Lexus To Debut LF-A Supercar At Nurburgring Endurance Race

Jonny Lieberman
by Jonny Lieberman

For those attending the 36th ADAC Zurich 24 Hour Race 2008 in May, Toyota has a treat for you. Motor Authority is reporting that a prototype racing version of the as yet to finalized LF-A uber-Lexus will be running round the 'Ring. This impresses us because any 24 Hour race is murder on a vehicle. But one at the Nurburgring? That borders on suicidal. Which we like. The final production specs haven't been released/announced yet, but just to jog your memory we're talking about a 4.8-liter V10 kicking out more than 500 horsepower that powers the hot Lexus to more than 200 mph. This prototype racer raises the bar with bigger wheels and brakes, a Superbird-inspired rear wing, tenny-tiny racing style side mirrors; and at least a dozen new inlets, scallops and scoops. Plus, the inside is stuffed with carbon fiber and a roll cage. With the soon-to-be on sale Spec-V version of the Nissan GT-R already lapping the Nurburgring in an insane 7:25 and most likely embarrassing the hell out of Chevy ZR-1 Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter's claim that the Blue Devil will, "beat any production car's track record anywhere in the world," what on earth will this Lexus test mule kick up? (Who cares that the video voiceover is Japanese– just listen to that engine!)

Jonny Lieberman
Jonny Lieberman

Cleanup driver for Team Black Metal V8olvo.

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  • Casper00 Casper00 on Apr 21, 2008

    can't wait to see this car out on the streets....one thing that I've always question is that why Toyota opt for the V10 instead of a V8....if someone know the answer let me know....not to say that I don't like it, I love the car it's just that V10 doesn't sound like toyota.

  • Jason Moy Jason Moy on Apr 21, 2008

    Now, if only some of this "spice" and un-Toyota-ness would find its way to the land of Camry and Corolla, just a bit at least! I don't see how Toyota can sell high end performance cars under the Lexus name like LF-A and IS-F if they don't throw the aveage Joe something he can afford. That's what is special about the LF-A...if 'yo sells it, then they will be "committed" to selling sports cars of all price ranges...meaning a next gen Toyota (not Lexus) Supra and AE-86 might actually come to market in the US by 2010 or so. But then again, Toyota is in a backslide when it comes to quality and vehicle dynamics...will this be redemption for the big Yo? Wait and see, I guess...

  • Guyincognito Guyincognito on Apr 21, 2008

    Wow, I hated this car when I saw it a couple of years ago but they've really made the styling work. Sounds great too. Seems like a serious intro for Lexus.

  • Dolo54 Dolo54 on Apr 22, 2008

    That is f-ing badass. Nice Supra proportions. Looking good Toyoda!

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