TOP GEAR: S14E07 - Lexus LFA

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SludgeFactory

Platinum Member
Sep 14, 2001
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So what's so geeky about this LF-A, or special features that would it heads and shoulders above other super cars, and warrant that price tag?
Much of the car is constructed from carbon fiber, that's about all I can point to as justification for the cost. The stuff's expensive. Apparently Toyota chose to handle all of that in house, including the tooling to make the carbon fiber components, when most anybody else would have contracted it all out. I guess the hope is that some of that expensive R&D will eventually show up in future Toyota products.

A lot of racing-inspired aero/engine/transmission/brake design went into the LFA and drove up the cost too, but Ferrari did that with the all-aluminum 458 as well, and it's $100K less expensive. That Lexus V-10 does sound incredible though.

The LFA's 3260 lb curb weight is not impressive. Toyota is claiming the carbon fiber monocoque saves them 220 lbs over an all-aluminum design, but come on, a true supercar with exotic materials with that price tag shouldn't be much more than 3000 lbs. A lighter car would have posted better performance numbers, 'Ring times, etc., without so many people scratching their heads while comparing it unfavorably to a 458 or even a GT-R.
 
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Pariah

Elite Member
Apr 16, 2000
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It's 2010. 3260lbs is pretty light. This is a real car with a real interior, not a stripped out track car. Compare it to the competition from Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin, and you'll find it weighs a few hundred pounds less in most cases.
 

EightySix Four

Diamond Member
Jul 17, 2004
5,122
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It's 2010. 3260lbs is pretty light. This is a real car with a real interior, not a stripped out track car. Compare it to the competition from Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin, and you'll find it weighs a few hundred pounds less in most cases.

For the most part you're right. It should be compared to the GT cars, not the track monsters like the 458 Italia or Gallardo LP560-4

Ferrari 599GTB : 3726 lbs
Lambo LP670-4: 3671 lbs
Aston DBS : 3480 lbs
Lexus LFA : 3260 lbs
911 GT2 : 3175 lbs
 

Pariah

Elite Member
Apr 16, 2000
7,357
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The 911 GT2 is the stripped down track version of the 911 Turbo.

The standard 911 Turbo with the lighter manual transmission weighs 3461lbs. 3516lbs with flappy paddles.