BMW safer than most expensive, range topping Lexus, LFA?

Robert · 06-23-2010, 01:32 PM

Traffic accident involving the latest Lexus, LFA Nurburgring with a BMW resulted in the death of Lexus test driver. Question to be answered is does the new carbon fiber weaved technology make safer cars?

Appears roof pillars snapped

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/23/b...-germany-ring/

ragingclue · 06-23-2010, 01:49 PM

That had to have been one ridiculous impact.

xbook · 06-23-2010, 01:55 PM

That's sad, my heart goes out to the families of all involved.

ragingclue · 06-23-2010, 02:04 PM

I'm not sure why it would be a surprise that the BMW held up better. I wouldn't have expected anything different.

That is a sad story though. I guess if you had to look at the bright side, he died doing what he loved in a great car he helped create. Even under those circumstances, dying sucks, but .... shit that just sucks anyway.

Red Bread · 06-23-2010, 02:07 PM

Tragic for those involved. I don't think it's fair to speculate on a test version of a pre production car, that appears not to have active air bags and who knows what other exceptions? Of course mid engine cars seem to not fair well in shunts, just ask Dany Heatley, or that software boob who turned his Enzo into two parts on the 5.

Sylon · 06-23-2010, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ragingclue

I'm not sure why it would be a surprise that the BMW held up better. I wouldn't have expected anything different.

That is a sad story though. I guess if you had to look at the bright side, he died doing what he loved in a great car he helped create. Even under those circumstances, dying sucks, but .... shit that just sucks anyway.

Or the fact that the LFA Nurburgring edition is an unfinished track car that may or may not of had safety equipment setup inside. An open-faced helmet (which what that white helmet looks like) won't do you any good in a head-on collision in a car with no air bags. Dale Earnhardt is a prime example.

Also, the BMW was driven by 2 of BMW's test drivers, and they both have sustained life threatening injuries, one of them in critical condition. So, its not a debate on which car is safer, because its completely irrelevant.

ragingclue · 06-23-2010, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sylon

Also, the BMW was driven by 2 of BMW's test drivers, and they both have sustained life threatening injuries, one of them in critical condition. So, its not a debate on which car is safer, because its completely irrelevant.

I agree. I'm shocked anyone could survive an impact like that.

E90SLAM · 06-23-2010, 02:36 PM

This is like those accidents that impact force exceeds normal new car crash test rating.
Like spun out at 100mph and wrap a tree. No matter how good the side impact rating. Its going to kill you.

RIP to Hiromu Naruse, and hope a speedy recovery to both BMW test drivers.

Robert · 06-23-2010, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sylon

Or the fact that the LFA Nurburgring edition is an unfinished track car that may or may not of had safety equipment setup inside. An open-faced helmet (which what that white helmet looks like) won't do you any good in a head-on collision in a car with no air bags. Dale Earnhardt is a prime example.

Also, the BMW was driven by 2 of BMW's test drivers, and they both have sustained life threatening injuries, one of them in critical condition. So, its not a debate on which car is safer, because its completely irrelevant.

Admittedly numerous of factors are at play. (Age of driver, condition of test mule, etc.) My question is very broad and intended to stir discussion. LFA's body is built through a groundbreaking innovative process therefore the uncertainty whether it is at par or exceed traditional metallic body.

Seminole · 06-23-2010, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert

Admittedly numerous of factors are at play. (Age of driver, condition of test mule, etc.) My question is very broad and intended to stir discussion. LFA's body is built through a groundbreaking innovative process therefore the uncertainty whether it is at par or exceed traditional metallic body.

We'll, it's a stupid question, as already pointed out, because of the many unknown factors due to it being a test car. Also, the LFA's construction is designed to save weight, not necessarily provide the same strength in a crash as a standard steel/aluminum body.

Wraith. · 06-23-2010, 04:32 PM

Not to argue the point but I'm fairly certain those are air bags in the front seat of the lexus... take a look at the video.

Seminole · 06-23-2010, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wraith.

Not to argue the point but I'm fairly certain those are air bags in the front seat of the lexus... take a look at the video.

I don't think they are (see attached below). Airbags don't stay inflated like that after a crash. Also, it is way to large to be an airbag. It fills the entire passenger seat, which a normal airbag doesn't even come close to doing. If an airbag ever deployed that far into the seat it would kill the passenger. Also, check out these pictures of deployed and deflated airbags:

Based off those pictures of normal airbags, whatever is in the LFA's seat is not an airbag.

E90SLAM · 06-23-2010, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seminole

I don't think they are (see attached below). Airbags don't stay inflated like that after a crash. Also, it is way to large to be an airbag. It fills the entire passenger seat, which a normal airbag doesn't even come close to doing. If an airbag ever deployed that far into the seat it would kill the passenger. Also, check out these pictures of deployed and deflated airbags:

Based off those pictures of normal airbags, whatever is in the LFA's seat is not an airbag.

Looks a bit too big for an airbag...

ragingclue · 06-23-2010, 05:12 PM

Possibly the driver, covered?

Wraith. · 06-23-2010, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ragingclue

Possibly the driver, covered?

...yikes...

ragingclue · 06-23-2010, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wraith.

...yikes...

Just a wild guess. I really don't think that's what it is, but it's the only thing I could think of. I would think they would have removed him from the car by then.

Maybe it's pieces from the engine bay and tunnel which have been pushed back into the car? I dunno....

