Lexus LF-A consept (500 hp, 200mph)

[Nappe1]

http://autoshow.msn.com/as/article.aspx?xml=Lexus&shw=autoshow2005&src=autoshow2005

as consept, it looks like to be pretty close something that could be sold... :)

as direct competitors has been said F430 and 911 Turbo. So, this looks like to be placed same position as 2000GT was in mid 60's...

[chris]

So that is what they have been running around the Nordschliefe in disguise?? Hmmm.

Could do with some restyling of the front and back. And sadly, I doubt Ferrari will be too worried by this, nor Lamborghini or Porsche, or Aston Martin.

Look at the Aston DB9, or the Vanquish, and then this and you can see why.

Edit: Looks a bit better in these photos:

http://www.autointell-news.com/News-2005/Jan-2005/Jan-2005-2/Jan-12-05-p1.htm

Interesting..

Edit 2:

Even better photos:
http://www.autoweek.com/files/specials/2005_detroit/lexus/lfa/pages/lfa7.htm

Looks very interesting. And the interior is very nice. :)

[Nappe1]

lol, it looks like same happened to you as me... :)
at first: uuhh... is that trying to be stylish?
after few more pictures: not bad. interesting ways to make things.
and after few more pictures: It's not perfect, but hey, it's consept. :)


things that I noticed from pictures here:
http://galleries.wheels24.co.za/cars/Lexus/index.asp
the engine is positioned middle, most likely transversed position. air intakes are behind doors (2 on each side.) plus, there's 2 fans just below rear lights blowing the hot air out from engine bay.
the floorpan is like from F1, with ground effect tunnels and the air intakes in front are actually the front wing and holes take to the air tunnels.

about the engine... it has said to be under 5 liters, so it has to be a new engine. only 5 liter engine in production is Century's V12, and imho it's a bit big to fit transversed behind the cockpit... I might be wrong here though. (if it is using different tuning version of 5lV12, then imagine the possibilities on tuning... now it's Naturally Aspirated. ;)


EDIT: now I noticed that some sources say it being 5 liter V8... quite possible though, that kind of engine isn't in production right now. (maybe more developed version of 4.3 liter V8 now sitting in SC/LS 430, perhaps?)

[chris]

About 5 litres are the rumours. Almost certainly a V8. I doubt a 12 cylinder would fit, not in a longitudinal arrangement, and surely not transverse either.

Although some V12's can be quite compact - notably the F130 60 valve V12 powering the Ferrari F50 - it is very compact for what it is. It is a direct relation to the 3.5L V12 F1 engine. Not inspired, but rather a direct relative and possibly the only example of its kind.

That F1 heritage was reflected in its revvy but progressive performance. Nearly 5 litres, and doing nearly 9000rpm is not bad at all for a fairly big engine. And it loved to do that, it would do that easily, while belting out a savage scream.

I hope the engine in this Lexus has that sort of character and sound.

[Venom800tt]

I think it looks pretty nice. I'm suprized at the lack of a pop-up wing though. :)

[chris]

Look at the venturi tunnels underneath it. They are probably more effective than any pop-up wing could be, and a great deal simpler too. :)

[VQ]

Would this be the new "supra"?

[blackice111288]

it better not be. the supra was a sports car, not a super car and it wont make sence to bring it back as one.

too bad this is one ugly car, it looks like a cross between a Honda CRX and a Honda Beat with a widebody kit