25.03.10 LEXUS LFA TO TAKE ON THE RING
Thursday, 25 March 2010
LEXUS LFA TO TAKE ON THE 'RING
KEY POINTS
• Two production Lexus LFA supercars to compete in Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race in May
• Race-prepared machines entered by Gazoo racing
Lexus is heading back to the legendary Nürburgring this May to challenge for glory in the 24 Hours endurance race with its LFA supercar.
It will be the first time the production LFA is seen in full-blooded competition, taking on one of the world’s most challenging circuits.
In two previous outings at the event, development versions of the LFA were raced primarily to assist with honing performance and handling. This time the LFA will line-up as a prime challenger in production car guise.
LFA features a lightweight composite construction and a 412kW mid-mounted V10 engine, capable of reaching 100km/h in just 3.7 seconds to a top speed of beyond 300km/h.
Nurbürgring LFAs will be prepared by Gazoo Racing under the guidance of legendary Japanese test driver Hiromu Naruse. The team will also include four Japanese and three German drivers who between them boast outstanding GT and endurance racing experience.
Takayuki Kinoshita is a six-time winner of the Super Taikyu Endurance Series and has competed more often and finished higher (fifth overall) at the Nürburgring 24 Hours than any other Japanese driver. Akira Ida was overall winner of the Tokachi 24 Hours in 1995 and 2007, and both Juichi Wakisaka and Kazuya Oshima have recorded consistent success in Japanese Super GT 500 and GT 300 competition.
The German team members are Armin Hahne, winner of the Spa 24 Hours in 1982 and 1983; Jochen Krumbach, who finished second overall in the 2008 Nürburgring 24 Hours; and Andre Lotterer, Super GT 500 champion in 2006 and 2008.
The Nurburgring 24 hour will be held May 13 to 16.