Lexus has announced that a modified LC coupe will race in next year’s 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The LC has been built to race specifications, and incorporates advanced development technologies destined for future production vehicles — here’s a vague list of improvements:
- Body technology – optimal low-weight and high-rigidity structure, aerodynamic components, and driver assistance technologies
- Suspension technology – low-weight and high-rigidity components
- Engine development – increased output from 2UR-GSE engine, reduced friction, and lower centre of gravity
This is an improved version of the LC coupe that finished 96th overall at this year’s Nürburgring 24 hour race, and will retain the same driver lineup of Takeshi Tsuchiya, Takamitsu Matsui, Naoya Gamo, and Yuichi Nakayama:
From the Lexus UK blog:
[Driver] Gamou has the additional responsibility of vehicle set-up. Although development of the Lexus LC endurance racer for 2019 has been in progress for a relatively short amount of time, he reports that the coupe is already improved beyond expectations. The vital dialogue between car and driver is much smoother than before, and practical elements such as the electronic rear-view mirrors provide clear, fog-free images on the dashboard monitor.
Gamou continued: “Through testing in Japan and Germany, I hope to pursue more than just better lap times. I hope we can build a car that is more comfortable and fun to drive.”
The 24 Hours of Nürburgring starts on June 20th, 2019, as part of a four-day weekend event. This will mark the thirteenth consecutive year that Lexus has participated in the race.
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