Lexus' LF-A Caught Returning To Nürburgring Testing

Man they have been working on this for 6 years now!

In all of that time the competition has caught up and some have surpassed the LF-A.

I have no doubt this will be an excellent car, but this extended development curve does nothing to keep them competitive.

— Agent009 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2008 11:18:07 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

True it took them 6 years developing this and true its a long time, but remember it took the first LS 10 years and look where the LS is today. I see the LF-A beating the Austin Martin, but as far as the Lamborghini and Ferrari, naah.

I wonder if Infiniti now will come up with a V10 super car, or make the already monster GT-R even crazier? Or did the two agree for one to go after the 911 and the other after the expensive super cars just like they did in 1990 with the LS and Q?

Great job to Lexus I just hate the fact that I'll never be able to own an LF-A. :-(

— Designer1 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2008 11:45:14 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

I think they continue to work on it because they KNOW that it won't get an ounce of respect unless it defeats nearly everything out there. A 70k GT-R didnt help their cause, I agree with that.

On a side note these "near production" shots look better than anything I've seen in concept form to date. It looks like a real car there.

— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2008 12:31:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7   

"In all of that time the competition has caught up and some have surpassed the LF-A."

"Surpassed"?

That's an odd thing to say considering the LF-A has not been released yet.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2008 12:47:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Come to my thought how long is the Panamera in development now? 6+ years?

— Designer1 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/16/2008 11:52:11 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

Well not so much $170k and more closer to $104k base price (almost certainly north of the LS 600h L base price). So the monetary difference (ie: bang for buck) is not as not as wide as the difference between "price point" and "base". But just enough separation to differentiate between a high performance front-engined sport car to a mid-mounted V10 supercar.

As a side note, I don't personally think Lexus places enough prestige (ie: model specific equipment and amenities) in its hybrid flagship to justify the LS 600hL's astonishing $32k premium to its purely mechanical sibling (in long wheelbase form).

— macrocaus (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2008 1:02:23 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

M35MT is right on the money with everything he said. Who's gunna buy a Lexus over a Gallardo unless there is a MAJOR reason to do so?

— Threepoint1415926 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2008 3:22:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I've seen so many photos of this Toyota it's gettin' old :-|

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2008 10:57:57 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

snore....

same story since 2005. stop with the postings until they've committed to building the thing.

— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2008 11:00:32 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Very nice lookin car for a prototype car.

— hatepusss (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2008 11:03:45 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6   

They have had this car at shows for almost 4 years now. Whats the mystery?

The ONLY thing I can think of is that Lexus hasnt come up with its own engine yet, and has been using that Opel engine seen in the IS-DTM on the test mule.

Im also getting tired of the design, It came, and will go before the car is even released.

— w209w114 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2008 11:46:44 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I'm no more excited about this car...

— Milton (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2008 11:57:15 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Well since it's 05' introduction the design has evolved for the better...The cars profile actually looks really good here.

— MunichRob (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2008 12:54:15 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

Elizabeth Hurley is 47 years old, and although I'm still waiting to date her I never get tired of looking at her. The same is true for this LF-A, simply put, it's sex on wheels!

— Reason (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2008 2:55:06 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

i like those rims.....

— lexusrox123 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2008 5:59:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

the camoed version looks better than the concept...

— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2008 9:37:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

who cares about lex?

— xj13 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/16/2008 6:23:56 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

Toyota/Lexus is all about perfection so I'm sure there are good reasons it's taking time and not being rushed through. I don't think perfection can and should be rushed through. :-)

— LexusLion (View Profile)

Posted on 4/20/2008 12:23:13 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1