Angel of inferno

My camera clicked almost without stopping. The desire to capture the image of the car from all sides and angles became his replacement come the desire to jump behind the wheel. It was absolutely impossible in the contract signed at the event, it was strictly indicated even the number of kilometers that the car could pass. Not to mention, who could manage it. And later I found out why.
At the rear of the passenger compartment of each car, right between the two seats, attached to a small metal plate. It shows the model name and serial number. in the period from 2010 to 2012 — 500 pieces were produced Total Lexus LFA car. All of them were made on pre-order, and most of them went to private collections or race teams.

But until such time as the first serial, the company rehearsed design prototype was assembled. In principle, this information is nothing new — it happens to everyone, even the most by ordinary machines. But here as LFA models, there were produced 14 of pre-production cars before completely fulfilled all the technology and details. It was only the following three prototypes were built on the final recipe cakes — starting with «P-015». Then came serials.

Can you just imagine what number was engraved on the tablet of our «Sochi» car? I know I can. Of course, the number «P-015»! Created in 2009, later he was transferred to the European representation of Lexus to fly to Russia today.
… Konstantin Tereshchenko went near the LFA with absolutely happy expression on his face, and I could not do with him a couple of shots. A few laps he had already passed and, apparently digesting impressions. After some time, it was to me.

Frankly, I was worried. Here’s a full-time meeting with the idol, after many years of waiting, often threatens to turn into a complete failure. At the time, I just about trembling before the first interview with Mark Weber — and suddenly my favorite would be an empty shell, and what I do with it after all these years fanatstva? But Mark stood the test. I endure it, and the LFA.
The first impression inside — tight embrace of seats. Lateral support — as the best of buckets, but for a full experience is not enough four-point belts. However, no one and did not deliver, and spoil the unique instance no one will give civilian seats. So we go on what we have. I ask Constantine to take me too expressive: in a short time range would be desirable to have time to understand what we have to do, instead of just grunting with pleasure. Kostya listens to me, but still, after the exit of the pitlane and accelerating on the main straight Sochi I have dark eyes overload, then immediately let go and we go into the first corner. We go perfectly — and that’s a compliment not bone — in his abilities, I have no doubt, and the car. I habitually hold on to the handle on the door, but she could not do this: the suspension work out so that the slope is almost imperceptible. Following the first turn should be celebrated Sochi arc, which runs on an open gas and not just serve the cause of failure of many engines due to ebb oil, but the LFA engine is built on the principle of dry sump and these things transcend it.

Next start quite traditional corners, some tricky, with self-centering, some complex chords, and here I have interesting to watch the behavior of the vehicle and how it is controlled Constantine. Especially curious turns and braking points, the entry and exit — after just half an hour ago I drove here at the wheel of another delightful atmospheric Lexus — GS F. It is also rear-wheel drive and perednemotorny and the engine it 5 liters capacity of 473 hp But the five-door body, the other the weight and center of gravity is different, not to mention the other components, do not allow him to get up on the road that may LFA.
At one point I was even ready to believe that I am now in this racing car, so beautiful he swallowed route Sochi Circuit. Of course, there is a difference. And for my taste, especially could put the other drives, easier, and fresher rubber, because of failure attempts, all of which were clearly lying «on the conscience» of the wheels. Of course, it’s a civilian vehicle, though with all the makings of a race, but a fully decorated interior — is a significant part of almost one and a half tons of weight. The framework would give an extra rigidity and stability during cornering.

«The car behaved perfectly on the track, all the sensations of driving were the same as in a real race car with a skeleton. It’s very convenient to do, especially at the track. The only thing — there is no four-point belts, — said Konstantin me later in an interview. — In this machine are carbon-ceramic brakes that have no problems with overheating. This I liked.
For the urban version of Pirelli Zero, which is by car, the suspension is tuned optimally. When the wing is opened in the fourth, high-speed cornering, understeer there, but in high-speed cornering rear of the vehicle as a whole is very stable „

All true, and it is the opinion of a specialist. But here I would like to add some more elements, because the Japanese are paying so much attention to her. LFA — currently Japan, the child that resembles Japanese poem: tuned to sign the order size and carries a chaos open syllable.
… Now, after a few days, when my main emotion of the meeting with the Lexus LFA has subsided, I began to think about how do I remove it from the virtual shelves of the attic of my mind. After driving this car, I do not traveled. Yet I leave. There is a chance, hope is alive.