Apr. 21, 2009
'LF-A' Prototype to Again Enter 24-hour Nürburgring Race
Tokyo, April 21, 2009 ― 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.
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.
Artist's impression of Lexus LF-A to compete in the 24 Hours Nürburgring endurance race
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) |
Reference
Plans call for live on-line coverage of the team's progress in the race at GAZOO Racing's (Japanese)
website, http://gazoo.com/racing/.
1Official name of this year's race is 37th ADAC Zurich 24h-Race 2009
Plans call for live on-line coverage of the team's progress in the race at GAZOO Racing's (Japanese)
website, http://gazoo.com/racing/.
1Official name of this year's race is 37th ADAC Zurich 24h-Race 2009
