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!)

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!))

The No.1 Lexus Riley Prototype has won the Daytona 24 race for the third year in a row, marking the first time this has ever been accomplished in the race’s history. Piloted by Scott Pruett, Juan Pablo Montoya, Dario Franchitti and Memo Rojas, the Chip Ganassi team powered through the 24 hour race with none of the problems that beset their competitors:

The stat sheet will show the No. 01 won by two laps, led 252 of 695 circuits and the last 100. But for the first 19 hours the race was anything but a walkover, more resembling a last-man-standing test of mechanical preparation, luck, will and ability to not only survive, but thrive in conditions that went from wet to dry and back again.

The team did it well enough that aside from an early tire problem, the 2,474.2-mile marathon was trouble-free on the track. The only hiccup came when Franchitti was awakened too late for a stint, forcing Pruett to do extra time, but that didn’t slow them down.

Easily one of the most demanding races out there, it’s an amazing achievement to win it just once, nevermind three years running. Congrats to the whole Chip Ganassi team!

(Thanks Dan!)

[Source: USA Today]