Lexus LFA to race again in 2009 24 Hours of Nürburgring

Just as they did last year, Lexus will bring out the prototype racing version of their upcoming (we fervently hope) LFA supercar at the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring this coming May. Besides the renderings shown above, Lexus has issued the following Press Release:

'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.

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: 4805 cc
Maximum output: More than 367kW (500PS / 495 hp)
Body Length: 4530mm (178.3")
Width: 1880mm (74")
Height: 1200mm (47.25")
Wheelbase: 2605mm (102.5")
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 <A HREF="http://gazoo.com/racing/Top/Top.aspx">GAZOO Racing's (Japanese) website</A> (and, hopefully, on the <A HREF="http://gazoo.com/racing/english/index.asp">English language GAZOO Racing website</A> as well).


The eagle-eyed among you might have noticed that, in contrast with <A HREF="http://www.lexusf.com/forums/showthread.php?t=916">Lexus' hyphen-less trademark filing,</A> the Press Release uses the hyphenated LF-A form. Much more crucially, though, here's hoping that this year's race doesn't end up <A HREF="http://www.lexusf.com/forums/showthread.php?t=323">like last year's.</A>