Edmunds' Exclusive Spy Video: 2009 Lexus LF-A

XeroK00L submitted on 06/20/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 6:42 PM
from: www.edmunds.com

Tags: lexus lf-a lfa prototype test mule spy video

lexus lf-a lfa prototype test mule spy video

Edmunds' Exclusive Spy Video: 2009 Lexus LF-A

While some have speculated that the switch from V10 to V8 engines in Formula 1 might have forced Toyota to rethink the LF-A's power plant, the shriek from its triple tailpipes puts that notion to rest. Compared to the muffled tone of a BMW V10, this LF-A sounds almost uncorked. Read Article

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answer - 6/20/2007 6:55:01 PMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

That does sound nice!

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mitchatlexusofmarin - 6/20/2007 9:04:53 PM

+6 Boost

Really nice- think I'll take one for my demo : )

tifosi_f1 - 6/20/2007 9:21:14 PM

+4 Boost

so far
sounds nice & looks good
time will tell if its the real deal

TheSailor - 6/20/2007 7:04:49 PMView My AgentSpace

+9 Boost

VERY NICE! I like it after they got rid of the fish mouth front... Looks very aggresive and very modern... And that engine sounds nice aswell!

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SupraNeverBack - 6/20/2007 7:28:59 PM

+7 Boost

The front is still heavily covered. I hope they stick with LF-A concept-II's F1 inspired nose.

Will_ - 6/20/2007 7:10:25 PM

+10 Boost

A very nice car indeed. Will undoubtedly bring even more cache to the brand.

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SupraNeverBack - 6/20/2007 7:12:21 PM

+6 Boost

I have been watching it so many times. :)

Compared to many other artificial exhaust notes out there, the high rev v10 sounds so pure, powerful, violent... just amazing. Look how smooth it runs on one of the world's toughest track.

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sewingmachine - 6/20/2007 7:15:20 PM

+5 Boost

wow

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EL34 - 6/20/2007 7:17:40 PM

-12 Boost

The new and improved Supra, but after about 5 years it will be gone too!

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SupraNeverBack - 6/20/2007 7:34:34 PM

+4 Boost

Yeah, except this LF-A is targeting Porsche Carrera GT.

Of course I mean performances not price. :)

TheSailor - 6/20/2007 7:53:37 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

Doesn't that mean that it is targeting the R8 V10?

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/21/2007 4:42:34 AM

+4 Boost

The LF-A is targetting the Carrera GT peformance wise?

Show me this Lexus lapping the Nordschleife in 7:28.

S4cabriofoxone - 6/21/2007 1:35:56 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

No, no, it's not competing with the Carrera GT. It would have to be at least $300,000 to do that, as the Porsche was over four hundred! It would get ZERO buyers at that price. It needs to compete with the upcoming R8 V10 at around $140K. $150K is the absolute limit.

utahnkid - 6/20/2007 7:58:08 PM

+9 Boost

Very impressive. Amazing sound. I used to think V8's made the best sound, but im starting to lean towards that high pitched V10

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EL34 - 6/20/2007 8:34:57 PM

-8 Boost

Sounds like a John Deere lawnmower with an aftermarket exhaust!

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Carboy - 6/21/2007 9:11:42 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

It sort of sounds like an F1 Car.

Htay7500 - 6/20/2007 10:01:16 PM

+7 Boost

awesome, and this front end looks neat. can't wait for the tokyo auto show.

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lexfuture - 6/20/2007 11:33:41 PM

+5 Boost

I was expecting this from lexus, but this car looks even better!! Just the way I see the LF-A sits firmly on the road, and hear from its poweful engine, I say this car is already a winner!

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richardp996 - 6/21/2007 1:04:45 AM

+7 Boost

The car looks wonderful. I knew the wing was retractable. It would look good as a GT1-class racecar.

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Lexus - 6/21/2007 2:30:08 AM

+2 Boost

I love it, the sound of the exhaust sound so clear and crisp. But I hope they will modify it a little bit so that it will sound like the Lambo Gallardo.

This Lexus LF-A and it Lexus IS-F will bring the respect Lexus need in this high performance sportcars category.

