Bangkok Post Interviews Lexus LFA Chief Engineer

http://www.bangkokpost.com/auto/autoscoop/186333/straight-talk

- Why build the LFA?

I wanted to show what I have always wanted to build. The LFA is the pinnacle of Lexus's engineering, and I have been given the privilege by Lexus to do so.

- Was series production ever considered to lower the LFA's price?

No. The LFA was always intended to be a limited production model with exclusivity. This was the purpose of it.

- Will there be a faster version?

[Smiles]. I can't say anything on that. (The Nurburgring version has 10hp more than stock model but is not faster from 0-100kph).

- Have you considered a dual-clutch automatic gearbox for the LFA?

I've tried Volkswagen's DSG around Nurburgring. Although it must be said [that DSG] is smooth, such a gearbox doesn't suit the LFAs boy-ish character.

- But isn't refinement one of the key brand values of Lexus?

Yes, but I prefer [the automated manual gearbox]. I really don't care whether it doesn't suit the brand.

- What were the benchmark cars for the LFA during development?

None. There were no benchmarks. Just the LFA on its own.