Motor Authority has scooped some new close-up photos of the LF-A prototypes currently zooming around Nürburgring, including the supercar’s carbon fiber roof (pictured above) and this interior pic (click on either for a larger image):

Testing equipment aside, the interior looks very close to the one seen in the LF-A Roadster concept, with the multi-level dash and sloping center console:

It’s always the same story though, there’s no telling what the final production model may look like.

(Thanks Jarrett & Shrawan!)

It’s a simple equation: The more time the Lexus LF-A racing prototype spends on Nürburgring racetrack, the more video footage pops up. The proof: The folks over at Motor Authority have a lengthy video of the supercar making its rounds around the ‘ring (click on this image to visit the video):

My favorite part of the video has to be when it meets an Audi R8 on a side street on its way back to the Toyota building. Beep beep, move over!

(Thanks Jarrett!)

It’s not the Lexus LF-A racing prototype, but this extended spy video of the LF-A is still something to watch:

It’s been rumored that one of the major reasons for the supercar’s production delay was the engineer’s desire to push the top speed higher. Well, when comparing this video, which was filmed last year, with spy footage of the Lexus LF-A racing prototype, you can practically hear the improvement.

Of course, there’s innumerable differences between the videos (distance from the car, speed, etc.), but even in terms of apparent speed, the new prototype seems much improved.

Easier Motoring has a few more details on the Lexus LF-A racing prototype that will be part of the Nürburgring 24 Hour Race:

Testing the vehicle on the famous Nürburgring circuit for 24 hours under gruelling race conditions will provide Lexus engineers with a unique opportunity to acquire knowledge that can be used to further the vehicle’s overall development.

The vehicle is not a dedicated race car and will only be equipped with the safety equipment (roll cage, fuel tank, etc.) necessary to meet racing regulations.

A team of experienced Japanese drivers will have the aim of providing feedback to the Lexus development team rather than achieving a race result.

For race support, Lexus will assign a team of young mechanics as part of the company’s commitment to the development of personal and technical skills.

There’s obvious external differences between the racing prototype and the production prototype, but it looks like that’s as far as it goes. No engine modifications, no significant weight reduction, just a fixed rear wing and some front bumper adjustments.

Although it’s hardly a new concept, this “open” experiment is a very interesting turn of events, and perhaps a little outside of Lexus’ usually tight-lipped method of development. I’m certainly looking forward to the race.

[Source: Easier Motoring]

A short video of the Lexus LF-A Racing prototype beaming its way through Nürburgring has emerged:

The sound of the supercar is practically insane, and judging by the ridiculous speed it’s capable of, could Toyota just being playing mindgames when they stated that they would not be looking to win the 24hour Nürburgring in May?

(It does sound like the brakes need some servicing at the end of the video, though.)

The Lexus LF-A Racing prototype has been confirmed as an entrant into the the Nurburgring 24 hour endurance challenge next month. The race, officially called the 36th ADAC Zurich 24h Race 2008, will take place in Germany on May 23-24.

Although it seems contrary to the idea of racing, Toyota also announced that they would not be looking to win the race, but rather will be using the experience to aid development of the supercar, with the hope to gain some new feedback of the production model.

Disappointingly, it doesn’t look like the production model LF-A will be announced at the race, which had been rumored previously, but this is still an incredibly positive step in the right direction.

[Source: Motor Authority] (Thanks Jarrett!)

The Lexus LF-A is certainly causing a stir with its return to Nürburgring, as spy photographers were treated to a special surprise today with the appearance of the prototype supercar decked out in a full assortment of racing trim. Here’s a breakdown:

• Super-large fixed rear wing
• Redesigned front bumper with stacked side plates and a more aggressive front airdam
• Reworked front headlights and lower, inset fog lamps
• LeMans-style rearview mirrors
• Hood pins
• And the telltale sign: A quick access fuel cap positioned behind the passenger-side window

World Car Fans (whose spy photographers are responsible for the image above) also received word that this Lexus could very well be part of the 24 Hours Nürburgring Race held in May, and that an official launch of the production model might happen at the same time. Entering the LF-A in such a legendary race would be quite daring on the part of Lexus, an incredible trial-by-fire if there ever was one.

For more photos of this raced-up LF-A, check out World Car Fans, and cross your fingers for the end of this epic development cycle.

(Thanks Jarrett!))

Looks like whatever the problem was yesterday has been solved, because the Lexus LF-A was seen moving on its own power today, no doubt prepping for its time on Nürburgring. With that in mind, Motor Trend seems to think the real reason the LF-A has been absent from the ‘ring for so long is that Lexus is scared of the Nissan GTR:

Maybe it’s just the way Toyota’s testing is scheduled (according to our spies at the ‘Ring, the LF-A has resurfaced and should be on track shortly). But I wonder. Has the GT-R got Toyota running scared?

Toyota’s problem is this: The GT-R has set the performance bar incredibly high for the next Japanese supercar. And Toyota being Toyota, delivering a supercar that’s second-best to a Nissan is unthinkable, especially if it’s going to carry the Lexus badge. The LF-A has to be faster than the GT-R, in a straight line, and around the legendary Nordschliefe. Otherwise it risks being perceived a failure.

I think it’s safe to say that it’s just the way Toyota’s testing is scheduled, though there is merit in the idea. I wouldn’t limit it to just Lexus though, the GTR has to have every supercar manufacturer a little nervous.

(That being said, it’s funny that the other story of the day is Autoweek preferring the IS-F over the GTR.)

[Photo from Jalopnik]

The good news: Two new Lexus LF-A prototypes were just spotted at Nürburgring, which could quite possibly mean that the rumored development problems may finally be solved.

The bad news: The LF-A had to be pushed into the garage, which could quite possibly mean that the rumored development problems may still be causing trouble.

You can check Leftlane News for more photos, if you’re so inclined, and we’ll be looking out for any more updates of the LF-A on the ‘ring.

To mark the European debut of the Lexus LF-A Roadster Concept at the Frankfurt Auto Show, Lexus put together a truly spectacular video, albeit with no actual in-motion footage. Click the photo below to be taken to the mini-site:

I imagine this would have been used as a video introduction to the vehicle’s unveiling at Frankfurt, and it’s hard not to get excited about this concept all over again. I can’t wait for the production announcement.

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Also included in this small LF-A Roadster mini-site is a PDF brochure, which is jam-packed with interesting information, including this blurb about the F-Logo:

The Lexus LF-A Roadster is the latest car to be unveiled by our high-performance F-Marque division. Developed at Fuji Speedway and the Higashi Fuji Technical Centre, our two-seat supercar concept combines technological sophistication, leading-edge engineering and unparalleled refinement. To recognise the special role of Fuji in the project, the new “F” logo design integrates some of the most demanding corners of the Mount Fuji track.

This is the first time I’ve seen it mentioned that the F-Logo actually incorporates elements of the Mount Fuji track right in the actual design. Top-notch.