![Tokyo 2009: Lexus reveals $375,000 LFA supercar...finally [w/VIDEO]](http://www.niot.net/blog-images/lexus-lfa-tokyo-2009.jpg)
It seems like the Lexus LFA has been around forever. In reality, the first concept version was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in 2005, but that's a long time in the automotive world. Additional concepts followed in 2007 and 2008, and the on-off rumors of a production version haven't help. Nevertheless, the production version of the LFA is finally here at the Tokyo Motor Show, and it is glorious. All of which makes it harder to stomach that the car shown here isn't expected to reach customer garages until early 2011.
The specifications of the new rear-drive Lexus supercar are impressive enough: a 4.8-liter V10 with 560 ps (552 bhp), 354 lb-ft torque, a zingy 9,000 rpm redline, six-speed sequential gearbox, 0-62 mph in 3.7 seconds, and a top speed of 202 mph. It looks amazing too, both in pictures and in person.
Of course, we can't help but make comparisons to the current reigning Japanese supercar, the Nissan GT-R. At just 3,263 pounds, the LFA easily has a better power-to-weight ratio, but that hasn't seemed to stop the all-wheel drive juggernaut before. Then there is the small matter of cost to consider. Unlike the GT-R, which is considered a performance bargain, the LFA will be exclusive – and costly. Only 500 units will be produced at a cost of...drum roll please....$375,000. Despite the colossal price tag, we hear that Lexus expects to take a loss on each one.
more ...
After an eight-year buildup, the Veritas RS III has finally slithered into series production in Grafschaft-Gelsdorf, Germany. Just like the Dutch firm Spyker, Vermot AG has resurrected the post-war German racing marque that sold a few road-going versions of their racers to a handful of lucky enthusiasts. Now, the new company is doing less racing and more street scorching, and the RS III is its first foray into the world of production cars.
In Monterey this past August, we caught our first glimpse of the finally-ready-for-production Veritas RS III. With its newly revised front end (now with 50 percent more serpent!) it looks even more like a BMW Z8 on acid. Which is totally appropriate, because this retro rocketsled is powered by the same 5.0-liter V10 engine found in the M5 supersedan. With 500 hp propelling a scant 2,400 pounds, the 30 insane lucky folks who plunk down a million bucks for one of these can look forward to a 0-100kmh dash of just 3.2 seconds and a top speed of more than 215 MPH.
That's Enzo-like performance for an Enzo-like price, but it offers ten times the exclusivity -- not to mention Veritas started operating the same year as Enzo Ferrari in 1947. The difference is that this serpent lay dormant for almost 50 years, getting ready to strike. Vermot has released a slew of new photos and additional details about the car.
The 2nd Annual Caruso Concours was held this past weekend at The Americana at Brand shopping center in Glendale, California. Put off a bit by threatening skies, we didn't make it out there ourselves, but luckily, Autoblog friend and shutterbug Greg Grudt was there to capture all of the excitement for us. This sophomore outing was once again put on by The Petersen Automotive Museum, and as was the case last year, a brace of incredible vehicles showed up to this fitting but unorthodox locale. Showgoers could peruse the cars for a bit and then pick up a Tiffany necklace on their way out.
This year's gathering focused on supercars – in particular, supercars capable of 200 mph. Not meant to be an exhaustive showing of double-century barrier breakers, it nonetheless attracted an impressive array of cars capable of close to, if not over, the magic mark. The fun part was just seeing them all together in one place. Judging by Grudt's images, it looks like the Americana also happens to be hosting a few of those Toyota solar sunflowers, which made for an interesting juxtaposition.
Supercars right off the showroom floor mingled with old-timers from as far back as the Eighties. For instance, the display included not just the Bugatti Veyron, but also its forebearer, the EB110. The list of cars in attendance read like a roster of World's Fastest Cars contenders. Ferrari was represented by an Enzo, F50, F40, 288GTO, 16M, and a SuperAmerica. The Lamborghini cluster was comprised of an LP670-SV, LP640-4, LP560-4 and even a Countach. There was also a Mercedes-McLaren SLR, CLK DTM, Ford GT, Dodge Viper, Cizeta V16t, Maserati MC12, Nissan GT-R, Audi R8, and even a Jaguar XJ220, which complemented the long flowing bodywork of the adjacent Maser quite nicely. They even dragged out the AREX Concept which was supposed to be good for 214 mph.
