Report: Lexus LF-A now targeting 350km/h (that's 217mph)

XeroK00L submitted on 12/20/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 11:10 PM
from: www.drive.com.au

[131] user comments | category: Spy News

Tags: lexus lf-a lfa top speed target

lexus lf-a lfa top speed target

Lexus insiders suggest the car's on-sale date has been delayed while the company fine-tunes everything from styling to performance.

It's believed Lexus is targeting a top speed for the LF-A of 350km/h, ensuring it's viewed as a serious supercar contender against more fancied brands such as Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini.

Currently, overseas reports have the LF-A nudging 330km/h, which is apparently not good enough for Lexus engineers.

Like any supercar, though - or elite athletes - the remaining performance gains will no doubt cost millions of development dollars as the law of diminishing returns kicks in.

As well as the most expensive vehicle to ever wear a Lexus badge - pricing hasn't been hinted at yet, but few expect it to sell for less than $300,000 - the LF-A will become the most exclusive Lexus ever.

Lexus is said to be limiting production of the LF-A to just a few hundred cars a year, ensuring it as least has the exclusivity of a true supercar. Read Article

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DaHarder - 12/21/2007 9:46:08 AM

+13 Boost

Certainly achievable with today's technology...

Just keep thing as light-weight as possible (through the use of composite materials/aluminum alloys), and rely on technology not (necessarily) brute force/cubic inches.

It's a Great Time to be an admirer of premium Japanese GTs.

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NewBeginning - 12/21/2007 12:40:35 PM

Show Comment -17 Boost

dlin - 12/21/2007 4:09:32 PM

-1 Boost

The truth behind the delay is they need to beat GT-R or how do they call it Supercar?

DaHarder - 12/21/2007 4:56:25 PM

+2 Boost

Sounds Plausible...

Even more so given the 'alleged' price they'll be placing on the LF-A

JRobUSC - 12/21/2007 10:04:26 AM

+2 Boost

I'm sorry, $300k? Did I read that right? Toyota must be out of their minds.

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pchera01 - 12/21/2007 10:07:13 AM

-8 Boost

GT-R already spoild the TOYOTA party... sorry

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autopro - 12/21/2007 11:11:17 AMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

Except for one big thing called quality!!!!!!!!!!!

Rupert - 12/21/2007 10:24:24 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

That's quite fast.
That's also quite expensive, especially for a Lexus.
I think if it's 130000 dollars US$, and 300000 AU$, it will be around 110000-120000 UK pounds.

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1995e34 - 12/21/2007 10:35:13 AM

Show Comment -20 Boost

r15mohd - 12/21/2007 10:58:58 AM

+12 Boost

for some reason...i think he was being serious. such a shame!

Rupert - 12/21/2007 2:07:19 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

Pounds are metric!!!!

You think we use shillings and half crowns and all that????

100 pence in a pound, easy.
If you meant why haven't we joined the Euro yet, it's because we don't want to.

lewishamiltonpimp - 12/21/2007 2:19:22 PM

+4 Boost

Damn, the UK went metric? I have been in the US a long time.

Does that mean my huge stash of half-crowns are useless?

Unfortunately 1995E34 is likely a product of the US school system.

Rupert - 12/21/2007 4:47:16 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

I hope you're joking lewishamiltonpimp - the UK went metric for money in 1974.

Although we can still sell stuff in imperial weights! The EU tried to metricfy that, but we said no.

1995e34 - 12/21/2007 10:08:43 PM

-1 Boost

i was referring to pounds as a measure of weight. it was a joke.

1995e34 - 12/21/2007 10:13:19 PM

-6 Boost

and i am a product of the U.S. school system. it's decent. could use longer school days, more math, science, and ...something to get kids off the couch.

XYZZ - 12/25/2007 4:00:30 AM

0 Boost

e34--

you SERIOUSLY THOUGHT "110000-120000 UK pounds" was a reference to WEIGHT rather than currency!?? FOR A SPORTS CAR???

you TRULY are a product of u.s. so-called "education!" LOL!

1995e34 - 12/26/2007 11:37:46 AM

0 Boost

you don't even get the joke.

JUGNU - 12/21/2007 11:17:07 AMView My AgentSpace

+7 Boost

Wow. If that's turns out to be true. LF-A will be simply out of the world. A challenger of 599 GTB and LP640.