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SupraNeverBack - 6/21/2007 12:55:05 PM

-1 Boost

Well said, Dre.

Lambo v10 sounds too weak compared to this LF-A v10.

S4cabriofoxone - 6/21/2007 11:24:06 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Okay, this is a great sports car, but do NOT disrespect Lamborghini. They've been making these things forever, and if anyone knows how to make a super-exotic sports car, it's those guys.

SupraNeverBack - 6/21/2007 11:54:05 PM

+2 Boost

Maybe not "too weak", but definitely sounds weaker.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/22/2007 2:51:27 AM

0 Boost

Oh my god Suprakid you're ignorance has reached new levels of fanboy-ism!

So you honestly think this Lexus (that hasn't even come out yet) sounds better than Lambo Gallardo?

trd1 - 6/21/2007 2:56:23 AM

+4 Boost

sounds like a f1 car, real sick. looks pretty good on the track too.

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SevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/21/2007 3:51:00 AM

0 Boost

"Compared to the muffled tone of a BMW V10"

Just shut up Zero-cool. You Lexus fanboys always have to provoke.

Other than that the car sounds nice, but again nothing new here. I highly doubt this car will ever sell good, considering the sick competition from Lamborghini, Porsche, Ferrari, Audi, .. it just doesn't have a chance.

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SupraNeverBack - 6/22/2007 12:04:24 AM

+2 Boost

After comparing it the ultimate driving machine M6 you will see how well the LF-A runs on the same track

http://youtube.com/watch?v=5IDwbcCWgUk

xj13 - 6/21/2007 4:20:05 AM

-6 Boost

Another SLR wannabe when will it stop?

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xj13 - 6/21/2007 4:32:06 AM

-5 Boost

Funny how this try hard supra has all the usual euro car engineering features, come on lexus think for yourself, be a leader, come out and do something on your own instead of copying others.
One thing is certain; you can predict the future of lexus by looking at todays euro cars like Audi R8, F430, any Merc, all the BMW’s, any lambo, gran turismo......should I go on?

Hey maybe it’s not a lexus, I mean camry, but the new Honda NSX?

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SevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/21/2007 6:58:39 AM

-4 Boost

The hybrid was a German invention.

tosser.

TheSailor - 6/21/2007 12:42:30 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Lexus didn't make it... Toyota did... Lexus just got it for free to give them a boost...

STJ88 - 6/21/2007 9:00:40 AM

+7 Boost

#formula1

Why do you post messages when every one knows you only talk crap.

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Rupert - 6/21/2007 11:22:14 AMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

formula1 you give german fans a bad name.

AUTO_UNION - 6/21/2007 12:38:45 PM

+3 Boost

I like this car! Looks like Lexus has made big push towards sports cars! well done!

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SupraNeverBack - 6/21/2007 1:16:51 PM

+2 Boost

Compared to the old 2005 exhaust notes, this new one sounds even more unbelievable! I guess it could rev up to 10,000RPM and output 600+hp.

Rumor said it will weight only ~2,600lbs. If add an error and lets say, 2,600~2,800lbs, then the LF-A will have 4.3~4.7lbs per hp (Carrera GT, 5lbs per hp)

F1 derived gearbox vs. Carrera GT 6 sp manual

WoW... :)

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Rupert - 6/21/2007 5:29:49 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

10000 rpm?
Are you insane? No normal engine runs that high without needing constant maintenance, special oil etc A rotary doesn't even run that high. The RS4, with 100hp/litre only runs up to 8500 or something, and that's really high for such a big engine, and an M5 makes its peak power at 7750, and redlines at about 8500 too.
And 2600 pounds? I really doubt that unless they made it from carbon fibre, which they won't as it's really expensive.
I don't know where you get this "information", but some of it is just speculation, and very bad speculation at that.

