LF-A to race at the 'ring

It was announced today that the Lexus LF-A concept will take part in the Nurburgring 24-hour race next month.The endurance racer will wear an aerodynamic body kit and feature competition brakes. However, lurking beneath will be the L-Finesse design language that was first seen on the concept car in 2005, and the production ready mechanicals.However, it will be next year before we get to see the finished LF-A supercar, which is likely to be unveiled at the 2009 Detroit motor show before going on sale in the spring.The car will be fitted with a 4.8-litre V10 power plant that will produce more than 500bhp and be able to propel the LF-A to a top speed beyond the 200mph milestone. A specially designed torque-tube will deliver power to the rear wheels, in a similar way to the unit fitted to Nissan’s GTR, and will also function as a central structural member to make the car as stiff as possible. The LF-A will get a bespoke automated sequential gearbox, rather than the IS-F super saloon’s 8-speed automatic that many expected to feature. Engineers wanted the car to be as light and agile as possible, so the body will be made entirely of carbonfibre with reinforced plastics, and specially designed lightweight 20-inch alloys will also help to keep kerb weight down. Stopping power will be provided by vented-discs, six-piston units at the front and four pistons each at the rear, as well as an airbrake similar to the SLR Mclaren’s and optional carbon-ceramic discs.Although in the final development stages and only months away from hitting the production line, winning the race isn’t on the agenda for Lexus, which is using the endurance race to test its new supercar.The Nurburgring 24-hour race starts on 24 May.

Anil Kanda