tmarko

With Lexus pushing to have more of a sporty reputation, with luxury comfort an added benefit rather than vice versa, it only makes sense that a replacement for the LFA would be in the works, right? Wrong.

Read the rest on the Club Lexus homepage. >>

gengar

Nothing we didn't already know. And the reality is that, as much as some fanboys want an LFA successor, where Lexus really has dropped the ball is in extending the spirit of the LFA or the lessons learned from building the LFA to other models. In terms of driving spirit, TMC basically gave us a huge tease with the GT86 platform and nothing since. I do think the quote is correct as far as where Lexus' focus/priorities should be, but it's already very, very late.

lfahalo

Like most, I would love to see a true successor to the LFA. In fact, depending on the specification, I would probably order one sight unseen, based solely on how magnificent my current LFA is.

That said, I think we need to remember the level of bespoke engineering that went into the LFA project. Not just the car itself, but the assembly plant, tools, even staffing. And then the amount of testing and re-testing the LFA went through. This wasn't like McLaren who are pumping out a new car every few months based off the same tub and drivetrain. Even the McLaren F1 had the tail lights from a bus or TVR or something like that.

The LFA project, as a whole, is not easily repeatable and probably a massive distraction from normal manufacturing operations.

The way I see it, it would be like trying to get Michelangelo to create another David or Sistine Chapel ceiling every few years.

S2000toIS350

Spending $800 million on a project that generated $200 million ($400K per unit sold times 500 units) in gross revenue would also slow down a next gen project

ydooby

Lexus may not necessarily need an LFA successor, but what they really need to keep that halo effect of the LFA alive is a true sports car in the regular lineup in the same price range as the AMG GT, the i8, the R8, the Carrera S and the GT-R, i.e. $100k-$160k. And no the LC is way too heavy to be considered a sports car and even Lexus avoids such wording in its PR.

An aluminum version of the LFA with a high-revving V8 a la the R8 V8 (which is priced at $116k) would be a good starting point to meet such performance and price targets IMHO.

SNiiP3R

iTrader: (3)

They need to focus on building new engines, some of their models did not see an HP increase for 2 generations. All current F models have the same engine in them, which came from a car that is discontinued already. So, I'd rather see those millions go to the engine r&d project.

Aron9000

This. The current V8 used in the GS-F and new LC-500 came out 8 years ago. Same thing with the V6 in the IS and GS, its been around for 9 or 10 model years now.

Really wish they had kept the V10 from the LFA and shoe-horned it into the new LC and GS-F. Of course I'm sure that engine cost as much as the whole GS-F to produce.

lex831

ya the v10 would be fun in this car

lex831

or the gs-f too

05RollaXRS

It is "too exotic" for a mass produced car. The engine itself costs $156,000 retail. For that reason, it will always be an LFA engine. Lexus refused to outsource this engine to Lotus when they were trying to build the now defunct Espirit for the same reason.

Also, the V10 engine was not built for a 4000 something pounds car, but a lightweight supercar since it is very top end heavy in its power delivery where it trades the 9500 rpm revs through a short stroke/small cylindrical capacity for low end torque.

9KV10

Very well said...

lfahalo

Bingo. ^

Every LFA owner, whether they realize it or not, very likely has the best road car engine ever produced. And probably that ever will be produced.

SUNLINE

So true. The car is just so f-ing intoxicating to drive. I just wish more people had the chance to drive this car.

matmanx1

I'm available to drive anyone's LFA at anytime, should you so desire.