News & Information

The production Lexus LFA will be entering its first professional race when it takes part in the Nürburgring 24 Hours race this May.

Gazoo Racing will be preparing and fielding two LFAs in the race, where the supercars will be receiving some minor aero-effects:

This will mark the third time the LFA has participated in the 24h race on Germany’s famous racetrack, though the previous two times were in pre-production models and piloted by Toyota’s new president, Akio Toyoda—here’s a breakdown of the driving crew:

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.

Takayuki Kinoshita is a six-time winner of the Super Taikyu Endurance Series and has competed more often and finished higher (fifth overall) at the Nürburgring 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.

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

The Nürburgring 24 Hours race takes place May 13-16—which should be plenty of time for Lexus to co-ordinate an announcement of the LFA Nürburgring track edition that was revealed earlier today.

Japanese weblog レクサスとの道[LEXUS] is reporting that the Lexus LFA will be available in a track edition optimized for circuit driving:

If Google’s translation serves, this Nürburgring edition looks to include a fixed rear wing, larger front spoiler, sports tuned suspension, high grip tires and a boost of 10 horsepower—and will only be available in four colors: black, matte black, a color Google couldn’t decipher whitest white, and this vibrant orange:

No word on price, but more details are sure to appear shortly. (I wonder what percentage of potential owners would consider this package—10%? Lower?)

[Source: レクサスとの道[LEXUS] (translated)]

By following the career arc of Lexus GX chief engineer Makoto Arimoto, industry magazine Automotive Design & Production provides an interesting profile of the Lexus GX 460 development process.

Arimoto, who worked on everything from chassis engineering to fuel cells, started planning the GX 3 years ago when large body-on-frame SUV market were still in healthy demand. The GX 460 sought to expand on the attributes that made its predecessor successful—however, rather than follow precedent and increase engine displacement, the GX 460 has a slightly smaller powerplant producing 31 more hp and 1 lb.-ft. less torque.

Despite gains in width, length, and weight, the new GX has a 0.3 second faster 0-60 time and is 13% more fuel efficient; the article points out that the GX 460’s 17 mpg combined fuel economy with its V8 engine outperforms that of many rival SUVs, including crossovers:

    • Audi Q7: 13/18/15
    • BMW X5: 14/19/16
    • Land Rover LR4: 12/17/14
    • Mercedes ML550: 13/18/15
    • Mercedes GL450: 13/17/14
    • Acura MDX (w/V6): 15/20/17
    • Lexus GX 460: 15/20/17

The theme behind the GX 460’s exterior design, a melding of L-finesse with “machined steel bar” concepts, and the “Tough Premium” interior concept, are also identified.  Besides the technological details that many GX 460 articles and reviews have discussed, mainly in the off-roading arena, this profile gives a glimpse of the engineering and design principles which shaped the new mid-size Lexus SUV.

[Source: Automotive Design & Production]

Autocar is reporting that the next-generation Lexus IS will be offered as a wagon—and will be hybrid-only:

...while the original model did offer an estate variant, called SportCross, the current car - introduced in 2005 - has never been available in a wagon.

Lexus insiders now admit that this policy has hurt sales of the car in Europe, where it must face the 3-series Touring and A4 Avant.

The next IS is also likely to only be available as a hybrid, fitting in with the firm’s current push towards this technology.

With its position well established in the US, Lexus is focusing more and more on the European market. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a wagon version of the GS some time in the future, as well.

As for the IS going hybrid-only, that’s likely just a marketing decision in Europe similar to only offering the RX 450h in the UK. I wouldn’t expect this to happen in the North American market.

Other tidbit in the article—the next-generation IS should appear in 2011. Not a big surprise, but nice to hear regardless.

[Source: Autocar]

A white Lexus LFA was spotted in the wealthy playground & supercar mecca, the principality of Monaco:

No details—perhaps the LFA is making a personal visit to Lexus Monaco’s showroom?  Taking some publicity shots?  Or being demonstrated for LS 600h L owner Prince Albert II?

[Source: GTSpirit.com and Flickr]

More information about the Lexus CT 200h has emerged from its Geneva debut—according to Car Dealer Magazine and Just Auto, Lexus surveyed customers across Europe, including drivers in Germany, France and Italy, and the Audi A3 emerged as the benchmark, with Europeans preferring it over the BMW 1-series. Considering this, the CT 200h was designed with the A3 firmly in its crosshairs, and “more emphasis on sportiness in the engineering process”. 

According to chief engineer Osamu Sadakata, “This car is our understanding of what Europe wants.”

The CT advance surveys hearkens back to the original LS development program, which also began with extensive customer research of luxury sedan buyers in the U.S., only this time it’s the opposite side of the autmotive market, with CT 200h expected to attract younger buyers to the Lexus brand.

[Source: Car Dealer and Just Auto]