JUGNU

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SevorbeupstryIsBack - 12/21/2007 12:22:21 PM

-10 Boost

I'm sorry but the LF-A is not on the shopping list of ultra-rich people. Especially not Lamborghini drivers.

M35MT - 12/21/2007 12:55:48 PMView My AgentSpace

+15 Boost

how the hell do you know?

Bill - 12/21/2007 11:18:46 AM

-8 Boost

So what's delaying this car? It's top speed? Toyota wants to make this car go past 350 kph? For what? Credibility? Nowhere can you use this speed. On the Autobahn? No. On the track? Hardly. On an aircraft runway? Nope, not even. Death Valley? Yep!

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Bill - 12/21/2007 11:38:30 AM

-6 Boost

Personally I don't care much about high-performance vehicles like the Veyron, Carrera GT etc. The Veyron was delayed because VW wanted it to reach 400 kph and be stable at that speed. What's the point? Aside from wanting to make a statement, nothing.

cktoo - 12/21/2007 9:29:03 PM

-7 Boost

Come on guys, the LF-A is no Bugatti. Bill Gates at the dealer..."hmmm, I just can't decide between the Veyron and that LF thingy. Mr. Gates it does go 300mph and it does come with MS-Sync. What the hell is that?"

Sorry guys, I certainly respect Lexus as a manufacturer, but this car is ridiculous, especially if they are holding back just to get to 217mph. Save the money/embarrassment and bring it to market as is. It is striking and I'm sure a great ride now.

autopro - 12/22/2007 2:40:17 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

If it was a bmw though it would be cool!!!!
asswipe

cktoo - 12/24/2007 3:48:21 PM

+1 Boost

"If it was a bmw though it would be cool!!!!
asswipe"

I'm assuming that comment is for me "internet tough guy". No, it wouldn't be cool if it was a BMW, either. My only points were; 1. It's no Bugatti, and 2. it seems rather stupid for Toyota/Lexus to withhold the car just to reach a top speed of 217mph. The car looks good as is and probably is a hell of a driver now. They would have no problem selling them with their present top speed. That's all. You Lexus sycophants sure are funny...

1970toyotamarc - 12/21/2007 11:26:45 AM

+14 Boost

the passionate pursuit of perfection.

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BigShow50 - 12/21/2007 11:37:56 AM

+6 Boost

pchera01....you obviously do not know what you are talking about....GT-R did no ruin the Toyota Party, the Japanese performance overall is just getting the party started. And besides the LF-A has not even landed as of yet, and you are comparing apples to oranges between the GT-R & the LF-A. We know full spec now the the GT-R, but none of us have a clue of what is yet to come for the LF-A. It will be an interesting future for the Japanese performance...can't wait.

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Alec - 12/21/2007 11:49:04 AM

-2 Boost

SO is this going after the Mercedes SLR? Its not a flame war starting question, it just struck my mind that both the cars could compete in some similar way. If they want to hit 350 kpmh... use a manual transmission. Not a friggin 8 speed auto.

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EL34 - 12/21/2007 12:04:45 PM

Show Comment -15 Boost

M35MT - 12/21/2007 12:57:35 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

You make Hillary Clinton sound intelligent.

henbmw - 12/21/2007 3:08:45 PM

-3 Boost

"You make Hillary Clinton sound intelligent."

You make yourself look like an idiot.

henbmw - 12/21/2007 8:49:54 PM

-5 Boost

Wow, the boosting shows how many idiots frequent this site.

henbmw - 12/21/2007 8:59:39 PM

-4 Boost

"Hillary is a joke. I hate politics, never voted ever. But if she is the canidate, I will register and vote against her."

Hillary = Goverment program everything (ex. Hillary care) No thanks!"

I'm glad you don't vote and I certaintly hope you never do. I fully support the lack of suffrage for the mentally challenged.

cktoo - 12/21/2007 9:41:36 PM

-2 Boost

"Wow, the boosting shows how many idiots frequent this site."

