Tech

Edmunds’ Inside Line is reporting that the next generation Lotus Esprit may be powered by the same V10 engine used in the Lexus LFA:

The next-generation Lotus Esprit supercar, details of which will be announced at the2010 Paris Auto Show next month, could be powered by the 552-horsepower Lexus LFA V10, says a source close to the company.

That would be for the Esprit in its ultimate form — the more mainstream version would be offered with a V8, also likely to be sourced from Lexus. That engine will probably be a version of the 416-hp 5.0-liter engine fitted to the Lexus IS F sedan. When asked to confirm this possibility, a Lotus spokesman said that he “couldn’t comment.”

This isn’t the first time this rumor has been reported, and given that Toyota has been supplying Lotus with engines for over 25 years, this has a very good chance of being true. Should that be the case, it’s good for everyone involved. Lotus gets a supercar powerplant that can compete with the best in the game, and Toyota gets to recoup some of the development cost of limited-edition, high-cost LFA.

Seems like a win all round to me.

[Source: Inside Line]

Lexus UK has issued an interesting press release outlining the steps taken to ensure the CT 200h has the “ideal” driving position for the sporty new hybrid. The key points:

• Lexus configures ideal driving position for new CT 200h full hybrid – the sportiest set-up of any regular Lexus production model
• Driver hip point brought as close as possible to the car’s centre of gravity
• New air intake system designed to ensure bonnet profile can maintain pedestrian protection quality without compromising forward vision from the low-set driver’s seat
• Driver’s seat includes additional lateral and lumbar support
• Design enables drivers to make the most of CT 200h’s agile handling and responsive performance

Much of this optimization was influenced by the IS F, particularly when it came to setting the hip point and its relation to the CT’s center of gravity — here’s an illustration to demonstrate the point:

The side bolsters are also influenced by the IS F’s sport seats:

Seating position is so important when it comes to providing a sporty feel — nice to see Lexus utilizing the lessons learned in the IS F’s development.

The full press release follows.

Continue reading this article…

Just received word from site sponsor VAIS Technology about their new SL2iC iPod integration unit — check out these photos:

The SL2iC will feature a touchscreen iPod interface along with the ability to play videos directly on the nav screen — two fantastic features to be sure. Initially, only 5th generation Lexus navigation systems, but it will then be ported to both the 3rd and 4th generation systems shortly.

The SL2iC will be available in September directly from VAIS Tech’s website. More details shortly.

Here’s a video demonstrating the steering issue that made the current Lexus LS recall necessary:

All in all, this LS steering issue looks to be relatively non-critical — something that should be fixed and deserving of a recall, to be sure, but of minor importance to anyone outside of the affected owners.

Still, good on Lexus to treat this as it would a more serious issue (issuing multiple press releases, freezing current inventory affected by the recall) — it should be a great relief to all Lexus owners to see the company responding in such a strong way.

Update: This post has been reworked for clarity’s sake.

Lexus Magazine has a brilliant interview with Hiromu Naruse, chief test driver for Lexus, about his experience in helping develop the LFA:

Lexus: What was it like to drive the Lexus LFA prototype the first time out?

Naruse: I have to say, when I drove the LFA for the first time, it was scary. It was like a monster.

You put it through some pretty hairy tests last year.

When we raced the LFA in Nardo, Italy, I thought I might not return to Japan alive. The purpose of this “test” was to evaluate the car’s durability at 200 mph for a long period. The race was in the dark with no lights on the track, plus there were birds flying at me—and imagine if a tire burst! We created the final LFA through these kinds of test experiences.

Naruse-sama has played an essential role in the development of the LFA (and all Lexus vehicles), shaping the drivability like an artist, and getting this rare glimpse into his insight is awesome. Must-read.

[Source: Lexus Magazine]

As part of Motor Trend’s coverage of the Lexus LFA, the supercar was strapped onto a dynometer and pushed to its upper limits:

200.2 MPH is something else, even on a dyno — it’s amazing just how smoothly the LFA ramps up, and judging from the footage, it gets there with hardly any vibration at all.

[Source: Motor Trend]