The proof is in the driving: the Lexus LFA, equipped with the Nürburgring Package of aerodynamic and handling enhancements, has conquered the famous German race track from which it takes its name with a new fastest lap for a current, regular production car.
LFA test driver and professional racer Akira Iida recorded a lap time of 7:14.64 in a fully road-legal car, running on standard specification Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tyres.
The result, posted on 31 August during a performance test, demonstrates Lexus’s success in honing its two-seater supercar for track-focused handling, by introducing a range of aerodynamic features and fine-tuning the car’s suspension.
Commenting on the result, Iida said: “We are delighted with this achievement. Our on-going development of the LFA and our recent outings at the Nürburgring 24 Hour race have enabled us to continue to tune the vehicle. The result with the LFA Nürburgring Package shows the car’s 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 Nürburgring Package will be fitted to 50 of the 500 LFA that are being built, with customer deliveries from next year. It includes a carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) front spoiler and fixed rear wing, track-tuned suspension and custom wheels. Compared to the standard LFA, output from the 4.8-litre V10 engine has been increased from 552 to 562bhp, maintaining the car’s 3.7-second nought to 62mph acceleration time.
Haruhiko Tanahashi, LFA Chief Engineer, said: “The LFA Nürburgring Package is the culmination of our extensive testing programme and we have appreciated the opportunities to use 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 our achieving this record.”