And your defense of Hillary doesn't bode well for your IQ, either. She's hardly as smart as the press makes her out to be...jeez, she couldn't even pass the DC bar or find some billing records that were on her dresser. Yeah, real genius. She'd probably be a lawyer for some lezbo group if it weren't for Bill...I'll give you him as a very smart person, or at least politician, however.

r15mohd - 12/22/2007 2:23:00 PM

+3 Boost

i'm more dem than rep, but only one guy is worth the presidency rite now...

start the Ron Paul movement!!!

cdoke - 12/22/2007 3:10:57 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

You are more Democrat than Republican and you like Ron Paul - the man who ran as a Libertarian in '88? I find that quite interesting. As someone who is basically a Libertarian (I prefer to call myself a true, or classical, liberal) you will be hard pressed to find someone of that thought who is sympathetic to the mindset of Democrats.

To each their own I suppose...

EL34 - 12/21/2007 1:26:41 PM

-13 Boost

Not really, it looks unrefined like the GT-R to me anyways.

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Czelinski - 12/21/2007 1:36:43 PM

Show Comment -16 Boost

M35MT - 12/21/2007 1:49:03 PMView My AgentSpace

+9 Boost

I'd respect your opinion but you probably like the X6, which is an abomination from bangle-hell.

DaHarder - 12/21/2007 2:13:28 PM

+6 Boost

I feel certain that Toyota/Lexus will have 'ironed out' any aesthetic foibles by the time this vehicle hits the showroom.

I've never been a fan of Lexus styling (save the nicely drawn 1st gen SC-Series) but I have to admit that their latest efforts (IS/LS/ES) look both handsome and cohesive.

BMW995 - 12/21/2007 1:42:18 PM

+12 Boost

This verifies what I clocked at the Nuremburg Ring 4 1/2 months ago. I'm a auto engineer with a competing co. and what I saw were times in segments of the track that were considerably faster than the Porsche 911 RS GT3. I was quite surprised at the handling prowess since we all knew it was a Toyota/Lexus and typically the Asian brands don't compete that well compared to the Germans on this course (pre-Nissan GT-R, of course). I had no idea that Toyota would put so much development resources in a sports car for Lexus. Hats off to their development engineers!

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BMW995 - 12/21/2007 1:46:38 PM

+1 Boost

Sorry for the spelling: it's Nurburgring. There is no way that auto will sell for $300,000 US. More like $140,000, I'd guess.

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M35MT - 12/21/2007 1:50:39 PMView My AgentSpace

+9 Boost

You didnt read any of the above posts, did you?

EL34 - 12/21/2007 1:50:27 PM

Show Comment -17 Boost

flychronic - 12/21/2007 1:59:28 PM

+2 Boost

I wouldn't buy it, simply because I still do not have a Lambo or Ferrari, however friends who are on their second and third Ferraris, are interested.

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Czelinski - 12/21/2007 2:01:15 PM

-10 Boost

"I'd respect your opinion but you probably like the X6, which is an abomination from bangle-hell."

I'd respect you as a person, but you're an idiot. And secondly, why assume i'd like the x6? I admit i'm a diehard German "fanboy", but I'm more inclined towards MB.

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_43LE - 12/21/2007 3:14:46 PM

+13 Boost

Ah, then you'd probably like the abomination that is the upcoming GLK.

Porschinator - 12/21/2007 2:07:04 PM

+4 Boost

I wonder what the finished product will look like. Lexus is trying to up its image with Uber Expensive rides like MBZ and will not expects to make any money on it; just press and prestige. I am sure it will be a rocket since Toyota knows how to build fast cars. Lexus is trying hard to break away from the only an upgraded Toyota car image it shares with Acura, and Infiniti.

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henbmw - 12/21/2007 3:06:37 PM

-8 Boost

With a top speed of 217, its looks like they're aiming at the 1992 Jag XJ220. Little late to the game...

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STJ88 - 12/21/2007 3:16:09 PM

+8 Boost

@henbmw

But its faster than any ferrari, lambo or mercedes that you can buy. So ask your self who is late?

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henbmw - 12/21/2007 4:24:16 PM

-3 Boost

Of course, this all depends on what Lexus is shooting for. Hopefully you know already, cars like the Ferrari F430 and Enzo, Lambo Gallardo and LP640, have no aspirations at setting high speed records or even benchmarks. Accerleration and cornering is there they shine, theres no need for 200+ top speeds on a car designed for the track. You look to cars like the Veyron, Koenigsegg CCX, and Saleen S7 to set these standards. Which is where I thought the Lexus would fit in.

