Lexus LF-A Prototype to Enter 24-hour Nrburgring Race

[mikeyb]

Lexus LF-A Prototype to Enter 24-hour Nrburgring Race

'LF-A' Prototype to Again Enter 24-hour Nrburgring Race
Lexus announces plans to again enter its "LF-A" premium two-seater sports car in the 24 Hours Nrburgring1 endurance race in Nrburg, 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 Nrburg 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 Nrburgring Race
<table class="newsTBL" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="628"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="newsTH" colspan="2">Vehicle name</td> <td class="newsTD2">Lexus LF-A (racing specs)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="newsTH" colspan="2">Entry category/class</td> <td class="newsTD2">Division 2 SP8 (engine close-to-production)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="newsTH" colspan="2">Team name</td> <td class="newsTD2">GAZOO Racing</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="newsTH" rowspan="3">Engine</td> <td class="newsTH">Type</td> <td class="newsTD2">V-10</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="newsTH">Displacement</td> <td class="newsTD2">4,805 cc</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="newsTH">Maximum output</td> <td class="newsTD2">More than 367kW (500PS)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="newsTH" rowspan="5">Body</td> <td class="newsTH">Length</td> <td class="newsTD2">4,530mm</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="newsTH">Width</td> <td class="newsTD2">1,880mm</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="newsTH">Height</td> <td class="newsTD2">1,200mm</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="newsTH">Wheelbase</td> <td class="newsTD2">2,605mm</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="newsTH">Material</td> <td class="newsTD2">Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="newsTH" colspan="2">Vehicle layout</td> <td class="newsTD2">Front-mid-engine, rear-mid-transaxle, rear radiator</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="newsTH" colspan="2">Transmission</td> <td class="newsTD2">Paddle-shift sequential, manual</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="newsTH" rowspan="2">Tires</td> <td class="newsTH">Front/rear size</td> <td class="newsTD2">305/30R20</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="newsTH">Type</td> <td class="newsTD2">Racing (Bridgestone)</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

Outline of 24 Hours Nrburgring Race
<table class="newsTBL" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="628"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="newsTH">Name</td> <td class="newsTD2">37th 24 Hours Nrburgring¹</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="newsTH">Dates</td> <td class="newsTD2">May 21-24, 2009 (main competition runs from May 23-24)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="newsTH">Venue</td> <td class="newsTD2">Nrburgring (Nrburg, Ahrweiler, State of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany)</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>
¹Official name of this year's race is 37th ADAC Zurich 24h-Race 2009