VIDEO: C&D Pits Lexus LFA Against Ferrari 599 HGTE

In 1971, one of the greatest one-on-one boxing matches took place in New York's Madison Square Garden: the bout between Mohammed Ali and Joe Frazier. So big was this event, advertisers dubbed it, 'The Fight of the Century'. Now, two different contenders take to the ring (uh...tarmac). The reigning champion: the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE. The challenger: the Lexus LFA. Video after the jump.

One is a purebred, Italian racehorse with decades of motor racing heritage under its belt. The other is the new kid on the block: the young hood with its 'doof doof' music and unshakable will to win.

So maybe I went a bit too far with the boxing analogy...

The real scoop here is U.S. magazine Car and Driver putting the V12-powered 599 GTB HGTE and V10-powered LFA through their paces on the narrow, sodden backroads of Wales. Technical editor Michael Austin is behind the wheel of the Ferrari while executive editor Mark Gillies is in the Lexus. Their goal: to find out which of these two, similarly priced front engined, rear-wheel-drive GTs is the best?

Watch the video and decide for yourselves.

By Tristan Hankins

Source: C&D

_______________________________VIDEO_______________________________

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/10/video-c-pits-lexus-lfa-against-ferrari.html

Lotus Presents Akio Toyoda with Special Elise to Celebrate Current and Future Partnership

Clearly, it's good to be the boss. How so? Lotus CEO Danny Bahar recently made a trip to Japan to thank Toyota for their companies' long - and soon to be longer - partnership. For those new to the game, Lotus has been sourcing its power plants from Toyota for a while and currently all Loti use one form of Toyota mill or another.

Bahar handed Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda the keys to a Lotus Elise powered by the very last 2ZZ-GE VVTL-i built, saying, "The presentation of Toyota's last 2ZZ engine in the Elise is a symbolic gesture of our continued respect and deep appreciation for our partner not only acknowledging our past but also looking forward to our future together."

Proton-owned Lotus will soon unveil its Toyota-powered Evora S and Evora IPS models in Paris, while the 414E is apparently still in the pipeline and waiting for an investment from the British government.

As for the oft-discussed Esprit, rumors suggest that Lotus's flagship may be powered by Toyota's 1LR-GUE V10. While the Esprit may still be a ways out, we could be getting some information about it as soon as the Paris show, so stay tuned.

On using his company's engines in Lotus cars, Toyoda said, "A Toyota engine in a Lotus car creates a completely unique drive feeling – a special blend featuring the best of Lotus and Toyota that we hope many car lovers continue to experience and enjoy." That, and they're reliable as hell, so you know your car won't spontaneously combust...

By Phil Alex

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/09/lotus-presents-akio-toyoda-with-special.html

Lexus Announces LFA Luggage Collection, Tens of Buyers Rejoice

Traveling in the Lexus LFA will soon get a lot better for some of the vehicle's owners, thanks to a new dedicated line of travel cases designed to fit perfectly in the boot area of the $375,000 Japanese supercar. Created in partnership with Tumi, New Jersey-based manufacturer of travel bags and suitcases, the two-piece luggage set will accompany the LFA in select markets, including the US and Europe.

The Tumi cases are styled using components that are directly related to the appearance of the LFA, such as aluminum and carbon fiber-like materials. Each bag will be inscribed with the vehicle identification number (VIN) corresponding to the owner's LFA.

Lexus said each case is designed with a distinct purpose - the smaller piece sized to fit the "essentials for track racing, including gloves and shoes, or items for a quick getaway", and larger one, for longer trips.

The first deliveries of the 552HP V10-powered Lexus LFA will be begin January next year. Production will be limited to a total of 500 units worldwide, with around 20 cars scheduled to be built each month.

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/08/lexus-announces-lfa-luggage-collection.html

Japanese Grudge Match: Nissan GT-R vs. Lexus LFA

There's only so much that can be said about a drag race between a Nissan GT-R and the Lexus LFA. It's a traditional competition pitting Japan's two Euro-fighting high-tech supercars against each other in an attempt to figure out which one is faster in the quarter mile.

No matter who's faster, the better buy should be clear. At a $300,000+ price gap, it won't be hard to figure it out; on the other hand, exclusivity has no price.

Thankfully, Motor Trend showed us how the duel would play out. While informative, it ain't Top Gear with the Jezza. To watch it through Motor Trend's eyes, check it out after the break.

By Phil Alex

Via: Autoblog.com / MT

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/05/japanese-grudge-match-nissan-gt-r-vs.html

Lexus Prices Nürburgring Package for LFA Supercar at $70,000

If owning one of the 500 examples of the LFA supercar that Lexus plans to build doesn't claim victory to your ego, then you'll be happy to know that the Japanese automaker has just released U.S. pricing for the Nürburgring Package that will be strictly limited to only 50 units worldwide.

Those that choose to tick the option will be charged an extra $70,000, while Matte black will carry an additional cost of $20,000. The standard LFA carries a MSRP of $375,000, meaning that with the Nürburgring Package, increases the total price to a $450,000.

The 75 grand will get you a tweaked version of the 4/8-liter V10 engine producing 562HP or 10 more horsepower than the standard LFA along with a modified transmission that reduces gear-shift time by 0.05 seconds to 0.15 seconds.

A sportier-tuned suspension, exclusive black mesh-type alloy wheels with dedicated high-grip tires for better handling, as well as a larger front spoiler and fixed rear wing for improved high speed down force, are also part of the Nürburgring Package.

And if that ain't enough, in addition to the vehicle specs, Lexus will throw in a package of special privileges in association with the Nürburgring course itself.

The company said that perks include, but are not limited to, private parking, co-pilot ride, one night stand at the Lindner Congress and Motorsport Hotel Nürburgring, private training with Nürburgring chief driving instructor, a Nürburgring branded jacket, as well as a one-year annual pass valid for driving on the Nordschleife and admission to ring werk leisure park.

The limited edition LFA with the Nürburgring Package will be available in four exterior colors – whitest white, orange, black and matte black complemented by a choice of three interior colors – black, red, and violet. All come with a carbon fiber center console and door trim.

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/05/lexus-prices-nurburgring-package-for.html