Interesting, the author of the original review didn't spend much time talking about the actual driving dynamics of this car. Much thought was put into the car and its design but not the driving aspect. That's a shame because this true truly was a revelation on the road. I honestly didn't know what to expect when I got behind the wheel. One notices the "thicker" seatbelt which in turn has an extra "hole" at the attachment points. My driving companion, Paul from Lexus of North America explained that this was due to the fact that the seatbelt has an air bag built in. The "hole" shoots a stream of highly compressed air when triggered. When I put in the key and started the car, the first thing I noticed was the engine growl coming from seemingly everywhere. Not too intrusive but yet the perfect sound (to me at least). The car was definitely ready to roll I thought. And I absolutely LOVED the dashboard pod. It moves, it slides, it glows and the best part is that it looks like a video game screen! So cool!

And now the real reason I wrote this is to share with you my driving impressions. I was immediately struck by how small the car felt even pulling out of the parking lot. It didn't feel slow which usually is the case with some supercars I've driven. It actually reminded me in some part of my Audi A3 because it's so "light" and easy to drive...like *GASP* a daily driver! But as soon as I pulled out of the parking lot, I knew that there was something special coming. The intense rolling effect of the powerband was immediately apparent as I pressed the throttle. I knew that this car was definitely a force to be reckoned with. The sound that it makes reminded me of the very potent powerplant ahead of me. The V10 revving freely. I'd driven the Carrera GT before and this car compares easily with that car but however they couldn't be any more different in actual usability. The former is much easier to drive, much easier to see out of and actually felt lighter on its feet. Only when you really step on it does it become apparent the pedigree of both cars. Both felt super stable and easy to modulate at speed. If I would compare the LF-A to an object, I'd say that it felt like a Ginzu knife. Sharp, smooth and goes where it's pointed. I was impressed at how well the ride felt. Not bone jarring firm but firm enough to let you know that it means business taking you where you want it to go. Tight switchback turns were handled with utter ease. Apex, check...roll on, brake, turn, roll on...upshift, downshift, turn all done with ease as I negotiated the back roads. There was a bit of a wet spot up ahead but the LF-A handled it with ease. I was officially impressed....and OH the sound...OH the sound! It tickled my eardrums as if Beethoven himself was playing within a orchestra. I found myself hating the fact that the test drive was about to come to an end. I wanted MORE...MORE...but alas, others were waiting for their turn with this wondrous machine.

As I turned back into the parking lot, I was again reminded of the ease in which this car drove. This is a car that I could live with on a daily basis. A true supercar in sheep's clothing in the very best sense. I wanted this car...BADLY.

The question is, will I buy it? Probably not. Although I love the way it drives, I still cannot get myself to love its looks and that to me as an automotive photographer, means everything.

I would share but this thread isn't about the GTO. Maybe in another thread.

 

^ Enjoyed your thoughts Jason thanks for sharing, I'd have to agree it doesn't have the looks on par with most 400k cars but it's surprising that people find its drive to be that good!

 

Thank you so much!!
I was also a bit suprised that the editor didn`t speak much about the handling etc
from all what I read this car is something mysterious...special...but up to par with other (Italian) exotics in terms of emotion? Hmm...dunno

 

I think the best color combination I have seen thus far has been the whitest white exterior with the red/black interior. Once I finish this project in the midwest I am going to have to move to a more bug-free environment so I could enjoy such a car sans insectum viscera...

 

Great color combo and review. I'm telling you, this is one special car. I would never forget my ride in one and this is coming from a Porsche guy. Too many people dismiss it because of the badge, and they are utterly wrong and stupid for doing so.

 

Riding in one is one thing but driving one is a whole another league. I'm also a Porsche guy too. I'm not biased because of its badging but because of its looks. I honestly think that Lexus could have done a better job coming up with it's design.

 

Looks like a fine LFA. Nice pics.

 

The looks aren't for everybody. I think it looks better in person than in photographs. It's not that photogenic of a car. It is unmistakably Japanese, though. I can appreciate that since it's definitely unique. However, you and I both know that there exists an overwhelming distaste towards Japanese cars in this and other high-end car forums. This car rightfully has its place among supercars and some people just can't accept that. I enjoyed your review, though.

 

Monaco, I agree with you. However, I think that the new Lexus LF-LC Hybrid Coupe Concept actually looks better. Very similar in design as the LF-A but executed better. There are Japanese car designs that I love such as the Acura NSX for example.

 

Sad, but true. The LF-LC makes the LFA look grossly outdated....I agree! NSX is timeless and very beautiful. Can you believe it's already a 20 year old design? Crazy huh? I love those cars. I love all cars, haha.