There’s a quick interview with Lexus LFA Chief Engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi in the Bangkok Post, and part of it addresses the decision to use an automated manual gearbox in the supercar instead of a DSG:
– Have you considered a dual-clutch automatic gearbox for the LFA?
I’ve tried Volkswagen’s DSG around Nurburgring. Although it must be said [that DSG] is smooth, such a gearbox doesn’t suit the LFAs boy-ish character.
– But isn’t refinement one of the key brand values of Lexus?
Yes, but I prefer [the automated manual gearbox]. I really don’t care whether it doesn’t suit the brand.
– What were the benchmark cars for the LFA during development?
None. There were no benchmarks. Just the LFA on its own.
Strong answers from Tanahashi-san, who shows just the kind of personality needed to develop a supercar from scratch. I never thought of the LFA as “boyish” before, but considering how much I think looks like a spaceship, the description really does fit.
[Source: Bangkok Post]
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