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!)