The No. 53 LFA Code X, the other LFA at Nürburgring, was driven by the team of Akira Iida, Juichi Wakisaka and Takuto Iguchi. Entered in the SP PRO class, this machine is a model developed in anticipation of future trends.
New Toyota and Lexus sports models arrive approximately every 20 years, and as Akio Toyoda says, “Every 20 years, Toyota develops a new sports car, partly to hand down technologies to the new generation, in much the same way as a shrine is rebuilt every 20 or 30 years. We do not sit down once every 20 years to develop a car though. Development of the Code X is the start of year-by-year improvements in technology with a view 20 years into the future.”
The styling is similar to the LFA, but in addition to the 200-millimeter longer and 50-millimeter wider wheelbase, another difference from the LFA is that the Code X uses a full carbon frame for the body. It also uses the LFA’s 4-wheel double wishbone-type suspension, but with a push rod and other systems to bring the vehicle up to full racing specs.
Displacement of the V10 engine has been increased from 4.8 liters to 5.3 liters, which in addition to increasing torque at low and medium speeds, also expands the torque band and improves both ride and handling. The transmission is a newly developed dual-clutch type as well, and shift speed has been improved.
“To me it has greater potential than the LFA. It even has greater potential than the SP9 GT3-class cars aiming for the title of overall winner. Since this is the first year though, we have not been able to bring out its full capabilities,” said Iida. Wakisaka also commented; “Like the LFA in the past, this machine will be refined and improved going forward.”