I bet you many thousands of dollars that this thing will red line under 9000 rpm and weigh more than 3000 pounds (A Porsche 911 weighs over 3300, and an Audi R8 weighs in at 3400 pounds curb weight)

SupraNeverBack - 6/21/2007 6:49:52 PM

+1 Boost

You are looking down Toyota's Engineering techniques. 8300rpm Audi 4.2L v8? Come on, Carrera GT's 5.7L v10 could rev up to 8500rpm. By listening to the spy video, I think LF-A's v10 sounds like revolving much higher. It will at least have 9,000rpm, no doubt. And throwing in some civilized techniques like VVT-i, D-4S etc., making 600hp out of it is not in daydream.

About the weight rumor, it was reported by AutoExpress (through Leftlanenews):

"Toyota has decided to make major changes to its Lexus LF-A concept in order to make it the "most luxurious, best handling and safest supercar ever," reports AutoExpress magazine. According to the report, Lexus has decided to ditch the aluminum body for a carbon fiber one. Furthermore, the company has upped the V10 engine's displacement from 4.8 liters to 5.0, offering 500 horsepower and a top speed in excess of 200 mph. The car will weigh in around 2,600 pounds, making for some impressive acceleration times — not to mention impressive handling. LF-A will reportedly make its official debut as the pace car at next year's Japanese Grand Prix — an F1 event that coincides with the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show."

Also
by C&D: Carbon fiber, $200k
by R&T: Carbon fiber, $175k

LF-A is 5 inches shorter and coupe inches narrower than Carrera GT, so weights under 2,800lbs is completely possible. Guess we will see if it is true or not in Oct. From so many versions (at least 3-4) of prototypes have been tested, I think Lexus has no interested in making the second best supercar. Basically, LF-A is a civilized version of F1 racing car from what I have seen.

SupraNeverBack - 6/21/2007 7:07:50 PM

+3 Boost

And not forget Carrera GT has removable top, so its chassis has to be stiffened more by using more materials, which would add quite some weights.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/22/2007 2:54:55 AM

+1 Boost

He is just a kid, let him dream.

Just like when he was dreaming of the LX570 to have way over 400 horsepower and how it would outrun any Cayenne on a track..

SImply ignore him.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/22/2007 2:58:59 AM

+1 Boost

"And not forget Carrera GT has removable top, so its chassis has to be stiffened more by using more materials, which would add quite some weights."

Porsche actually has a couple of patents for the CGT. Because it is that groundbreakingly designed. You can remove the top without any problem because the car is incredibly stiff.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/22/2007 3:00:34 AM

+1 Boost

And Suprakid, if you still think the LF-A is more advanced than the Carrera GT read this:

http://www.answers.com/topic/porsche-carrera-gt

SupraNeverBack - 6/22/2007 1:19:34 PM

+1 Boost

haha, you sounds really being pissed off. That is not good for your health,"old-man", but you do have good memory :), LX does have 400hp. Don't insult it by comparing it with Porsche SUV because they are different things. As for LF-A vs. Cerrera GT, only time will tell...

S4cabriofoxone - 6/21/2007 1:38:46 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

It sounds very nice! Nice job, Lexus!

Although, it almost hurts my ears... I hope they put a muffler on it. LOL.

It will probably be a great GT, à la DB9, which is nothing to sneeze at. A "pure" sports car isn't Lexus's philosophy. R8 V10 will also be what it's up against, as they should come out at around the same time.

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SupraNeverBack - 6/21/2007 1:46:58 PM

+3 Boost

After listening and watching it, you still think it is just a GT car? Maybe you need a reference on how a GT car ran on the same track. Here is one for you:

M6
http://youtube.com/watch?v=5IDwbcCWgUk

Then go back to watch LF-A video again to see how you feel. :)

S4cabriofoxone - 6/21/2007 10:38:07 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Don't press your luck- I already said I liked this car. However, you know as well as I do that this won't be a Gallardo Superleggera competitor, more of an AMV8/DB9/R8/Turbo competitor.

SupraNeverBack - 6/21/2007 11:44:21 PM

+2 Boost

Maybe you were talking about price.

BMW995 - 6/21/2007 2:53:32 PM

+7 Boost

As an automotive engineer, I can tell you that is one hell of a motor. Sure the M6 has a terrific V10 but the weight of that car is 2 tons! The LF-A will smoke the M6 on the Nurburgring. They're not even in the same class. The LF-A is a sports-racer, the M6 is a sports-tourer. The true competitors for the LF-A will be the 911 GT3 and the Audi R8.