When we think of a two-wheeled Ferrari, a stretched-out, chopper-style motorcycle isn't what naturally comes to mind. After all, the Italian supercars are known just as much for their ability to tear up the racetrack as the drag strip and choppers aren't exactly renowned for their handling prowess.
Still, we're all for freedom of expression and at least one enterprising motorcycle builder has decided to tackle the contradiction in terms that is a Ferrari chopper, as you can see with the machine above. There are apparently two such bikes in existence – the first may have been powered by an inline-triple from Triumph while the second uses an inline-four yanked from a Yamaha R1. Both cycles have been on the show circuit, featured all over the internet (including right here on Autoblog) and in print.
This auction recently ended, so if you're interested in taking home your very own Ferrari-branded custom chopper, you'll just have to wait for next time.
The Woodward Dream Cruise is generally considered the province of muscle cars and hot rods. However, the event is open to all comers... and come they do. So that means in addition to the usual assortment of classic machines and muscle cars, we get to see an array of exotics and other assorted high performance machinery. Ferrari, Aston Martin, De Tomaso, Lotuse – these were are all designed to traverse motorways and canyon roads at elevated velocities. However, when they hit Woodward Ave., speed is not part of the plan in any way, shape or form. Regardless, it's fun to see these machines moving at a pace that lets you actually take in their visual appeal.
Despite its massive performance credentials, the Gumpert Apollo has endured more than a few knocks for its extreme function-over-form design. After seeing the new, more powerful Apollo Speed in the flesh, we can report that the naysayers are likely to keep jawing, particularly given this car's Raging Smurf two-tone paint. The renovated Gumpert is lower and meaner, with the buyer's choice of 650-, 700-, or 800- horsepower specification, along with revised aerodynamics, new taillamps, and ultra-aerodynamic disc wheel covers. Inside, there are different four-point seat harnesses, a detachable steering wheel, and a two-tone interior loaded with blue Alcantara. Given that the new Speed can run to 60 miles-per-hour in three seconds dead, hit 124 mph in 8.9 clicks, and storm to a top whack of 224 mph, however, we suspect that Gumpert owners will at least take a measure of comfort in knowing that they can outrun all hecklers.
It may have only been ten years or so since the Volkswagen Group relaunched Bugatti, but anyone familiar with historic automobiles – or automotive history – will tell you that the stoic automaker has been around a lot longer than that. 100 years, to be exact. Although there were periods in between when the carmaker was dormant, it's been a century since the venerated Ettore Bugatti launched his company. Bugatti's patrons in the Volkswagen Group aren't about to miss that opportunity, and to that end, they are reportedly working on something special to present at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.
more ...
Don't screw it up -- the likely mantra of any conscientious valet. Beyond that imperative, what's a carhop to do when flipped the keys to something truly exotic? A Murcielago is, of course, impressive when parked, but sliding into the driver's seat for the first time can be intimidating. Where are all the controls? How the heck do you even put it into reverse? Exotics are not like other cars, and you'll certainly miss out on a tip if you crack up Michael Bolton's Lamborghini.
more ...
Despite economic conditions, the upcoming Geneva Motor Show promises to be a rip-roaring cacophony of high-end machinery, with independent German sportscar firm Gumpert taking its shot at the slowing economy with an even faster version of its Apollo supercar. Called the Apollo Speed, the revised supercar features a reduced ride height and revised aerodynamics to deliver blistering performance numbers. The Gumpert Apollo Speed is capable of hitting 100 kilometers-per-hour (62 miles-per-hour) in three seconds flat and 200 km/h (124 mph) in just 8.9, en route to a claimed 360 km/h (224 miles-per-hour) top speed. And that's in 700 horsepower trim – the twin-turbo V8 is also available in 650 and 800 horsepower specifications, promising devastating performance at any level.
more ...
The chassis for Lamborghini Miura #1 is such a work of art, it'd be a shame to cover it up with that swoopy, classic bodywork. The Dallara-designed masterpiece first met the world in 1965 at the Turin Auto Salon and was apparently stored after that until Marios Kritkos fell in love with it in 1977. Kritkos, who handled the importation of Lamborghini cars for Cyprus, went to Sant'Agata in 1978 and dragged the chassis back to Cyprus. The chassis has recently been "discovered," not that it was ever really lost, and Los-Angeles based Joe Sackey (author of The Lamborghini Miura Bible) and Gary Bobileff (whose website has a sweet Ferrari-themed interface) now have Miura #1 at Gary's shop, where it will get a restoration to an astounding standard. Give us a pair of Snidely Whiplash goggles, and we'd drive that thing every day.
