Lexus LFA Review
The Lexus LFA is a two-seat exotic sports coupe produced by Lexus as a concept car, “halo” vehicle, racing prototype, and production model.
It is the second model in the F marque line of performance vehicles from Lexus, following the IS F. Three concept versions have been shown, each debuting at the North American International Auto Show with the LF-A designation as part of the LF Series concept line.
The first LF-A concept premiered in 2005, followed in 2007 by a second LF-A with a more completely furnished interior and exterior. The third version of the LF-A, a roadster model, premiered in 2008. The production model, trademarked LFA, was shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2009.
The production Lexus LFA features a new V10 engine and a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) body. CFRP materials account for 65 percent of the LFA’s body composition by mass. The LFA is scheduled to go into production in late 2010, with a projected run of 500 vehicles at the base price of US$375,000.
Nissan GT-R Review
Between 1969 and 1974, and again between 1989 and 2002, Nissan produced a high performance version of its Skyline range called the Nissan Skyline GT-R. This car proved to be iconic for Nissan and achieved much fame and success on road and track. The Nissan GT-R, although no longer carrying the “Skyline” badge, has heritage in the Nissan Skyline GT-R.
Like the Skyline GT-Rs R32 through R34, the Nissan GT-R is all-wheel drive with a twin-turbo 6 cylinder engine; however, the evolutionary, incremental changes between Skyline models R32 through R34 have been done away with. The four-wheel-steering HICAS system has been removed, and the former straight-6 RB26DETT engine has been replaced with a new V6 VR38DETT.
Because of the GT-R’s heritage, the chassis code for the all-new version has been called CBA-R35, or ‘R35’ for short, carrying on the naming trend from previous Skyline GT-R generations. The GT-R has also retained its Skyline predecessor’s nickname Godzilla.
GT-R Prototype at the 2005 Tokyo Motor ShowTwo concept vehicles were displayed at motor shows prior to the unveiling of the production model. The first concept was shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2001 to preview what a 21st century GT-R would look like. At the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan unveiled a redesigned concept, the GT-R Proto, stating that the production GT-R would be 80-90% based on this concept.
