New Lexus LFA

[BP-Revo]

Originally Posted by bigsteel

nothing really special,just another overpriced seudo-supercar. 554hp and only a 202mph top speed? a viper beats that and a ZR-1 corvette does the same trick faster with 2 less cylinders.personally,ill stick with a good ole american V-8 (but to please the guys who like foreign i would take a GTR over that any day)--josh

In my opinion, there's a lot more to cylinder count when it comes to power output. Displacement and forced induction have a huge impact.

The Viper is an naturally aspirated 8.4L V10 (you probably knew that) and has 600hp.

The ZR-1 is 6.2L and has a supercharger. It puts out 638hp.

The LF-A is only 4.8L and naturally aspirated.

If you ask me, the LF-A's engine is a much more impressive engineering accomplishment. That's about 115hp per liter. The Viper doesn't even come close to 100hp per liter and the ZR-1 is about 100 but needs a supercharger to do it.

Also, top speed shouldn't be the most significant value in a car. Aerodynamics play a huge role in the top speed of a vehicle.

Look at the Viper ACR. Same 600hp powerplant as a regular viper, top speed is "only" 177mph. Formula 1 car. 900hp and 1350lbs, to speed of "only" ~200mph.

While I admit the LF-A is incredibly overpriced, I still say it's quite a piece of engineering, and impressive coming from Lexus/Toyota.

[jokerjustin]

Originally Posted by BP-Revo

In my opinion, there's a lot more to cylinder count when it comes to power output. Displacement and forced induction have a huge impact.

The Viper is an naturally aspirated 8.4L V10 (you probably knew that) and has 600hp.

The ZR-1 is 6.2L and has a supercharger. It puts out 638hp.

The LF-A is only 4.8L and naturally aspirated.

If you ask me, the LF-A's engine is a much more impressive engineering accomplishment. That's about 115hp per liter. The Viper doesn't even come close to 100hp per liter and the ZR-1 is about 100 but needs a supercharger to do it.

Also, top speed shouldn't be the most significant value in a car. Aerodynamics play a huge role in the top speed of a vehicle.

Look at the Viper ACR. Same 600hp powerplant as a regular viper, top speed is "only" 177mph. Formula 1 car. 900hp and 1350lbs, to speed of "only" ~200mph.

While I admit the LF-A is incredibly overpriced, I still say it's quite a piece of engineering, and impressive coming from Lexus/Toyota.

+1000 for any kind of n/a engine to keep up with the super cars is just incredible... drop a supercharger on the beast and you will get numbers higher than that of the viper

[stefaulkner]

Originally Posted by BP-Revo

While I admit the LF-A is incredibly overpriced, I still say it's quite a piece of engineering, and impressive coming from Lexus/Toyota.

Couldn't agree more. Top Gear reviewed the Lexus (broadcast last Sunday), and came to a similar conclusion. The Japanese build some incredible engines, especially Honda. Their V-Tec engines, such as those in the Civic Type-R, have been producing 100 bhp per tonne for years and yet are as reliable as the day is long. However, the vast majority of this power is only available over 6500 rpm, so it need thrashing to perform. The larger displacement engines have a much greater spread of torque through the rev band, so power delivery seems much more effortless.

Personally, I think BMW have mastered the art of encompassing both of these qualities without the huge price for the privilege. The V10 engine found in the modern day M5 has large displacement but with the ability to rev freely up to nearly 9k. Thats an impressive screamer alright . Ferrari and Lamborghini also produce similar features, but with a supercar price tag.