Lexus to develop RC F for GT500 and GT3 classes

The launch of the RC F provides Lexus with a platform on which to develop their motorsport vehicles with for higher levels of competition, having only had the LF-A to build and race in things like the VLN and the Nurburgring 24h. Lexus International has announced its continued participation in motorsport in 2015. The upcoming Lexus RC F halo vehicle forms the basis of its competition vehicles for 2015. Continuing from 2014, Lexus Racing will compete in the premier category of Japanese motorsport – the GT500 class, as well as competing in GT3 classes for global races.

For GT500 Lexus will run a highly modified version of the Lexus RC F, with a two-litre four-cylinder RI4AG direct-injection petrol turbo engine – a relative of the 2.0-litre engine making its debut in the new Lexus NX 200t compact SUV. This year’s participation in the GT500 class marks Lexus’ 10th year on the racing circuit.

Lexus Racing will also develop an RC F GT3 based on the Lexus RC F for the global stage, to promote grass-roots motorsport and boost Lexus’ sporting image. Weighing just 1,250kg, the RC F GT3 features a modified version of the RC F’s V8 engine, producing a maximum power output of approximately 397kW. A total of three RC F GT3s will be built for Japan and Europe. In Japan, the LM Corsa team is scheduled to race an RC F GT3 in the Super GT GT300 class.

Lexus Racing’s logo has also been redesigned to promote Lexus’ sports image and the brand’s halo ‘F’ models globally (the RC F and recently announced GS F), and high performance F Sport variants of its CT, NX, IS, GS and LS Lines.
GT GT500 Class