New Pics. Drift Car? (update - old pics from Team Lexus IS350 GT2 car)
03-21-07 | 08:23 PM
#16
Lexus Champion
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,313
Likes: 4
From: NorCal
Hey guys,
Here's the deal. This was going to be one of five new Team Lexus ALMS GT2 IS350's. Three of the cars were built, one was completed and two were in various stages of completion. The whole car with exception to the quarter panels and frame are made from carbon fiber. The wing isn't quite as large as it looks in the rendering but it was made to hold somewhere between 600-650lbs of down force. Hence the size.
The issue was that despite our great relationship with Lexus over the past 9 years, TRD wanted control of our program. Now I'm going to have to beat around the bush on this, but despite all efforts and over a years worth of R&D Lexus decided to shut down the Team Lexus race program indefinately.
Here's the deal. This was going to be one of five new Team Lexus ALMS GT2 IS350's. Three of the cars were built, one was completed and two were in various stages of completion. The whole car with exception to the quarter panels and frame are made from carbon fiber. The wing isn't quite as large as it looks in the rendering but it was made to hold somewhere between 600-650lbs of down force. Hence the size.
The issue was that despite our great relationship with Lexus over the past 9 years, TRD wanted control of our program. Now I'm going to have to beat around the bush on this, but despite all efforts and over a years worth of R&D Lexus decided to shut down the Team Lexus race program indefinately.
This one really broke alot of our hearts. Was really looking forward to seeing these cars in action. Now they are just collecting dust. Just not fair, I tell you!!!
-Will
03-21-07 | 08:36 PM
#17
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,779
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore - Las Vegas
03-21-07 | 08:38 PM
#18
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,779
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore - Las Vegas
There should be some actual pic floating around on CL somewhere. We had a meet at TL in october. I'll try and dig some up. Or just search the old NELOC threads from this past october and check out the aftermath thread.
03-22-07 | 06:16 AM
#25
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 879
Likes: 0
From: SC
the biggest hit for the community was that TL was able to get an amazing 450+ n/a hp out of the engine. obviously it was completely re-worked, but thats a very nice jump.
i almost cried when i heard the info, its a very sad thing.
i almost cried when i heard the info, its a very sad thing.
03-22-07 | 07:43 AM
#26
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,779
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore - Las Vegas
03-22-07 | 07:44 AM
#27
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,779
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore - Las Vegas
Been tried, but regardless of who buys them, without a stamp of approval from Lexus, the cars wouldn't be allowed to run. Sorry but those are the rules of ALMS.
03-22-07 | 10:11 AM
#29
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,779
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore - Las Vegas
It's unknown really. There is still the possibility of a privateer buy if they can get Lexus' stamp of approval. But who knows. There hasn't been much interest due to the fact that they only place these cars can be raced is ALMS (due to chassis mods). So as you can imagine, that limits the scope of who would possibly buy and race the cars.
03-22-07 | 01:28 PM
#30
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (10)
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 13,441
Likes: 1,064
From: Under an IS F since 2008
^^ Just have Chuck cut a check to Lexus for the portion of the cars they own & parts they supplied (if any).
How deep does the RED TAPE run???
They have to at least come to terms that they made a bad decision on their part... why do we all have to suffer!!!!
It would be truly sad if these remained just as paper weights!!
Im sure we can start a "IS350 ALMS Racing Fund" if needed here on Club Lexus !!!!
BTW - here are the rest of the CLEAN pics..!!!
Enjoy
Joe Z
How deep does the RED TAPE run???
They have to at least come to terms that they made a bad decision on their part... why do we all have to suffer!!!!
It would be truly sad if these remained just as paper weights!!
Im sure we can start a "IS350 ALMS Racing Fund" if needed here on Club Lexus !!!!
BTW - here are the rest of the CLEAN pics..!!!
Enjoy
Joe Z
Last edited by Joe Z; 03-22-07 at 01:34 PM. Reason: typo