Lexus GT Supercar More Probable!

scionlife · Joined: 10 Apr 2003 Posts: 4137 Location: scionlife.com

The cover article in the new Road & Track magazine:

Quote: Japan's First True Exotic

Although the show car pictured on our cover isn't a runner, there is a version that actually runs and goes really fast. According to reports in Japanese car magazines, the GT 450 (LF-A) lapped the recently redesigned Fuji International Speedway like a true super exotic. Visually, the test car that ran that day was slightly different from the show car you see on our cover. It had a metal roof rather than a glass one, BBS forged-alloy wheels and small cameras mounted in the side mirrors. This undoubtedly means the Lexus coupe is not yet in its final state; there are a few more changes to come, most likely to the front and rear ends.

Mechanically, we know the future Lexus 2-seater will be powered by a 500-bhp V-10. Whether the displacement will be 4.5 liters or 5.0 liters remains to be seen (the engine displacement will likely decide if Lexus will call the car GT 450 or GT 500). A display-only model of the engine revealed that the cylinder banks are angled at 72 degrees. It's also the first dry-sump engine in Toyota's history. Redline is said to be above 9000 rpm, so we're talking about an engine that puts out power like a Formula 1 car. It'll come mated to a transaxle with at least six speeds.

One of our stealthy ninjas actually heard the thing revving, and said the engine and exhaust sounded eerily similar to an F1 engine. "There was no sense of friction when the thing was revving up or down."

In fact, a Toyota board member was overheard saying that the car's official launch will coincide with the company's first win in F1; therefore, the final production model must be ready to be revealed when that historic event occurs. Within Toyota, that date is expected around the summer of 2007. Does Toyota have something up its sleeve at that time in F1? Or does the company want to steal some thunder from Nissan's GT-R launch?

Also, we've seen spy shots of a convertible version of the LF-A running at a remote test track, so expect an open-air GT 450 to make an appearance soon after the coupe. Price of the Toyota super GT is expected to fall somewhere between $100,000 and $150,000.

Garage1217 · Posted: 3/1/06 10:19AM Post subject:

looks.... blah....

ricexizxgood · Joined: 25 Jun 2005 Posts: 1936 Location: San Francisco, CA

I wouldnt mind driving one of these :P

TimmyT · Joined: 05 Feb 2005 Posts: 1249 Location: Sanger, CA

I wouldn't kick her outta bed for eating fig neutons.

seXAboy31 · Joined: 17 Jan 2006 Posts: 52

ah very nice

scionlifeguy · Joined: 16 Apr 2003 Posts: 407 Location: scionlife.com

For some reason the blue one looks very different from the silver. I think there are some funky little details that may change, but the overall lines are nice. I don't know if I'd pick this car to blow $150k on, but I can't say I've really given it much thought!

THansenite · Posted: 3/1/06 11:28AM Post subject:

It doesn't look very supercarish. Granted, it looks more aggressive than a normal Lexus, its stance looks to narrow to grab my attention away from say, a Saleen S7 or even a GT-50. It looks like a luxury-supercar if that is even a class. It definately looks Lexus though. I am sure the interior is as classy as any. Can't wait to see more information on this car.

bunburiano_chilepicking · Joined: 28 Sep 2005 Posts: 284

man only if i can affort it haaaaaaaaaaaaa

atodak · Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 1031 Location: NH

I'm gonna have to do some daily test drives :lalala:

terra_tC · Joined: 04 Apr 2005 Posts: 393 Location: Medina, OH

that thing is hot has heck, lets just hope it sounds like a F1....that would be heaven

Charade_Detomasso · Joined: 20 Oct 2005 Posts: 227

See the video on Edmunds Inside line with this car on the ring.. it does have a F-1 V10 note

koasterking · Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Posts: 351 Location: Hunterdon Co., NJ

any chance they may make a spyder version later on? just some thoughts?

scionlife · Joined: 10 Apr 2003 Posts: 4137 Location: scionlife.com

Charade -- thanks for the link! Sheesh! Here it is for the rest of ya!
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/VideosMakeModelIndex/make=Lexus/model=LF-A#1

Charade_Detomasso · Joined: 20 Oct 2005 Posts: 227

:) you are most certainly welcome :lol:

Sorry about that, its just that ive put it up so many times already it kinda slipped me this time

MightyHalo · Joined: 01 Sep 2004 Posts: 106 Location: Orange, CA

If they do call it the GT-500....doesn't Ford/Shelby have a GT-500 as well ?? I smell LAW SUIT all over this issue !!

R2D2 · Joined: 11 Aug 2005 Posts: 950

:love: Performance & Power :love:

R2D2 · Joined: 11 Aug 2005 Posts: 950

:ponder: My vote is for a GT 555 :idea:

Adamsf29 · Joined: 03 Sep 2005 Posts: 15 Location: Miami

not bad looking, but got lots of tough competition at the super car level.

xAlex · Joined: 11 Sep 2004 Posts: 315 Location: Babylon, NY

ok i'm confused, was this what everyone was speculating to be the new supra? or is toyota still releasing a new supra? b/c the IS500 is supposed to have the 'new supra' engine in it (detuned), if thats the case, i'll save a few thousand and go w/ the the IS500 instead of this.... [of course this means i'll have to live w/ my parents and sell my children]

zeorai · Joined: 14 Jul 2004 Posts: 60 Location: HBC, CA

I doubt there will be a v10 anymore. The v10 was going to be based off their F1 engine, but since the FIA changed rules that favor v8s and all the manufacturers are now developing v8s instead I don't think we'll see a v10. Last I heard they put the whole project on hold because of Toyota didn't know how t proceed at this point.

But it's all rumor until we get real track spyshots published.