2016.08.26

Lexus’ new GT500 machine unveiled ahead of Round 6 Suzuka! Appearing with base-vehicle LC500 on display.

LEXUS GAZOO Racing held a press conference in the morning of August 26 at Suzuka Circuit ahead of the Round 6 Suzuka and announced that it will field a brand new car built based on LEXUS LC500, to be released next spring, in the GT500 class in 2017 season. GT500-spec LC500 was unveiled at the presentation after just completing the assembly a few days back.

 

 

 

 

At the first public appearance of 2017-model GT500 machine “LEXUS LC500,” Keizo Takahashi, Project general manager, Motor Sports Marketing Division, Toyota Motor Corporation, described the overview of new machine as well as the expectation put on the car, “LC500 is a model created as a flagship coupe that symbolizes a new generation of LEXUS. We expect that competing in the SUPER GT, “World’s fastest GT race,” with LEXUS’ premier coupe model, LC500, will make SUPER GT even more exciting. We will do a shakedown test next month to begin our preparation to have the best race at the season opening round in April next year.”

 

 

Before the unveiling of the new machine, GTA Chairman Masaaki Bandoh gave explanation as the promoter about the GT500 class vehicle of next season in his address. “To express the key point of the GT500 technical regulation of 2017 in one phrase, it would be ‘Further improvement of safety.’ We take pride in being able to showcase SUPER GT, which is recognized as the “World’s fastest GT race,” to the fans. On the other side, it is true that we also have a concern that excessive competition of speed may lead to a severe accident. With that as a factor, aerodynamic performance will be controlled in the 2017 regulation and the downforce will be reduced by about 25% compared to the current vehicle.

“SUPER GT will continue its pursuit to be the ‘World’s fastest GT race’ while being ‘Earth-friendly race’ that utilizes the latest environmental technology such as an engine that realizes both speed and efficiency, high-performance tires that allow the cars to go for long distance as well as fast, etc.”

 

 

In the Q & A session held after the press conference, a question from a journalist, “I think you will be still trying to improve the performance even if the downforce is reduced. What is the lap time you assume at Suzuka?” was answered by Yoji Nagai, General Manager, TRD Motor Sports Development Department, Technical Division, which leads the development of new 2017-model, “We do set a target (lap time) for Suzuka when we develop. However, if I say it, then that might turn on the switch of rivals as well as Chairman Bandoh (who oversees the regulations) (laughter), so I cannot mention any numbers. But, of course, we want to recover considerable amount for the 25% reduction (of downforce). Please do look forward to the season opener.” Nagai deliberately confused the floor about the potential, but also expressed his confidence in how it may perform.

Nagai continued to answer another question asking about the benefit of LC500 against the current GT500 machine, RC F, and the difficulty in development, “(LC500) looks cool and fast, doesn’t it? I want to explore more to get out all the potential this car has. From looking back the 3 years with RC F, there is no doubt that the first car (how it is finished up) was important. I want to make sure that LC500 will not have the weak point that RC F had. Of course, this car (LC500 that made public at the press conference) is still in progress of development and it is not at its final form.” Nagai emphasized that the GT500-spec LC500 will evolve even further.

 

 

GT500-spec LC500 was also presented to the fans at the same venue after the press conference, and about 200 fans took a close look at the new machine and took pictures despite in the daytime of Friday.

 

 

 

 

Two LC500 were moved to the main straight of Suzuka Circuit for a photo session for media after the press conference and public presentation. Looking sharp and stylish, LC500 looked as if it was ready for a run in the Round 6 starting next day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

【LEXUS LC500】GALLERY

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