Tech

Pistonheads has published some very interesting quotes from Lexus representatives at the Detroit Auto Show about possible applications of the LFA’s V10 engine:

“It’s not a straightforward job, because although the V10 is very compact its dry sump design means you have to find space under the bonnet for the oil tank,” said one insider. “That said, we do have two large sedans where the engine could possibly be made to fit.”

“We’ve already got a transmission that can handle the engine, in the shape of the 8-speed auto fitted to the IS-F. With its torque converter lock-up it would work very well in a car like this,” we were told.

“We’d need to be able to do a run of 5000 to 10,000 cars to make it feasible, and it wouldn’t be cheap. But with the LF-A we’re just starting to introduce very high performance as a Lexus brand value, so it’s natural that we will be looking at ways to develop this in future,” confirmed our informant.

It sounds like pure speculation, but it’s exciting nonetheless—I know from my own discussions with the Lexus people at the show that the high-revving LFA engine would be entirely unsuited for the LS lineup and its expected refinement, which would leave the GS as the only real Lexus model capable of handling the 552hp V10.

The big issue is the price—I was told the LFA engine could add upwards of $60-70k to the MSRP, which would push a potential GS-F over $100k and make it more expensive than a BMW M5 or a Mercedes E63. A tall order to be sure, and one that would require a significant rethink of the Lexus sports sedan.

And yet, as easy as it would be to dismiss the idea, the LFA itself is proof that anything’s possible. No one was expecting a $400k Lexus supercar, and yet only three months after its introduction, the entire production run has been spoken for. It’s for that reason that I’m not giving up hope on a GS-F, and from the sounds of the Pistonheads article, neither is Lexus.

[Source: Pistonheads]

Another day, another virtual lap—only this time it’s the esteemed Gran Turismo creator, Kazunori Yamauchi, driving a race-modifed Lexus IS F in the 8th round of the VLN series at Nürburgring:

Back in August, Mr. Yamauchi and a team of two others (Motor Journalist Peter Lyon and racing driver Hideshi Matsuda—all three judges for the World Car of the Year Awards) competed and won the SP8 (close-to-production) class in this four-hour race. The IS-F was the same car that was used at this year’s 24 hour Nürburgring race.

What’s even more impressive is that this was Mr. Yamauchi’s first international race and his first racing car—though from the sounds of it, the 1000 virtual Gran Turismo laps certainly helped:

On the reason for competing in the event, Mr. Yamauchi stated that “I wanted to confirm just how effective the experience in the virtual world is, by competing in a race on the Nurburgring. And that includes not just the driving aspects, but on a wider range of things including the building of the car, communication, and much more. And of course, this will all be fed back into future renditions of Gran Turismo.”

Very interesting story, the official Gran Turismo site has the all the details along with some photos, including this shot of the car exterior:

[Source: Gran Turismo Website]

Edmunds Inside Line has put together a great list of ten things you didn’t know about the Lexus LFA—here’s an example:

Spectacular Sound

Two separate ducts route intake noise into the firewall from the intake manifold, allowing two different octaves of engine music to penetrate the passenger compartment. As a result, the LFA’s engine note dominates the driving experience.

Developed in conjunction with Yamaha’s musical instrument division, engineers tuned the LFA’s engine note the same way sound is tuned in an Ovation guitar. Uniquely shaped ribs in the intake manifold cover are designed precisely to produce a pleasing engine note.

Amazing that Lexus would work with musicians to perfect the LFA’s engine note—amazing attention to detail. Another fact—the supercar is equipped with Launch Control, and the 0-60mph time of 3.6 seconds was recorded without utilizing it, meaning the car is likely to be even faster than the official numbers.

Other things you didn’t know about the LFA? You’ll have to check out the list for yourself.

[Source Inside Line]

Loving this new Lexus LS commercial:

What Lexus has achieved with the new LS is amazing, and it’s nice to see a commercial that focuses on just how exceptional a vehicle it is. As the (current) flagship model, I don’t think it gets enough attention—but then, maybe that’s the point? Oh, so subtle…

[Source: Motiongrapher]

Along with their driving impressions and technical analysis, Road & Track also had a chance to ask Lexus LFA chief engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi a few questions:

What were the most difficult challenges you faced?

This is difficult to answer. In Toyota, the highest-performance car we had in the past was the Supra. It had its own high-performance technology. But the Lexus LFA is not an extension of that. In that sense the LFA breaks all the boundaries we had. This is something totally new for Toyota. We had to create a new type of high-performance car. For instance, a high-revving engine and a high engine output mean a lot of heat generated, and we had to cool it down. In that sense, all these performance elements are new and challenging. The LFA was not based on existing knowledge. We had to learn as we went along. We failed, we learned, we stood up again.

It’s a great interview that gives a brief glimpse into the creation of Toyota’s first supercar—recommended reading, to be sure. Perhaps the most revealing answer was to the last question:

If you had another five years, what would you do with the LFA?

First of all, I really have to ask myself if I am mentally motivated to go on for another five years. I have dedicated one-third of my company life to the LFA. However, if there is more time, I could see an open car or hybrid. These are the wishes. Of course, if there is time, those are the ideas.

I can definitely see the LFA moving into different territory once the initial run of 500 units is sold and delivered—certainly wouldn’t be surprised to see a hybrid version or a convertible down the line.

[Source: Road & Track Photo: Car & Driver]

For 2010, the Lexus LS will be sporting an additional layer of clear coat paint that has the ability to heal itself:

Unlike a conventional clear coat, TMC’s newly developed coat is not easily damaged and can even restore* itself even if it is deformed.  Moreover, it requires no special maintenance, prevents luster degradation caused by surface scratches and helps to prolong new-car color and gloss.

The new coat features an ingredient that encourages closer molecular bonding, resulting in a denser structure than conventionally possible.  This gives the coat flexibility and elasticity, making it less prone to damage and more resistant to light and acid, and giving it the ability to self-restore after deformation.

This is great news, as this will likely counteract Lexus’ traditionally soft paint, keeping cars looking great for longer. Looking forward to seeing this in action.

[Source: Lexus Japan]