Robert · 06-24-2010, 12:15 AM

I have seen many accidents over the years and damages far more severe than this and still hear drivers walk away. The heavy injuries and loss of life from both side are mystifying and tragic.

OBI_agent · 06-24-2010, 05:42 AM

This guy was a legend ....

BTW, does anyone know which model BMW is that in the pic...the crashed BMW??? It looks like a 3 series of some sort...NOT SURE though.

335ifanatic · 06-24-2010, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sylon

Or the fact that the LFA Nurburgring edition is an unfinished track car that may or may not of had safety equipment setup inside. An open-faced helmet (which what that white helmet looks like) won't do you any good in a head-on collision in a car with no air bags. Dale Earnhardt is a prime example.

Also, the BMW was driven by 2 of BMW's test drivers, and they both have sustained life threatening injuries, one of them in critical condition. So, its not a debate on which car is safer, because its completely irrelevant.

+1.

1sikbmr · 06-24-2010, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OBI_agent

This guy was a legend ....

BTW, does anyone know which model BMW is that in the pic...the crashed BMW??? It looks like a 3 series of some sort...NOT SURE though.

Yup it's a 3er... not sure which one specifically though... Terrible what happened though.

blue2fire · 06-24-2010, 09:27 AM

The guy in the LF-A was 65 years old. Many factors that we dont know of, wouldnt jump to any conclusions.

haze gray · 06-29-2010, 09:30 PM

anybody think that's not an airbag, but a white sheet covering a dead body?

06-23-2010, 01:32 PM	#1
Robert Major General 416 Rep 6,968 Posts Drives: 135i -> is350 -> Tesla M3 perf Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Socal iTrader: (1)	BMW safer than most expensive, range topping Lexus, LFA? Traffic accident involving the latest Lexus, LFA Nurburgring with a BMW resulted in the death of Lexus test driver. Question to be answered is does the new carbon fiber weaved technology make safer cars? Appears roof pillars snapped http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/23/b...-germany-ring/ Last edited by Robert; 06-23-2010 at 01:58 PM..
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06-23-2010, 01:49 PM	#2
ragingclue One cam is enough 130 Rep 6,801 Posts Drives: VF Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: mulletville iTrader: (1)	That had to have been one ridiculous impact.
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06-23-2010, 01:55 PM	#3
xbook Lieutenant Colonel 131 Rep 1,540 Posts Drives: '14 EBII M235i & '06 R53 GP Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Northridge, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 MINI Cooper S GP [0.00] 2014 BMW M235i [0.00] 2008 E82 [0.00]	That's sad, my heart goes out to the families of all involved. __________________
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06-23-2010, 02:04 PM	#4
ragingclue One cam is enough 130 Rep 6,801 Posts Drives: VF Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: mulletville iTrader: (1)	I'm not sure why it would be a surprise that the BMW held up better. I wouldn't have expected anything different. That is a sad story though. I guess if you had to look at the bright side, he died doing what he loved in a great car he helped create. Even under those circumstances, dying sucks, but .... shit that just sucks anyway.
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06-23-2010, 02:07 PM	#5
Red Bread Major General 4463 Rep 9,160 Posts Drives: Smog machines Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	Tragic for those involved. I don't think it's fair to speculate on a test version of a pre production car, that appears not to have active air bags and who knows what other exceptions? Of course mid engine cars seem to not fair well in shunts, just ask Dany Heatley, or that software boob who turned his Enzo into two parts on the 5.
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06-23-2010, 02:36 PM	#8
E90SLAM Supreme Allied Commander 1963 Rep 61,781 Posts Drives: A BBS WHORE Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: . iTrader: (6) Garage List 2022 BMW X3 sDrive30i [0.00]	This is like those accidents that impact force exceeds normal new car crash test rating. Like spun out at 100mph and wrap a tree. No matter how good the side impact rating. Its going to kill you. RIP to Hiromu Naruse, and hope a speedy recovery to both BMW test drivers. __________________
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06-23-2010, 04:32 PM	#11
Wraith. Captain 71 Rep 886 Posts Drives: ED '11 Z4 35is Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0)	Not to argue the point but I'm fairly certain those are air bags in the front seat of the lexus... take a look at the video.
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06-23-2010, 05:12 PM	#14
ragingclue One cam is enough 130 Rep 6,801 Posts Drives: VF Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: mulletville iTrader: (1)	Possibly the driver, covered?
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06-24-2010, 12:15 AM	#17
Robert Major General 416 Rep 6,968 Posts Drives: 135i -> is350 -> Tesla M3 perf Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Socal iTrader: (1)	I have seen many accidents over the years and damages far more severe than this and still hear drivers walk away. The heavy injuries and loss of life from both side are mystifying and tragic.
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06-24-2010, 05:42 AM	#18
OBI_agent D to the X to the B! 345 Rep 2,106 Posts Drives: ABS,American bargain supercar Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Dubai iTrader: (0)	This guy was a legend .... BTW, does anyone know which model BMW is that in the pic...the crashed BMW??? It looks like a 3 series of some sort...NOT SURE though. __________________ 11 corvette C6
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06-29-2010, 09:30 PM	#22
haze gray Second Lieutenant 5 Rep 264 Posts Drives: 2009 M3 Coupe / 2011 X5 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Virginia iTrader: (0)	anybody think that's not an airbag, but a white sheet covering a dead body?
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