So if I'm getting it right, toyota wanted to create a supercar that's as easy to use and reliable as a camry?

 

^ maybe you should re-read what he said.

I love the sound of the lfa, don't like the looks, and would buy other cars at this price point. Doesn't mean i don't respect what has been accomplished in making the LFA.

 

Thanks Ag!

Matt, I agree with what you're saying. Maybe I wasn't as clear as I shuold have been. I do believe performance figures are important. The point I was making is that it's not the end all. I love the debates and discussion, just not when it's only revolves around quoting performance figures.

 

Nice writeup Junus.

After driving the LFA for all of 7.5 minutes, I can tell you that I was no more blown away by the Lexus than I was the Veyron that I had 7.5 minutes in.

The reason? 7.5 minute test drive. Give me more time in both cars and I'm sure I'll fall in love. You can't give me 7.5 minutes with Marisa Miller and expect me to leave satisfied. Er... you get what I mean.

The LFA is a fantastic piece of kit. I completely agree. The cockpit is otherworldly, the instrument cluster, distractingly beautiful (almost a shame since I rarely look at the cluster unless I'm checking my fuel level), the acceleration and braking adequately brutal, and the handling knife-like.

My complaints? Suspension: along with the rest of the car, it should be adjustable in the cockpit instead of coilovers. For a car that aims to be the best of both worlds, why not allow the driver to soften the suspension a bit for longer trips? The exhaust: it's not loud in the cabin unless you're redlining...impractical. I'm not saying it needs straight pipes, but again, why spend so much resources and time developing and marketing the exhaust and not work in an exhaust valve into the sport/auto adjustment setting? Transmission: seemed to be somewhere between Stradale F1 and Scuderia F1 technology. I think this car's gearbox was a bit loose, similar to wizard sleeve, from being a demo car. Body: I heard two people ask, "is the hood open" and I couldn't find anything redeeming about the exterior styling.

And lastly...price: I got out of the LFA and into my CGT and thought....ahhhh this is what a $400k car should feel like. Looking at the LFA and knowing the numbers, I put the car under $200k. After driving it, I put in the mid 200's.

I'm thankful for Tom, ERTC, and Paul Williamson from Lexus for bringing the car up here and allowing us all to have our 7.5 minutes with her.

 

Great write-up on the LFA and your view of the car world and its debates. Really enjoy reading this discussion. Wish I had more experience with true supercars to give more opinion. FWIW I love the way the LFA looks, but agree that it doesn't warrant its price tag. There are too many great cars available today that cost less. That level (400k and up) to me is reserved for the best of the best on the market.

 

I wished it has a Toyota badge tho, since it actually is one, to me that would be more true to it's roots. Just like the gtr not having an Infiniti badge. I now have come to think the LFA is my favorite car to come out japan.

 

Compared to the Aston Martin One-77, it's a bargain. I'd love the chance to drive the LF-A and form my own impressions and I do think it's great that ToMoCo actually had the balls to let Lexus build something like this but at that price point, there are just so many cars out there that I'd rather have.