Lexus LC to Return in Next Year’s 24 Hours of Nürburgring Race


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:

Lexus LC Driver Lineup

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.

Lexus LC: First GenerationRacing
Comments
maiaramdan
Is this thread will be only Lexus or for Toyota also?, as Toyota won the first race in the WEC2018
Lexus-only, since it's in the Lexus Lounge.
YESS!! I AM SO HAPPY! Isn't anyone taking note how the Lexus LC and the RC are dominating the GT segment in motorsports? Simply amazing.


maiaramdan
Is this thread will be only Lexus or for Toyota also?, as Toyota won the first race in the WEC2018
Hey man! I was considering to take on the role of starting my own thing. Honestly though, tell me about it! I wanted to have an entire thread dedicated to Toyota Motorsports GMBH/Gazoo Racing and such. I was going to do news and such of the WEC, and the other amazing things Toyota does. The WEC is absolutely legendary, and is one of my favorite racing series of all time. I was going to report it, but then I was like its fine. Even though we have the garage. Still though, I am BUZZING like no other and still screaming internally for Toyota in the WEC. What an amazing race. It was scintillating. The pure speed and finesse of the TS050 Hybrid made it fly throughout Spa-Francochamps. There isn't a Porsche or an Audi to fight them anymore, so they finished the race 2 LAPS ahead of the next LMP1 car (not including the other Toyota car, which finished a few seconds behind the winner). This is an easy championship for Toyota, unlike 2014, where they had to fight a little, this season will be a home run. Go Toyota! I'm rooting for you, your car and your legendary drivers!
YESS!! I AM SO HAPPY! Isn't anyone taking note how the Lexus LC and the RC are dominating the GT segment in motorsports? Simply amazing.


maiaramdan
Is this thread will be only Lexus or for Toyota also?, as Toyota won the first race in the WEC2018
Hey man! I was considering to take on the role of starting my own thing. Honestly though, tell me about it! I wanted to have an entire thread dedicated to Toyota Motorsports GMBH/Gazoo Racing and such. I was going to do news and such of the WEC, and the other amazing things Toyota does. The WEC is absolutely legendary, and is one of my favorite racing series of all time. I was going to report it, but then I was like its fine. Even though we have the garage. Still though, I am BUZZING like no other and still screaming internally for Toyota in the WEC. What an amazing race. It was scintillating. The pure speed and finesse of the TS050 Hybrid made it fly throughout Spa-Francochamps. There isn't a Porsche or an Audi to fight them anymore, so they finished the race 2 LAPS ahead of the next LMP1 car (not including the other Toyota car, which finished a few seconds behind the winner). This is an easy championship for Toyota, unlike 2014, where they had to fight a little, this season will be a home run. Go Toyota! I'm rooting for you, your car and your legendary drivers!
@F1 Silver Arrows
The main good thing in WEC is that it's really experimental test ground for future amazing machines take the Porsche 918 spyder and both Toyota (GR HV & GR super sport) concepts

3 machines simply are the road drivers of what happened in the circuit
@F1 Silver Arrows
The main good thing in WEC is that it's really experimental test ground for future amazing machines take the Porsche 918 spyder and both Toyota (GR HV & GR super sport) concepts

3 machines simply are the road drivers of what happened in the circuit
F1 Silver Arrows
Hey man! I was considering to take on the role of starting my own thing. Honestly though, tell me about it! I wanted to have an entire thread dedicated to Toyota Motorsports GMBH/Gazoo Racing and such. I was going to do news and such of the WEC, and the other amazing things Toyota does. The WEC is absolutely legendary, and is one of my favorite racing series of all time. I was going to report it, but then I was like its fine. Even though we have the Garage. Still though, I am BUZZING like no other and still screaming internally for Toyota in the WEC. What an amazing race. It was scintillating. The pure speed and finesse of the TS050 Hybrid made it fly throughout Spa-Francochamps. There isn't a Porsche or an Audi to fight them anymore, so they finished the race 2 LAPS ahead of the next LMP1 car (not including the other Toyota car, which finished a few seconds behind the winner). This is an easy championship for Toyota, unlike 2014, where they had to fight a little, this season will be a home run. Go Toyota! I'm rooting for you, your car and your legendary drivers!
Indeed, there's nothing or no one to stop you if you want to start a Toyota WEC Racing (or even Toyota Racing if you want to throw in the Yaris WRC) Megathread. ;)
F1 Silver Arrows
Hey man! I was considering to take on the role of starting my own thing. Honestly though, tell me about it! I wanted to have an entire thread dedicated to Toyota Motorsports GMBH/Gazoo Racing and such. I was going to do news and such of the WEC, and the other amazing things Toyota does. The WEC is absolutely legendary, and is one of my favorite racing series of all time. I was going to report it, but then I was like its fine. Even though we have the Garage. Still though, I am BUZZING like no other and still screaming internally for Toyota in the WEC. What an amazing race. It was scintillating. The pure speed and finesse of the TS050 Hybrid made it fly throughout Spa-Francochamps. There isn't a Porsche or an Audi to fight them anymore, so they finished the race 2 LAPS ahead of the next LMP1 car (not including the other Toyota car, which finished a few seconds behind the winner). This is an easy championship for Toyota, unlike 2014, where they had to fight a little, this season will be a home run. Go Toyota! I'm rooting for you, your car and your legendary drivers!
Indeed, there's nothing or no one to stop you if you want to start a Toyota WEC Racing (or even Toyota Racing if you want to throw in the Yaris WRC) Megathread. ;)
This is amazing. Lexus showing its presence in motorsports is huge for them, especially in Europe.

