Toyota: Chief Test Driver Dies in Crash in LF-A
06-23-2010, 02:13 PM
#1
Toyota: Chief Test Driver Dies in Crash in LF-A
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/23/b...-germany-ring/
Originally Posted by Originally on Autoblog
We don't have much in the way of details yet, but according to a report out of Germany, Toyota's chief test driver has died in a crash on highway 410 near the Nurburgring after veering into the oncoming lane and colliding with two others test drivers driving a BMW.
While the two BMW test drivers survived the crash, the yet-unnamed Toyota driver died behind the wheel of the recently spied LFA Nurburgring Edition he was driving.
The report says that the driver of the LF-A was 67 years old and Toyota's chief test driver, which leads us to believe that he is Hiromu Naruse, In addition to being the company's chief test driver, Naruse is also Akio Toyoda's personal driver and the Godfather of the LFA.
More information should be forthcoming.
UPDATE: The two drivers in the BMW sustained lift-threatening injuries and one is in critical condition.
UPDATE 2: Video of the scene added after the jump.
UPDATE 3: Spiegel is confirming that Naruse was the driver.
While the two BMW test drivers survived the crash, the yet-unnamed Toyota driver died behind the wheel of the recently spied LFA Nurburgring Edition he was driving.
The report says that the driver of the LF-A was 67 years old and Toyota's chief test driver, which leads us to believe that he is Hiromu Naruse, In addition to being the company's chief test driver, Naruse is also Akio Toyoda's personal driver and the Godfather of the LFA.
More information should be forthcoming.
UPDATE: The two drivers in the BMW sustained lift-threatening injuries and one is in critical condition.
UPDATE 2: Video of the scene added after the jump.
UPDATE 3: Spiegel is confirming that Naruse was the driver.
06-23-2010, 02:20 PM
#3
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Wow that's terrible 
06-23-2010, 02:43 PM
#4
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It appeared to be off of the Nordschleife.
It gives me chills. How quickly death can be upon us, even with test drivers.
The one beacon of light is that he saw the LF-A come to production. Since they claim he was the godfather, it was probably his life long pride to have a Japanese exotic become a reality and with himself at its core.
Rest in peace, Naruse. Seriously, you deserve it.
It gives me chills. How quickly death can be upon us, even with test drivers.
The one beacon of light is that he saw the LF-A come to production. Since they claim he was the godfather, it was probably his life long pride to have a Japanese exotic become a reality and with himself at its core.
Rest in peace, Naruse. Seriously, you deserve it.
06-23-2010, 02:52 PM
#6
Senior Moderator
And as I said in the other thread...this would be the way to go IMO...in a supercar.
06-23-2010, 03:00 PM
#7
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
Wow. Ive got nothing else to add. Just wow.
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06-23-2010, 03:04 PM
#8
The sizzle in the Steak
sad
06-23-2010, 03:06 PM
#9
Senior Moderator
BTW the looks of the pics, it seems the driver just thought he was supposed to be on the other side of the road...? There are no brake marks or whatever...
Did he think he was in North America or Japan roads...?
Did he think he was in North America or Japan roads...?
06-23-2010, 03:13 PM
#12
Senior Moderator
LF-A is a mid-engine car too, right? So, nothing in the front really to stop an ugly crash like that...and it seems to not have airbags either...?
06-23-2010, 03:18 PM
#13
Senior Moderator
06-23-2010, 03:24 PM
#15
Senior Moderator
06-23-2010, 05:16 PM
#17
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
sad
06-23-2010, 05:46 PM
#18
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
06-23-2010, 06:31 PM
#19
Wow, very tragic. I survived a car accident like that, although it was a single car collision. My car's airbags weren't working, and I wasn't even wearing a seatbelt. I was going about 45, swerved off the road and hit a tree. The damage to the front of that BMW is very similar to the way my car (Infiniti I35) looked after my wreck. I walked away from it, had no serious injuries other than glass cuts and bruises. Was in and out of the hospital in 3 hours. Just wow.
06-25-2010, 11:46 AM
#25
I'm the Firestarter
LFA 
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