Supercar Status

Lamborghini Murcielago LP 640

Pagani Zonda R

We all have a favourite supercar, one we would buy first if we won a heck of a lot of money. I have a few favourites such as the Lamborghini Murcielago LP-640 and the Pagani Zonda R but one car sits above the others; it may not be as fast but it's all I'd ever want in a car; The Lexus LFA.

Lexus LFA

Now you may be thinking 'A Lexus over a Lamborghini or a Ferrari or a Pagani??, why?'. Well that's hard to explain, there is just something about the LFA that appeals to me so much more than the rest. It could be the high revving 4.8-litre V10 engine equipped with dual VVT-i, pushing 412kW at 8,700 RPM and 480 N.m of torque at 6,800 RPM, an engine that can rev from idle to redline in 0.6 seconds. Or it could be the lightweight chassis consisting of a carbon fibre-reinforced polymer center monocoque with aluminum front and rear subframes, saving 100kg over an equivalent aluminium design. 

Maybe it's just the fact that this machine is amazing, mixing lightweight design, high revving V10 power and excellent exterior aerodynamics and interior styling to create what I think is the most exciting addition to the Supercar world for a while. Whatever the reason, all I know is that I want one.

Lexus made a Nürburgring Edition of their LFA, featuring an extra 10 horsepower from its V10 engine, bringing total horsepower to 562, a re-calibrated transmission with gear shifts made faster by 0.05 seconds, a front splitter, stiffer and more adjustable suspension, lightweight alloy wheels coated in track rubber, aerodynamic canards at the sides of the front bumper, and a large fixed rear wing; what a package indeed.

The only unfortunate part of this car is the price, at US$375,000 ($460,000 NZD) 
for the base model before fee's, it's an expensive buy. For an extra US$70,000 you can have the 
Nürburgring Edition.. ouch. Either way If I had the money (plus a heck of a lot more) I'd jump at the chance to own this modern marvel.

- Enjoy, Peace.

- Photo's courtesy of Lexus and Nick Schultz, Cheers.

- Chris V