Be Careful Out There
06-24-2010, 04:09 PM
#1
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Be Careful Out There
Undivided high-speed two-way traffic gives me the *******.
http://www.leftlanenews.com/chief-le...ent-video.html
Chief Lexus test driver killed in accident [Update]
By Mark Kleis
A fatal accident just outside of Germany’s famed Nurburgring race track earlier today claimed the life of Toyota’s head test driver, Hiromu Naruse.
The incident involved a head-on crash between Naruse, driving a preproduction Lexus LFA, and a BMW test driver in a standard 3-Series sedan.
UPDATE: The accident, which occurred on Germany’s 410 highway just a few kilometers from Nurburgring, has now been confirmed by a Toyota spokesperson who spoke withThe New York Times.
The 67 year old Naruse was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, although details concerning the cause of death have yet to be released.
Naruse was piloting one of only two LFA test cars in Germany when his car collided with the 3-Series. Both the driver and the passenger of the 3-Series have been listed in critical condition and they remain in intensive care.
Early reports by first responders suggest that Naruse was taking the turn at a high rate of speed and crossed into the opposing lane, colliding head-on with the BMW. The complete accident investigation is still underway.
Remembering Naruse
Naruse was interviewed on May 26th by Lexus Magazine, where he shared some insight on his experience behind the wheel of the LFA.
“When we raced the LFA in Nardo, Italy, I thought I might not return to Japan alive. The purpose of this ‘test’ was to evaluate the car’s durability at 200 mph for a long period. The race was in the dark with no lights on the track, plus there were birds flying at me – and imagine if a tire burst! We created the final LFA through these kinds of test experiences.”
Naruse had been with Toyota since 1963, where his colleagues say he left an enormous impression by helping to shape and develop countless cars. In addition to being referred to as the “Godfather of the LFA,” Naruse was also largely credited with the Toyota 2000GT.
http://www.leftlanenews.com/chief-le...ent-video.html
Chief Lexus test driver killed in accident [Update]
By Mark Kleis
A fatal accident just outside of Germany’s famed Nurburgring race track earlier today claimed the life of Toyota’s head test driver, Hiromu Naruse.
The incident involved a head-on crash between Naruse, driving a preproduction Lexus LFA, and a BMW test driver in a standard 3-Series sedan.
UPDATE: The accident, which occurred on Germany’s 410 highway just a few kilometers from Nurburgring, has now been confirmed by a Toyota spokesperson who spoke withThe New York Times.
The 67 year old Naruse was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, although details concerning the cause of death have yet to be released.
Naruse was piloting one of only two LFA test cars in Germany when his car collided with the 3-Series. Both the driver and the passenger of the 3-Series have been listed in critical condition and they remain in intensive care.
Early reports by first responders suggest that Naruse was taking the turn at a high rate of speed and crossed into the opposing lane, colliding head-on with the BMW. The complete accident investigation is still underway.
Remembering Naruse
Naruse was interviewed on May 26th by Lexus Magazine, where he shared some insight on his experience behind the wheel of the LFA.
“When we raced the LFA in Nardo, Italy, I thought I might not return to Japan alive. The purpose of this ‘test’ was to evaluate the car’s durability at 200 mph for a long period. The race was in the dark with no lights on the track, plus there were birds flying at me – and imagine if a tire burst! We created the final LFA through these kinds of test experiences.”
Naruse had been with Toyota since 1963, where his colleagues say he left an enormous impression by helping to shape and develop countless cars. In addition to being referred to as the “Godfather of the LFA,” Naruse was also largely credited with the Toyota 2000GT.
06-28-2010, 03:15 AM
#2
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Its surprising to see that the LFA's structure remains reasonably intact after a high speed crash. I also didn't see any skid marks due to loss of control. Could it be that he just forgot to drive on the right after landed from Japan?
06-28-2010, 07:29 AM
#3
Three Wheelin'
After seeing the video I was a little surprised that he had died.
My brother and his friend walked away from this impact which was into a solid concrete train bridge.
I guess, when your number is up, it's up!
My brother and his friend walked away from this impact which was into a solid concrete train bridge.
I guess, when your number is up, it's up!
06-28-2010, 08:09 AM
#5
Three Wheelin'
Yeah, it was quite amazing. Plenty of blood on the air bags.
He was driving in the rain at night and didn't see the train bridge which caught him unaware.
Very, very lucky!
He was driving in the rain at night and didn't see the train bridge which caught him unaware.
Very, very lucky!
06-28-2010, 08:22 AM
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Certainly beats that lame Subaru commercial making the rounds where the guy grabs his shift ****. Amazed they both walked away, especially with the deformed cabin structure. Very lucky indeed.
06-28-2010, 08:25 AM
#7
Three Wheelin'
Have you got a link?
Trending Topics
06-28-2010, 08:35 AM
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06-28-2010, 08:40 AM
#9
Three Wheelin'
Yep, that's lame alright!!
In my photos, there was some random parts that the bafoon tow truck drivers felt necessary to pile into the car which effectively destroyed any chance of selling the odd interior parts.
He did happen to sell the engine which only had about 10,000KMs on it.
In my photos, there was some random parts that the bafoon tow truck drivers felt necessary to pile into the car which effectively destroyed any chance of selling the odd interior parts.
He did happen to sell the engine which only had about 10,000KMs on it.
06-28-2010, 08:41 AM
#10
Three Wheelin'
Also the side airbags didn't come out which annoyed my brother a fair bit.
06-29-2010, 08:53 AM
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Wow. That's pretty harsh, especially since there's little in the way of facts available for this incident. For all we know the test driver wasn't wearing his safety belts, however unlikely. Beyond that, CF construction has proven itself pretty robust in protecting drivers. It's pretty clear even looking at these two examples that the passenger cell in the LFA is far more intact than that of the 911 crash posted by Condor Man. Sometimes you just catch a bad break.
06-29-2010, 06:43 PM
#14
Three Wheelin'
That's what I said.
When your numbers up.....
When your numbers up.....
06-30-2010, 05:59 AM
#15
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A couple years ago, there were some pictures on the net of a european dealer GT3 that went into a truck at a claimed 150ish km/h... It looked similar and amazingly the guy test driving survived... Obviously very strong cars...