I guess I was a bit harsh in my comment but after cars like the XJ220 and McLaren F1 set such fast top speeds in the early '90's, when I see a new car from a manufacture that doesn't normally design supercars, I always hope for something like what the Veyron did. Something much faster than the contemporary kings of speed and something that is as outlandishly fast as its looks suggest. Maybe I'm being too harsh, but I sort of hoped for a faster car from the largest auto manufacture in the world.

r15mohd - 12/21/2007 4:25:41 PM

+5 Boost

well in such a limited production for its first attempt....i don't see them trying to make huge profit on it. they'll rpice it so it is reasonable so they can please both parties...first themselves with some profit, then the crowd with reasonable pricing.

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DaHarder - 12/21/2007 5:01:36 PM

+8 Boost

More important than making a profit, Lexus NEEDS a true 'halo car', and what better to showcase their performance/engineering potential than a 215+ MPH Exotic Supercar?

It's the only way to silence (or at least appease) the naysayers...

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AntiFanBoi - 12/21/2007 5:49:24 PM

+2 Boost

^ ... +1

(Dammit - LOL!)

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ThierryHenry14 - 12/21/2007 4:27:24 PM

0 Boost

Great car, but don't think that people will care too much about its top end speed. Its a number to brag about, but thats it. its not that a person, as a lexus buyer, will use. I don't think 99% of buyers of 320+kph cars ever gets it that high...

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Rupert - 12/21/2007 5:38:19 PMView My AgentSpace

-5 Boost

I'm not sure if they should bother - I think sticking to around 200 mph is plenty fast enough - it's as fast as most Ferraris and faster than most Porsches.

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JWalkerLegrande - 12/21/2007 5:51:38 PM

+1 Boost

If the LF-A beats all Porsches on the market today, you have to truly admire them. Porsches are rock solid reliable instruments, I am sure the Lexus will have the same amenities - possibly at a lower cost.

The LF-A will not kill the exoticar market, as none of those makes are daily drivers (Koenigsegg, Pagani, Bugatti, Spyker, etc). But how does it fare to the $69K GT-R or the $100K ZR-1 ?

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Lexus - 12/21/2007 7:21:34 PM

+7 Boost

First Congratulation to Lexus for creating this supercar the Lexus LF-A.

I think it will fare very will with both the ZR-R and Nissan GT-R. Their are rumor floating saying the Lexus LF-A goes around the famous German ring in 7:24s. I'm sure the 0-60 will be in 3.0 flat or lower. This beast has 580+ hp under it hood.

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Lexus - 12/21/2007 8:22:16 PM

+4 Boost

correction, it ZR-1 etc.

LoL :-)

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xj13 - 12/21/2007 10:02:19 PM

-9 Boost

SAVE your money and buy a GT-R.

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jon21 - 12/22/2007 10:45:16 PM

+7 Boost

Save your mom’s money and cancel the Internet Subscription.

Audiphile - 12/21/2007 10:14:49 PM

+7 Boost

It's a striking concept car. I wonder what the final production version will look like. The Audi R8, Aston Martin V12 Vantage, soon the Nissan GT-R and Corvette ZR1, and then the Lexus LF-A - it's been a very good year for supercars! I can hardly wait for the battle to begin!

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alsarea3 - 12/22/2007 9:18:03 AM

+1 Boost

Don't forget the Viper SRT .. !

2008 bring great super cars .. !

yrralis1 - 12/21/2007 11:55:47 PM

+2 Boost

One thing about Lexus --they really love to compete .
As far back as I can remember Lexus almost cloned other cars and in recent times they attempt creativity .

Somethings are good and some are not and I don't really know enough about this car but I will say this -

If Lexus wasn't to win in this category , they have to beat everybody else and offer something unique .

That means they have to :
1)price the car within reason
2)deliver performance that gets enthusiast sentiment
3)offer comfort and customer service which appeal to the affluent buyers
4)maintain ORIGINALITY (that's a tough one for them)

In other words --they have a lot of work to do and it's probably a good move that they are holding back this vehicle for a bit longer.

