TOYOTA: News Releases

April 21, 2009

'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.

Artist's impression of Lexus LF-A to compete in the 24 Hours Nürburgring endurance race

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	4,805 cc
	Maximum output	More than 367kW (500PS)
Body	Length	4,530mm
	Width	1,880mm
	Height	1,200mm
	Wheelbase	2,605mm
	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
Tires	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 GAZOO Racing's (Japanese)
website, http://gazoo.com/racing/.

¹Official name of this year's race is 37th ADAC Zurich 24h-Race 2009

END