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]
No discussion thread for this article yet.