way to get off the line fast in an automated gearbox unless there is ability for the computer dump the clutch from high rpm and modulate the clutch and throttle (all of which are beyond the driver's control). With launch control system, it actually alters the ignition timing as well to get the maximum traction.
Considering in a RWD car, a well developed launch control system can give AWD-like launches, is a huge plus since in a manual transmission, it is not possible since many parameters are beyond the driver's control.
Case in point, if there was no way to launch LFA fast off the line, the acceleration numbers and the lap time numbers would be a lot slower, which is not a good thing for an exotic supercar.
I don't take any offense from your post. However, I do feel quite sad that you have the beliefs that you do. I feel quite sad that you actually believe the "full potential" of a supercar only is reached when some silly automated launch control system is activated... and the LFA's engineers would feel sad too.
To be perfectly honest, I would have been more happy if launch control had been left off the LFA entirely.
LFA being rev limited at 9500 rpm, I would have thought a higher break in period, but hey Lexus knows what its doing so I would believe that is the right number.
BTW, anyone else been reading the New Car Features for the LFA? Fascinating stuff in there...
BTW, anyone else been reading the New Car Features for the LFA? Fascinating stuff in there...
What is the curb weight you are seeing in the manual?? 3263 lbs??
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
p.s. Actually, Toyota Supra TT was weighed at 3500 lbs by CarAndDriver back in the first road test waayyy back in June, 1993.
If you read carefully, the page I posted is for US and Canadian spec cars. The other page covers the entire range of production for the world. US cars will weigh very close to what the New Car Features says.
With a base official weight of 3417 lbs, easily with a few options, it could go over 3500 lbs. I just don't see the big deal.
Besides, that was a different era over 20 years ago. Nowadays, with all the luxury amenities and safety standards, even a LP570-4 superleggera stripped out including sound deadening weighs close to 3600 lbs. LFA is only 177 inches long, which is even shorter than a compact car like a Civic or Corolla these days.
The front engine mid-ship layout also needed innovations like the torque tube and counter gearset and placing the radiators all the way in the back etc.
The only way to make a car weigh 3200 lbs these days is through Porsche's method on the GT3 RS of stripping out everything from the car. Lexus gives the option to user to opt out of all the luxury amenities to get the lowest possible curb weight.
LFA's 3260 lbs weight is probably through deletion of many luxury amenities, which I am sure almost no buyer did.
If you read carefully, the page I posted is for US and Canadian spec cars. The other page covers the entire range of production for the world. US cars will weigh very close to what the New Car Features says.
Last edited by 05RollaXRS; Jan 29, 2011 at 11:10 AM.
I would not judge or criticize the LFA for a high curb weight because the curb weight can vary. Will the US or Canada see 3263 lbs curb weight LFAs? Maybe not, but some part of the world will see LFAs with such curb weights.