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trd1 - 6/21/2007 5:44:41 PM

+3 Boost

thank you someone who knows what they are talking about, peopls, even if you hate lexus, you have to admit this thing is pretty sick beast.

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Lexus - 6/21/2007 8:42:03 PM

+3 Boost

supra, the Gallardo sound weak? you got to be freaking kidding right bro? have you even seen or heard a Lambo Gallard in person with it engine revving? It had a monstrous sound.

This Lexus LF-A is going to gain the respect Lexus need in this segment.

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SupraNeverBack - 6/21/2007 11:41:38 PM

+1 Boost

No,kidding. I am serious.

Lexus - 6/21/2007 9:20:39 PM

0 Boost

correction, it Gallardo etc...

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xj13 - 6/21/2007 10:01:21 PM

-4 Boost

This car looks like a supra, no suprise there, and it sounds just OK.

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bevisroy - 6/21/2007 10:21:27 PM

-6 Boost

Lexus ALWAYS understates their 0 - 60 times by at least .5 seconds. Here are the results of the 5 Top Luxury Cars in this test which was reported in the January Issue of Car and Driver. Please note these tests were all done on the same day at about the same time and at the same altitude. The results reflect the average of 3 runs and all cars are the 2007 vintage.

Mercedes S550 5.6, 0 - 60 quarter mile in 14.1 (Benz show 5.4 in their specs)
BMW 750iL 5.7, 0 - 60 quarter mile in 14.2
Jag XJ Super 6.0 0 - 60 quarter mile 14.5
Lexus LS460L 6.2 0 - 60 quarter mile 14.6
Audi A8 6.8 0 - 60 quarter mile 15.2

Note that Lexus, as usual, is more than the 5.4 the manufacturer CLAIMS to get by .8 seconds.

Also note the LS430 (prior model the LS460 replaced) was rated at 295 HP and was actually 278 when Lexus corrected their rating. And there were no refunds or apologies from the so-called "quality" car company. ABC - Always Be Careful what you buy from the (REPREHENSIBLE) Toyota/Lexus people.....

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S4cabriofoxone - 6/21/2007 11:25:36 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

It's not "understates," it's "overstates." I've seen you around this forum before saying that- and you in fact did the exact same thing.

SupraNeverBack - 6/21/2007 11:58:35 PM

+4 Boost

What is the point for posting this again and again?

Lexus - 6/21/2007 10:27:41 PM

+4 Boost

bevi, all Japanese manufacture horse power rating from their cars went down. This include the Toyota/Lexus, Honda/Acura and Nissan/Infiniti. The reason this happen because in Japan they use a different standard of testing the horse power. This subject has already been brought already.

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S4cabriofoxone - 6/21/2007 11:26:17 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Yes, the Acura TL went down from 270hp to 253 or something. That's all that I remember. What Infinitis changed? Nissans?

SupraNeverBack - 6/21/2007 11:46:47 PM

+4 Boost

I think only Toyota and Honda did the corrections.

2JZSoarer - 6/22/2007 12:39:27 AM

+2 Boost

Bravo Lexus,they are evolving into a performance company in a short time and Toyota is also coming out of it's shell with their hybrid sport car concepts and the possible return of the Supra..

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enthusiastx11 - 6/22/2007 10:42:38 AM

-2 Boost

all this talk about a car that we know next to nothing about. and that lexus--for 3 years now---won't even confirm they are going to build....

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gsh23 - 6/22/2007 12:45:37 PM

+3 Boost

needless to say, if its on the ring, itll be produced.

richardp996 - 6/23/2007 5:13:37 PM

0 Boost

This car will be fast, regardless. 0-60 times only offer a glimpse of what the car is capable of doing but the driver is the key element of unleashing its speed. Modern 'heavy' cars can be fast and devastatingly effective in the corners. I am more concerned if it will be a proper sports car. Certain words are universal to describe certain cars, especially sports cars; precision, feedback, communicative, efficient, and visceral are just examples. What will be the key characteristics that will make this stand out?

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