Lexus Anticipates American Le Mans Series Debut As New Is 350 Gt2 Nears Completion
05-13-06, 08:04 AM
#1
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Lexus Anticipates American Le Mans Series Debut As New Is 350 Gt2 Nears Completion
Testing of the Lexus IS 350 GT2 is expected to begin soon with a possible American Le Mans Series debut in July.
Photo courtesy of Planit.
TORRANCE, Calif., – Since Lexus' announcement in December that Team Lexus will field two IS 350s in the 2006 American Le Mans Series' GT2 class, the team has been hard at work preparing the cars for their first racing season. The new cars will challenge GT2-class stalwarts Porsche and Panoz while taking on new entries from Ferrari and BMW.
"Although we'd love to be racing this weekend in Houston, building a new, competitive, GT2 car from the ground up is a complex undertaking," said Team Lexus owner Chuck Goldsborough. "Our team has been working very hard to design and build the new cars, with inevitable challenges along the way. Once complete, the task of development then starts and must ramp up very quickly."
The level of GT2 American Le Mans Series competition underscores the challenges inherent in building a sedan to compete on even terms. Top GT2 competitors include the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Ferrari F430GT, Panoz Esperante GTLM and BMW M3—all formidable cars.
With its production-based V6 providing more than 450 hp to propel a race car weighing less than 2,800 lbs., the new IS 350 GT2 promises to be plenty quick. The car also will retain its double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, suitably modified for the task and tuned to work with the large BBS-mounted Michelin racing slicks. StopTech will provide an upgraded brake package.
The team expects to begin testing in the next few weeks with the goal of a race debut in July. But the final decision on race timing will be based on test and development program results. "With the majority of the American Le Mans Series schedule taking place after July 1, it simply makes sense to be patient and develop the car properly," said Philip Gaviola, Lexus motorsports manager. "And with the caliber of competition in the GT2 class, it's going to be a steep learning curve regardless of when the IS 350 makes its debut."
source : americanlemans.com
05-13-06, 01:02 PM
#7
Originally Posted by knihc2008
Does anyone know what the story is behind a luxury manufacturer like Lexus choosing orange as their racing color?
They wanted to make it stand out I believe. I know there is a explanation behind the color choice in the past from Team Lexus. Would you have preferred GFM?
Looking great! Can't wait for the next update in LEXUS Magazine.
Last edited by pocky; 05-13-06 at 01:07 PM.
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05-13-06, 02:20 PM
#9
Originally Posted by KuyaPatz
holy crap. why are those fenders sooo wide? how wide are those turning wheels supposed to be?
This is taken from Lexus Magazine.
"American Le Mans Series rules dictate that wheels be covered. So Team Lexus flares the fenders to accommodate the fat Michelin racing slicks used on the track. The design of fender flares must be aerodynamic while at the same time permitting easy access during pit stops."
05-13-06, 04:04 PM
#10
Originally Posted by pocky
Well my lame and stupid answer would be "uhh, cause it's a race car"
This is taken from Lexus Magazine.
"American Le Mans Series rules dictate that wheels be covered. So Team Lexus flares the fenders to accommodate the fat Michelin racing slicks used on the track. The design of fender flares must be aerodynamic while at the same time permitting easy access during pit stops."
This is taken from Lexus Magazine.
"American Le Mans Series rules dictate that wheels be covered. So Team Lexus flares the fenders to accommodate the fat Michelin racing slicks used on the track. The design of fender flares must be aerodynamic while at the same time permitting easy access during pit stops."
sweet thanks
05-13-06, 04:53 PM
#11
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Hey Guys,
My name is L. Alfred Taylor III, but on the forums I go by the name Apex84. I am the public relations and marketing manager for Team Lexus, and I would be happy to answer questions regarding the car, so long as answering your questions are NOT compromising to the development of our racing program.
We all hope you enjoy the photos and and we will try to keep you guys up to date (again so long as its not compromising to the development of our race program). We can't wait to get out there on the track with this new IS, and we would like to see you guys there and at LexFest 06.
****
L. Alfred Taylor III
Public Relations & Marketing Manager
Team Lexus
My name is L. Alfred Taylor III, but on the forums I go by the name Apex84. I am the public relations and marketing manager for Team Lexus, and I would be happy to answer questions regarding the car, so long as answering your questions are NOT compromising to the development of our racing program.
We all hope you enjoy the photos and and we will try to keep you guys up to date (again so long as its not compromising to the development of our race program). We can't wait to get out there on the track with this new IS, and we would like to see you guys there and at LexFest 06.
****
L. Alfred Taylor III
Public Relations & Marketing Manager
Team Lexus
05-13-06, 06:19 PM
#12
Originally Posted by Apex84
Hey Guys,
My name is L. Alfred Taylor III, but on the forums I go by the name Apex84. I am the public relations and marketing manager for Team Lexus, and I would be happy to answer questions regarding the car, so long as answering your questions are NOT compromising to the development of our racing program.
We all hope you enjoy the photos and and we will try to keep you guys up to date (again so long as its not compromising to the development of our race program). We can't wait to get out there on the track with this new IS, and we would like to see you guys there and at LexFest 06.
****
L. Alfred Taylor III
Public Relations & Marketing Manager
Team Lexus
My name is L. Alfred Taylor III, but on the forums I go by the name Apex84. I am the public relations and marketing manager for Team Lexus, and I would be happy to answer questions regarding the car, so long as answering your questions are NOT compromising to the development of our racing program.
We all hope you enjoy the photos and and we will try to keep you guys up to date (again so long as its not compromising to the development of our race program). We can't wait to get out there on the track with this new IS, and we would like to see you guys there and at LexFest 06.
****
L. Alfred Taylor III
Public Relations & Marketing Manager
Team Lexus
Sooooo........................Can I drive it?
Okay okay, that was a stupid question. Here is one.
Could you please tell us the decisions that Team Lexus made to go forth with using the factory automatic transmssion? Will it be modified to fit the needs of the new 450+ V6 engine? Will it still have a "Torque Converter"?
05-13-06, 09:07 PM
#14
Will there be any engine mods from this racing that will be available to us? BTW, what are the major mods to the NA engine that gives it so much HP? I would love my IS350 to have even 400 HP. 
