Julio Cezar Kronbauer's Blog: Lexus

Lexus LFA achieves a 7minute 14.64 seconds lap time on the Nürburgring Nordschleife

* Lexus LFA Nürburgring package achieves a class leading Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time of 7:14.64, driven by LFA race and test driver Akira Iida.

* 50 from a total LFA production run of 500 will feature the track-focused Nürburgring package

* The LFA Nürburgring package features enhanced aerodynamic performance, tuned suspension and a maximum power of 420 kW/571 DIN hp

On August 31st 2011, Lexus undertook a performance check with the Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package, a two-seater supercar, at the Nürburgring (Rhineland-Pfalz, Germany).

Scheduled for production in 2012, the LFA Nürburgring Package has been optimized to deliver higher performance on the track, with a number of modifications made to the standard LFA. The LFA Nürburgring package is included in the limited 500 production run of the LFA.

The Nürburgring package includes a carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) front spoiler and fixed rear wing to enhance aerodynamic performance. The LFA Nürburgring Package also comes with track tuned suspension and custom wheels to improve maneuverability and stability. Compared to the standard LFA's output of 412 kW (560 PS), the output of the LFA Nürburgring package has been raised to 420 kW (571 PS).

On the Nürburgring Nordschliefe (North Loop), where the LFA was extensively developed, professional race driver and LFA test driver, Akira Iida recorded a lap time of just 7:14.64. The tires used during the performance evaluation were Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires which are the standard road legal specification for this LFA.

Mr. Dr. Schmidt , the COO of the Nürburgring Automotive GmbH stated ‘‘For us, it is always very special when a car is developed to meet the needs of the Nürburgring-Nordschleife.

It shows us that the Nordschleife still is of particular importance for the automotive industry and that it still radiates a tremendous fascination. Lexus met the challenge Nordschleife by developing the Lexus LFA Nürburgring package.

The lap time driven demonstrates impressively that Lexus have done an excellent job in matching the challenges of the track with the needs of an exclusive sports car.

This is an outstanding result for Lexus and a reassurance of the excellent work done. We are very delighted by this."

Haruhiko Tanahashi, LFA Chief Engineer stated "Since 2004 in the spring and summer of every year we have conducted development tests for the LFA at Nürburgring Nordschleife. The LFA Nürburgring package is the compilation of our extensive testing programme and we have appreciated the opportunities to utilise the Nürburgring Nordschleife to strengthen and develop the LFA into the vehicle it is today. The development team's obsession, Iida-san's concentration and good course conditions all led to achieving this record".

Commenting on the result Iida-san said "We are delighted with this achievement. Our ongoing development of the LFA and our recent outings at the Nürburgring 24h race have enabled us to continued to tune the vehicle. The result with the LFA Nürburgring package shows the cars ultimate performance and agility. This is a first activity of its type for Lexus and the constant effort of the team has brought this fantastic result".

The Lexus LFA supercar was first shown at the 41st Tokyo motorshow. The development took place over a period of ten years and was an indispensable step for Lexus, and its future models. The first model of the new generation Lexus, the new GS shows the new direction for the brand in terms of bold, dynamic styling, precise handling and innovative technology. The full hybrid GS 450h will be shown for the first time at Frankfurt motorshow on the 13th September.