Lexus will campaign two LF-A sports car prototypes at the Nürburgring 24-hour race in May, adding to speculation that a production road version is still on the cards.
LF-A racer will have carbon body
According to unconfirmed reports a final production-spec LF-A is being readied for the Tokyo motor show in the autumn. The concept first appeared at the Detroit show in 2005 and prototypes have been regularly photographed during Nürburgring track testing over the last couple of years.
Given the current economic climate, a Tokyo show appearance wouldn’t necessarily mean Toyota’s board has finally signed-off the LF-A for production, but the 2009 Nürburgring campaign looks like another positive step.
Toyota’s own press release takes a cautious note, saying the race merely forms part of an on-going R&D process and that the LF-A is being developed ‘with an eye on commercialisation’.
Still no road car confirmed...
‘As in 2008, Lexus engineers will use the gruelling race at the infamous German track to gather technical data that will be applied to future mass-production of vehicles. The company will also use the event as an opportunity to develop human resources by giving young mechanics the chance to work as support staff,’ the official statement says.
Two LF-As will compete in the May 23/24 event. The cars are powered by a 4.8-litre V10 producing around 500bhp, and modifications from road-going prototype models include safety equipment such as roll cage and racing fuel tanks, as well as carbon fibre body panels and aero parts.
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