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EL34 - 12/22/2007 11:38:48 AM

-5 Boost

Anyone that buys this car will buy it because of reliability and not styling.

It has no styling.

Open your eyes and burn them into the design?

It has none!

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autopro - 12/22/2007 2:19:20 PMView My AgentSpace

+8 Boost

I can't wait to drive it,and I'll be high on the list

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autopro - 12/22/2007 2:20:10 PMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

This car looks awesome!!!

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STJ88 - 12/22/2007 3:18:00 PM

+7 Boost

The LF-A is one of the best looking cars from the last few years, can't wait to see the production version.

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farabira1 - 12/22/2007 7:57:44 PM

-1 Boost

LF-A gets my nod certainly, but i just don't feel as passionate about the car, because I certainly can not afford one.

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spiceace - 12/22/2007 10:41:45 PM

+7 Boost

I cannot wait to see the awesome LF-A machine in person.

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enthusiastx11 - 12/22/2007 11:00:32 PM

-10 Boost

$300,000! totally ridiculous. i'm sure this will really appeal to the 70% of lexus buyer driving their camry-based cars.

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S4cabriofoxone - 12/23/2007 12:01:33 AMView My AgentSpace

-7 Boost

Incredible! If this is true (215mph for $130K USD), that's amazing.

The one thing that needs changing is the exterior, though. I just don't see what some of you guys see. It's not pretty--AT ALL--to my eyes.

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no1listensanyway - 12/24/2007 2:39:55 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Buffett just recently sold his Lincoln Town car after almost a decade. Now he drives a Cadillac DTS.

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Lexus - 12/23/2007 3:08:02 AM

+7 Boost

@S4,

first of all it 217 mph NOT 215mph, and secondly this Lexus LF-A has it exotic Asian in it. You can compare to the beauty of Ferrari or Lambo.

That like comparing Miss Italy to Miss Japan? I guess you have NEVER been to Japan, South Korea or Hawaii have you? Trust me Asian women are very beautiful.

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S4cabriofoxone - 12/23/2007 11:16:42 AMView My AgentSpace

-4 Boost

???

I know Asian women are sexy... this is a car, though...

And it doesn't look like an Asian woman!

Wow, HOLY CRAP I FORGOT THE EXTRA 2MPH!!! SHOOT ME! LOL.

S4cabriofoxone - 12/23/2007 11:18:23 AMView My AgentSpace

-5 Boost

By the way:

Unlike you, who thinks that everyone LOVES this car and will LOVE this car, I have my own OPINION. As fast as it is, it's ugly. You simply CANNOT compare it to a 599 GTB or LP640 in terms of beauty/sex appeal. I just don't see what you see... I'll wait for the production version.

Lexus - 12/23/2007 3:08:37 AM

+5 Boost

correction, exotic Asian beauty in it etc.

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MunichRob - 12/23/2007 7:54:20 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

"Lexus" this car is like a beautiful woman with a major defect that ultimately turns me off from it all together. The design is almost flawless in the picture above, but the spike that forms right above the rear wheels & blocks the rear windows in my eyes is a major styling no-no.

BTW keep in mind that this is a targeted rumored top speed not official numbers for the supercar, as is its time of 7:24 around the ring. I’m sure it will be a great performer & look more mainstream then the concept (I hope), but for now lets try not to get ahead of ourselves people.

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Lexus - 12/23/2007 2:33:16 PM

+6 Boost

I meant to said the you Cannot compare it to Lambo or Ferrari beauty because they both have different designer. One was created in Europe and the other in Asia, that what I was trying to said.

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LexusLion - 12/23/2007 11:11:29 PM

+6 Boost

Man, this is awesome, the coolest and most expensive Lexus ever. I wonder what the LF-A will be called...?

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Rupert - 12/24/2007 11:07:11 AMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

Umm...the LF-A???

LexusLion - 12/24/2007 2:45:36 PM

+6 Boost

It won't be called the LF-A just like the LF-C will probably be an SC so the LF-A will either be given two new series letters or (more unlikely) given just a name.

LexusLion - 12/25/2007 6:51:02 PM

+1 Boost

SC-F sounds nice :-)

pchera01 - 12/23/2007 11:42:48 PM

+2 Boost