srika

I couldn't believe how good this car is. Had 2 laps in it at the roadcourse. Was able to floor it and take it to redline but not too hard in the corners since it was cold out and tail came out pretty easy. I want one.

Rick_TL-S

Looks badass.

Pure Adrenaline

iTrader: (2)

Noice.


Who's the white guy in this shot? Looks familiar...

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...4_236408_n.jpg

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

<---- Jealous.

VQPower37

damn this is a sexy car

Crazy Bimmer

Damn baller, how you pull that off? Didnt think they let everyone drive it at that event.

Jealous!

srika

my friend who got us the invite for the event. he is a manager at a Lexus dealer in the area. one of the classiest people I know.
my other friend (who was invited by the above-mentioned friend) invited me, as a guest. I was not scheduled to drive (guests can't drive) but was really hoping that come go-time it would be one of those scenarios where they wouldn't care and let anyone there drive. And, it was. We kept our cool since we weren't sure whether I would get to drive, you know one of those deals. I didn't want to push it, hell even on the disclaimer sheets under "Duty" I left it blank (that's where you put down DRIVER). But the people were so nice and accommodating that there wasn't even a question of whether I could drive - it was an understanding. And I love em for it, lol. Both of these guys are friends I've kept in touch with from back in the Supra days, and even though I don't have a sports car anymore (something which needs to change) they know and respect my love for sports cars and also furthermore they know I love taking photos. Win/win!

This car runs out of revs so fast, I did it a few times during the 2-lap run. My friend (who was passenger) took a video of me driving it, I'll have it soon. I haven't seen it yet, I'm preparing for the worst because I was so damn giddy and semi-nervous about being in the situation (I honestly didn't think I would be driving it - I mean I knew there was a chance, but didn't think it was too high). And I think you may notice that in the video lol. Fucking best car experience ever, period. I mean I've driven a few exotics before (but only on the street). 360, 355, 348, 996 turbo, Viper, off the top of my head - but this was just crazy good. I'll have some more photos. And also I am planning to do a write-up on it. Need to find the time/motivation. Which I think I will find. My friend ran the numbers on it for owning and leasing when we were there, and I was surprised by how much it costs, monthly. I mean, I thought it was like *totally* out of reach but I actually think it's doable. I am talking with my friend, he is interested in doing a half and half kind of deal on it. I'd need to make just a tad more money though lol. So that's another avenue I am looking into. While I have always been an ambitious kind of guy, the 'fire' hasn't been burning too bright lately and my real drive for that kind of thing has dwindled over the years. This experience gave me a crazy boost of motivation and desire and I think it's ok for me to admit that I am back in the game! I need to make some moves!

The second thing that surprised me is, I thought these cars were sold out! I asked the dealer guy there (guy I didn't know, one of the regional reps for Lexus) and he said they are available! I was stunned.

AnthraciteTypeS

Friggen awesome. What a day that must have been...Can't wait for the video. Out of curiosity, what were the monthly payments?

srika

I'd rather not talk about those numbers in here, I'll PM you.

srika

btw you read so much stuff online along the lines of 'no way I'd buy an LF-A over a Ferrari or a Lamborghini' or 'if I was spending that much I would never get a Lexus'. Hell, I felt similarly. But after actually driving the car, my thought at the end was, "I want one".

srika

http://www.flickr.com/photos/delobbo/5561517133/http://www.flickr.com/photos/delobbo/5561517133/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/delobbo/, on Flickr

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

Wow, what an awesome story.

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

Oh and I'm in for the video

srika

just got the video from my friend.. i need to check this out!

eccjak

Srika thats hell of a time you just had. I couldn't not imagine what would be going through my mind if I had a chance to ever drive a LFA. I would just be utterly complete, speechless, with a big ass grin on my face as if I had sex for the first time.

