Lexus LC500 Racer Spied Testing with New Twin Turbo V8
Fuji Speedway hosted a test session for the new LC500 endurance racer. Adaptations to the new twin turbo engine are subtle.
Toyota Gazoo Racing is getting very serious with their LC500 race car program. Slated to take a big win at the ADAC Nurburgring 24 hour race, the LC500 is racing this year with a new power-plant. We’ve just come across this video of the car testing at Fuji Speedway, and to be honest, there’s not a whole lot of new things to see.
What we have noticed are subtle changes, most likely to adapt the car to its new turbocharged engine. As with any turbocharged engine, cooling is essential. Not only for the charged air, but also for the fluids as well. Naturally, aero on the 2020 car departs from its predecessor in a number of ways. Up front, a different grille in in use, but much unlike the road going test car we’ve observed already. It is wider, but also has different aero elements nestled within the grille.
The gils just aft of the front wheel are now gone, but he car’s rear wing keeps the swan-neck arrangement from the prior year. In fact, most of the rear aero on the car is identical to the prior years. Perhaps this is the best example of “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.” After all, if the aero wasn’t presenting a problem, focus on the engine as the new variable in the car.
Toyota personnel appeared to be the only folks present at this private test event. Garage No. 20 housed all of the secrecy away from prying eyes. However, open testing occurred during wet and dry conditions. As well, it looks like at one point Toyota was testing “what if” scenarios.
One entrance to the pit lane was done at speed, possibly simulating a pit stop. Perhaps it also could have been a test of how the engine reacts from being shut down while hot. That situation may be critical to observe to prevent coking of the turbochargers. Livery was obviously not present on the car, but it is safe to say Lexus will keep their OE supplier Denso as the main theme on the car.
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