Cars.com's Joe Wiesenfelder reviews the 2012 Lexus LFA.
Transcript
(rock music) <v Spokesperson>Cars.com auto review. Lexus asked us if we wanted to drive the LFA super car, it's kind of cold out, but we said, ah okay, we'll do it. (electronic music) <v Joe>The LFA does zero to 60 in less than four seconds.
Torque feels stronger than the modest rating suggests 354 pound feet at 6,800 RPM. The LFA launches with authority, but there's no doubt you're better off keeping the 4.8 liter V 10 revving closer to the horsepower peak, which is 552 horsepower at 8,700 RPM. The claim top speed is 202 miles per hour. I couldn't come close to that number though, because the straightaways were short at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Illinois, and a pro driver in a Lexus ISF was pacing me, dammit. The summer performance tires and pavement were cold, but the grip was decent. The LFA's handling is its best attribute with excellent steering, precision, and feedback. The throttle is too sensitive though. It was a challenge not to kick the rear end loose and trigger the stability system every time I went from break to throttle. Most of the automated manual transmissions now in the market are dual clutch design, such as those from Audi and Ferrari. The LFA employs a single clutch extensively chosen for its relatively low weight versus the dual pledge type. I've never liked the single clutch, whether it was Smart, BMW, or Lamborghini. They're definitely at home on the track as is this one in the LFA, but they're just too bulky in normal driving. Now for $375,000, I would think I could get a second clutch or of all things, a regular manual transmission with a six speed stick. <v Spokesperson>For more car related news, go to cars.com or our blog kickingtires.net.
