Vantage GT12 vs Lexus LFA
Discussion
A “just curious” kinda question having seen a video on YouTube following the Lexus LFA engineering and build process.
It struck me how (relatively) close in concept the GT12 and LFA are. Both front-mid N/A engined, RWD, automated manuals, 2 seat hand built low volume and revered.
Both also criticised for their gearbox. Both lauded for their engine noise and handling.
Both rare as hen’s teeth and costly to maintain. (Lexus’ European service centre is in Germany.)
Interesting, both also around the same price now (give or take 10-20%).
Aston has the advantage on badge for some, but doesn’t bother me. Lexus has carbon tub, an engine that revs to 9,000 rpm and features more modern electronics.
Has anybody had the pleasure of driving or owning both? I imagine they are chalk and cheese in the real world, but would love to hear about hands-on experience.
It struck me how (relatively) close in concept the GT12 and LFA are. Both front-mid N/A engined, RWD, automated manuals, 2 seat hand built low volume and revered.
Both also criticised for their gearbox. Both lauded for their engine noise and handling.
Both rare as hen’s teeth and costly to maintain. (Lexus’ European service centre is in Germany.)
Interesting, both also around the same price now (give or take 10-20%).
Aston has the advantage on badge for some, but doesn’t bother me. Lexus has carbon tub, an engine that revs to 9,000 rpm and features more modern electronics.
Has anybody had the pleasure of driving or owning both? I imagine they are chalk and cheese in the real world, but would love to hear about hands-on experience.
Great responses - thanks!
For those who would pick an LFA, why? Tech package? Driving experience? Exclusivity (if considering a GT12 to be “just” a Vantage variant)?
I have no agenda with these Q’s, just interested. My mind wonders what either would be like to live with. Which makes you feel more alive on average or at those special moments?
If the criteria to judge either as a supercar, I can see why the LFA would be picked and not the GT12. But I’m reality, their philosophies aren’t too far apart. Or is true exclusivity a deciding factor? Or materials used at the core? Could the VW XL1 then also be considered a left field supercar?
OK - I’ll stop over thinking now
For those who would pick an LFA, why? Tech package? Driving experience? Exclusivity (if considering a GT12 to be “just” a Vantage variant)?
I have no agenda with these Q’s, just interested. My mind wonders what either would be like to live with. Which makes you feel more alive on average or at those special moments?
If the criteria to judge either as a supercar, I can see why the LFA would be picked and not the GT12. But I’m reality, their philosophies aren’t too far apart. Or is true exclusivity a deciding factor? Or materials used at the core? Could the VW XL1 then also be considered a left field supercar?
OK - I’ll stop over thinking now
I get where you’re coming from, John and also see huge chasms in technology and their reasons for existing. But when actually driving any car, do you notice the materials used in its construction? Is a Ferrari never considered a competitor to McLaren because the tub is aluminium vs. CF?
Even with the LFA’s Yamaha developed engine and its rev limit, it’s not a vastly overpowered power plant. I’m sure it has a stiffer structure, but neither did it benefit for years of evolution, with only one derivative. It is said to be a good handling car, but then so is the GT12 according to reviews. I know the base Vantage on which it’s based is a great car to drive in the real world.
I don’t think there seems to be somebody who has experienced both LFA and GT12 side by side. Due to their rarity, that’s no surprise. My curiosity as to whether they are closer in principle than their detailed spec lets on, remains
Even with the LFA’s Yamaha developed engine and its rev limit, it’s not a vastly overpowered power plant. I’m sure it has a stiffer structure, but neither did it benefit for years of evolution, with only one derivative. It is said to be a good handling car, but then so is the GT12 according to reviews. I know the base Vantage on which it’s based is a great car to drive in the real world.
I don’t think there seems to be somebody who has experienced both LFA and GT12 side by side. Due to their rarity, that’s no surprise. My curiosity as to whether they are closer in principle than their detailed spec lets on, remains
Jon39 said:
Other manufacturer competition for Aston Martin, does now seems to be far more intense than ever before.
In addition to the Lexus, Bentley teased with a concept a couple of years ago, and now AMG are talking about a rival to the Cayman.
BENTLEY
JohnG1 said:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4OfY9EYuUg
This is a long form video, gives details on the development process. But overblown but worthwhile if you have a spare 45 minutes
Yep - this is the video that got this thread going! Good watch This is a long form video, gives details on the development process. But overblown but worthwhile if you have a spare 45 minutes
Cold said:
Yes, the Lotus Elite.
Goodness! I never realised that. I thought the Elite was still a steel backbone chassis. Learn something new every day!https://jtautomotive.wordpress.com/2011/11/03/lotu...
hornbaek said:
I had the chance to buy an LFA but declined at the end because i could not find a comfortable seating position. I like to drive my cars and if they are not comfortable over longer journeys I have taken the decision, that even if it represents a compelling investment opportunity it is not for me. Some people are different but I have never regretted that selfinficted rule because what would be worse than looking at a car and not be able to drive it.
Wise decision. How did you manage to test drive an LFA for a good number of miles to discover this?Thank you Mr Doom! Made my night to think that in some garage, two astonishing machines sit side-by-side; the V600 that initiated the limited run, and the beguiling LFA.
How do you decide which engine to wake from its slumber each morning???
And now it made me look at AutoTrader (ok - not the most likely place to find an LFA, granted, but the app was a click away...) and two white ones are for sale. Both left-hand drive. Both extremely tempting!
How do you decide which engine to wake from its slumber each morning???
And now it made me look at AutoTrader (ok - not the most likely place to find an LFA, granted, but the app was a click away...) and two white ones are for sale. Both left-hand drive. Both extremely tempting!
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