Lexus LF-A Prototype to Enter 24-hour Nürburgring Race Again
Lexus claims LF-A is a prototype that may well go to production, it features a 4.8 liter V10 with more than 500 hp
By Alex Ricciuti
April 21, 2009 1:49 PM
Filed Under: Japanese, Lexus, Motorsport, Nürburgring, Supercars
Lexus has announced it will once again enter the LF-A two-seat sports car in the 24-hour endurance race at the Nürburgring circuit in Nürburg, Germany.
The model racing here is actually a prototype of an LF-A which may go to production in the near future. Meaning, the model which will compete in the event is close to the one that will make it to the streets, at least, that is what Lexus claims, saying changes for the race version are minimal.
The LF-A will compete in the Division 2 SP8 class under the auspices of the GAZOO Racing team. It comes with a 4.8 liter V10 churning out more than 500 hp coupled to a sequential manual gearbox with a body made of carbon fiber reinforced polymer. For the race, it has been fitted with a roll cage and a race-grade fuel tank and also comes with aerodynamic additions such as a spoiler to better let it roll around the track. Other than that, this Lexus is being kept hungry to one day munch on public roads. At least, that is what Lexus is hinting at here.
The 24-hour Nürburgring race takes place from the 21st to the 24th of May.
[UPDATE] Hi-res image added
Press Release
'LF-A' Prototype to Again Enter 24-hour Nürburgring Race
Lexus announces plans to again enter its "LF-A" premium two-seater sports car in the 24 Hours Nürburgring1 endurance race in Nürburg, Germany, from May 21 to 24, 2009.
Based on a prototype of the LF-A being developed with an eye toward commercial release, the race vehicle, entering the Nürburg event for the second year in a row, has been equipped with race-grade safety equipment, such as a roll cage and special fuel tank, and fitted with a spoiler and other aerodynamic features. Although engine, powertrain and frame specifications differ little from those of the base vehicle, the race vehicle has been retuned to better meet the demands of the course.
Engineers intend to use feedback from the grueling race to further enhance the LF-A's performance. Also, mainly by employing young mechanics for technical support, TMC intends to use the race as an opportunity to develop human resources.
Specifications of Lexus LF-A Competing in 24 Hours Nürburgring Race
| Vehicle name | Lexus LF-A (racing specs) | |
| Entry category/class | Division 2 SP8 (engine close-to-production) | |
| Team name | GAZOO Racing | |
| Engine | Type | V-10 |
| Displacement | 4,805 cc | |
| Maximum output | More than 367kW (500PS) | |
| Body | Length | 4,530mm |
| Width | 1,880mm | |
| Height | 1,200mm | |
| Wheelbase | 2,605mm | |
| Material | Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) | |
| Vehicle layout | Front-mid-engine, rear-mid-transaxle, rear radiator | |
| Transmission | Paddle-shift sequential, manual | |
| Tires | Front/rear size | 305/30R20 |
| Type | Racing (Bridgestone) | |
Outline of 24 Hours Nürburgring Race
| Name | 37th 24 Hours Nürburgring1 |
| Dates | May 21-24, 2009 (main competition runs from May 23-24) |
| Venue | Nürburgring (Nürburg, Ahrweiler, State of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany) |
1Official name of this year's race is 37th ADAC Zurich 24h-Race 2009