I'm looking forward to your review on the LFA and certainly would like to see the video.

srika

oh I guess it seems like that's me in that photo - its not - its some guy driving, I shot the photo. yeah, it was pretty damn f*cking incredible.

civicdrivr

iTrader: (9)

Theres no denying the LFAs performance, but I still feel that it looks like a Russian kit-car.

I wouldn't say no to owning one however. The sound they make is orgasmic. Im incredibly jealous that you got to drive it.

How awesome is that gauge cluster in person?

srika

it looks way better in person, photos do not do it justice.

the gauge cluster is NUTS. the interior is damn nice the fit and finish is just crazy. as it should be. I wish I could have paid more attention to everything but it was a bit difficult because a) there was a timeframe and b) it was so overwhelming that I got pretty caught up in the moment. but the memory remains and its glorious.

srika

my friend only got the 2nd half of the 2nd lap. anyways, its better than nothing. watch on youtube for 720p and to see the details of the dash, etc. the instructor in the IS-F is a kind of 'pace car' so that was another reason I couldn't just go balls out on the track. But still had ample opportunities to nail it. oh and, you would never shift gears in the middle of a turn in real racing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fR1CTBRQnvk

civicdrivr

iTrader: (9)

Oh my god that sound

You look like you need a cigarette after that drive.

srika

man thats what it felt like

Crazy Bimmer

Yep, i hate you!

Did you take out the ISF? Did it feel like a turd after driving the LFA?

srika

heh.. here's a small bit I wrote on facebook -

The first order of business was getting accustomed to the track. Each of us got our own IS-F's for this purpose and went out for a preliminary 2-lap run. We followed the instructor in his IS-F so he could get a feel for how we are driving. They weren't about to put us in a $375,000 car at a racetrack if we were driving like idiots. Thankfully having had a good amount of track time myself in my old Supra at Road America and Gingerman Raceway, combined with LOTS and LOTS of seat time on Gran Turismo and many other various racing games over the years, I felt completely at home. The IS-F has some serious power and I had no trouble bringing the back end out coming out of the turns, especially since it was early in the morning and some 35 chilly degrees out. But that did not phase me, I was on a mission!

srika

btw that video is with the windows closed... the car has technology that pipes the noise of the engine into the passenger compartment and noise-canceling to get rid of unwanted external interference. how fucking cool is that.

srika

I love the sound my friend makes in the beginning, reminds me of one of those Best Motoring videos.

srika

my friend and I rode down there in his '11 C63. it felt like a taxicab when I got back into it for the ride home. I told him that too, he didnt like that too much LOL

KaMLuNg

iTrader: (5)

damn dude i am jealous!!!

srika

sitting inside the LF-A for the first time I felt a similar emotion to when I sat in my Supra for the first time..... that car felt like getting into a spaceship too, the first time I did. The interior looked so dream-like, it didn't even look real. The way the console wraps around you, the driving position, etc. The LF-A technically began life as the "Supra successor" so I think that's cool.

godfather2

lucky bastard

mrmako

That is excellent. But you said it best in the video:

"I'm sold. I'll never slam an LFA again."

I'd also like to see the numbers on one of those. Not that I would (I have kids heading to college soon), but humor me.

crazyasiantl

iTrader: (7)

god that sound

lucky man

Costco

Looks and sounds like it was amazing... the LF-A has grown on me over time, I can say that much. I've always loved that interior

Yumcha

Wow...what an experience, R!

srika

here's my friend's C63, btw

srika

a few iphone snaps

jangkai

Wow awesome!!
How did you feel about the transmission? Just curious since not many reviews that I've read favored them..

srika

I haven't driven any other cars in its class so I really can't answer that question. The transmission felt fine to me, no complaints lol.

StreetKA

iTrader: (8)

thats better than sex ! i would def smoke a cigarette after a drive

SpiderX1016

Those downshifts are music to my ears.

srika

if someone gave me a choice, driving that car at a track or sex... uhh.. yeah. give me the car. lol. hmm i guess it depends on who the sex is with lol