If you guys haven't heard, Japan (Super GT) and Germany (DTM) are making strides to merge into a series that has been initially dubbed as "Class One". Both bosses have been trying to extend their hands in terms of friendship and widen their presence around the world. Now for Lexus, this is good news because they now have the opportunity to have a huge presence in Germany, that they didn't have before (was only WRC and WEC with Toyota generally). This will boost Lexus' image like no other and we won't have to worry as much in terms of competition and image much longer for Europe. German car manufacturers are hoping the same, as they're also trying to have a huge presence in Japan too. Both Europeans and Japanese have huge amounts of respect for each other, so this process of a merged, single, high profile GT racing series is really good news for everyone. I really cannot wait for this to happen, some reports say the merger may occur somewhere in the next 2 years. This is a big step for everyone, and this represents how relevant GT racing still is.

Now for the "nitty gritty", there has been some demonstrations both in Japan and in Germany to give fans a taste, and they have been raving from both sides. There has been talk of regulations, where DTM has made strides to make the move from the V8 engines that has made them so popular, to a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, very similar to Super GT regulations for 2019. This was at a pause because Mercedes-Benz still wanted the V8's to happen, but now that this is their last season in DTM, it has made the merger much easier. It was apparent that the merger was going to happen a while back, and also the switch in power units, but Mercedes-Benz were adamant on the V8 engines, so it stayed.

Now that things are going to clear up a little, with 2019 being a transition year, probably being the last year for both series on its own, the merger will probably happen in 2020. I hope this comes true, because this move will make Lexus hugely successful in Europe (and other manufacturers of course).
This is amazing. Lexus showing its presence in motorsports is huge for them, especially in Europe.

If you guys haven't heard, Japan (Super GT) and Germany (DTM) are making strides to merge into a series that has been initially dubbed as "Class One". Both bosses have been trying to extend their hands in terms of friendship and widen their presence around the world. Now for Lexus, this is good news because they now have the opportunity to have a huge presence in Germany, that they didn't have before (was only WRC and WEC with Toyota generally). This will boost Lexus' image like no other and we won't have to worry as much in terms of competition and image much longer for Europe. German car manufacturers are hoping the same, as they're also trying to have a huge presence in Japan too. Both Europeans and Japanese have huge amounts of respect for each other, so this process of a merged, single, high profile GT racing series is really good news for everyone. I really cannot wait for this to happen, some reports say the merger may occur somewhere in the next 2 years. This is a big step for everyone, and this represents how relevant GT racing still is.

Now for the "nitty gritty", there has been some demonstrations both in Japan and in Germany to give fans a taste, and they have been raving from both sides. There has been talk of regulations, where DTM has made strides to make the move from the V8 engines that has made them so popular, to a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, very similar to Super GT regulations for 2019. This was at a pause because Mercedes-Benz still wanted the V8's to happen, but now that this is their last season in DTM, it has made the merger much easier. It was apparent that the merger was going to happen a while back, and also the switch in power units, but Mercedes-Benz were adamant on the V8 engines, so it stayed.

Now that things are going to clear up a little, with 2019 being a transition year, probably being the last year for both series on its own, the merger will probably happen in 2020. I hope this comes true, because this move will make Lexus hugely successful in Europe (and other manufacturers of course).
Great job Gazoo for another great win, continuing the legacy of the LFA. Although IIRC LFA competed in SP8 class and was finishing 1st in class and something like 14th (or maybe 30 something) overall? I truly miss the LFA days, maybe if they went up in class, the LFA could've been winning the N24 outright? I'm not a big racing fan so excuse my ignorance but LFA days were truly exciting for me.

Some of the photos included were really nice, thanks for the update!
Great job Gazoo for another great win, continuing the legacy of the LFA. Although IIRC LFA competed in SP8 class and was finishing 1st in class and something like 14th (or maybe 30 something) overall? I truly miss the LFA days, maybe if they went up in class, the LFA could've been winning the N24 outright? I'm not a big racing fan so excuse my ignorance but LFA days were truly exciting for me.

Some of the photos included were really nice, thanks for the update!
Failure, even the RC350 of previous year nuburgring did better, honestly even the 86

In short Toyota failed this year 24hrs Nuburgring
Failure, even the RC350 of previous year nuburgring did better, honestly even the 86

In short Toyota failed this year 24hrs Nuburgring

L