The Lexus LF-A concept car will participate in the Nürburgring 24 Hour Race on 24—25 May 2008 as part of ongoing development – hopefully development that will lead it to be the Supra’s equivalent (it’s not like Lexus hasn’t taken its time…)

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. That doesn’t mean to say that the drivers won’t be caning the LF-A around the track. I mean, we would!

The LF-A concept is powered by a high-revving, 500+ bhp V10 engine. Its front mid-engine placement, along with a rear mounted transmission and rear mounted radiators, allows for excellent weight distribution and agile handling. The horsepower and refined aerodynamics make a top speed of 200 mph not only possible, but probable.

The LF-A concept was originally shown in 2005 to express a bold new direction in styling for the Lexus brand. The goals for the current LF-A are no different than they were with the original concept; to build a supercar with world class performance that is uniquely Lexus. Except they’re dragging it out like a prison sentence. Hurry up Lexus and get on with it!