Lexus LFA Revs Up for the Nurburgring 24 Hours Race

Lexus is currently preparing two LFA supercars to compete in the Nurburgring 24 Hours endurance race in May, this time lining up as a prime challenger in standard production car guise. Development versions of the LFA were previously raced in two outings in the event.

The team at Gazoo Racing involved in the preparation of the two cars for the upcoming competition expects much from the supercars, estimating that thanks to its advanced, lightweight composite construction and 552bhp mid-mounted V10 engine, it will reach 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds and race on to a top speed beyond 200 mph.

Led by Toyota master test driver Hiromu Naruse, the team will include four Japanese and three German drivers who between them boast outstanding GT and endurance racing experience.

The Japanese team members include Takayuki Kinoshita who is a six-time winner of the Super Taikyu Endurance Series and has competed more often and finished higher (fifth overall) at the Nurburgring 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.

On the other hand, the German team drivers are Armin Hahne, winner of the Spa 24 Hours in 1982 and 1983; Jochen Krumbach, who finished second overall in the 2008 Nurburgring 24 Hours; and Andre Lotterer, Super GT 500 champion in 2006 and 2008.

Lexus will also try to defend its championship titles in the Japanese Super GT series this year by entering an SC 430 and an IS 350 to the competition.