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Two high performers, two great looking yet beastly motors but who wins, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren or the Lexus LFA?
Derived from the original Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR and the 2003 Formula 1 Arrows team, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren incorporated past and present to create a beast of a car. Mercedes-Benz and their Formula 1 partner McLaren came together to showcase both sides of their excellence, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren displayed both Mercedes and McLarens collaborative adventure in developing one of the most incredible supercars of the early 2000s.
With the partnership in the creation of the Mercedes SLR McLaren and both brand's competence and knowledge, a highly advanced car with insane performance statistics and excellent driver experience was created. Debuting at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2009, the Lexus LFA showcased its beautiful yet vigorous body.
With the original project beginning in 2000, 9 years of intensive research and improvements were made leading to a cutting edge and hugely powerful car. Extensive testing was continuously carried out by Haruhiko Tanahashi in Germany with all issues being rectified, after many years Haruhiko was still unhappy with the car and took it back to Japan for further modifications. We pitch these over engineered supercars against each other to edge out a winner.
Related: 10 Things Most Gearheads Forgot About The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
When it came to designing the engine for the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, AMG had 30 years experience of in developing Motorsports engines, putting the beating heart of the car in highly advanced and capable hands. The concept phase lasted for a long time but once the concept phase was over, it was determined that a 5.5-liter V8 engine angled at 90 degrees, a screw-type compressor, and a crankshaft held up by five bearings would be used.
Accompanying the fairly impressive engine was a 5-speed automatic transmission with an integrated speed shift system for faster shifting. The outcome of these components and systems was an amazing 617 hp and 575 ft-lbs of torque, as well as this, a maximum speed of 207 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds.
Related: Here's Why The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss Was A Cultural Phenomenon
The insane performance statistics are further improved by an adaptable rear spoiler that is utilized as an airbrake. Once the brake pedal is pressed stiffly, the rear spoiler is deployed and sits at an angle of 65 degrees giving the car an enhanced aerodynamic drag and a braking aid.
Superlative stability is present on the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren when braking from high speeds due to the adaptable rear spoiler. The spoiler is electronically controlled and deploys automatically when necessary, although a switch in the central console allows you to manage the spoiler manually.
After nine years in the making, the Lexus LFA was the proud owner of a purpose-built 4.8-liter V10 with titanium valves, fully integrated lower crankcases, and ultra-lightweight rocker arms. 10-cylinders had air bursting into them by new self-supporting, electronically commanded throttle bodies, thus allowing the engine to respond instantly to the pedals. Working in tow with the engine was a six-speed ASG transmission allowing an upshift in only 0.2 seconds and a much quicker shift experience.
Acceleration is very important when it comes to supercars but being able to stop from high speeds is also extremely important, the Lexus LFA uses advanced carbon ceramic CCM brake discs accompanied by an electronically controlled braking system to delegate ultimate stability and stopping power when braking. Baring all these spectacular elements in mind it is no surprise that the Lexus LFA outputs 552 hp and 354 ft-lbs of torque, the top speed a moderate 202 mph, and a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds. Not bad.
Let’s be fair, the exterior design of the Lexus LFA is breathtakingly beautiful not only is it pleasing to the eyes, but it improves the car's aerodynamics and airflow management, using CFRP helps to utilize the weight of the car supremacy and strength. The CFPR also allows extra room for the exterior panels to be designed in a highly attractive way, giving the finished product an extraordinary supercar finesse. The Lexus LFA has a better-looking exterior and interior, it’s mouth-watering how every curve and crest complement each other perfectly.
Related: Reasons Why Lexus Should Bring Back The LFA
The Lexus LFA is a truly irresistible piece of art when it comes to design, bodywork, and initial appearance. However, given the fact that the LFA was a work in progress for 9 years, its performance statistics are unimpressive. It has great statistics and abilities but for 9 years’ worth of development and improvements, it's somewhat disappointing.
A faster project from start to finish, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren provides you with a much more powerful engine and slightly faster speeds. Despite the Lexus LFA’s fantastic looks, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren secures the top spot here, a very hard decision and almost impossible to decipher a champion, but it just pips the top spot by a tight margin.
Sources: Mercedes-Benz-media.co.uk, Pressroom.lexus.com
Tom is currently working as a radio presenter, film producer and also a writer. He is a true Mancunian, with a big passion for the media industry, he feels privileged to be in so many different sectors of the industry.