GT2 ALMS Lexus IS-F

johntt · 8 Jan 2008, 15:39 (Ref:2101925)

http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080108....le-mans-series

1) 4dr cars are only legal under IMSA ALMS rules aren't they. IIRC ACO only allow 2dr cars.
2) It looks like something out of Need for Speed rather than a proper racing car.

AU N EGL · 8 Jan 2008, 15:57 (Ref:2101937)

That is correct. IMSA will alow 4 door sedans into GT2.

Good Looking car

Jimmy Magnusson · 8 Jan 2008, 16:18 (Ref:2101951)

Looks like an M3 GT2 with 4 doors! Oh my, imagine the debates this will stirr compared to that one...

ThePenguin · 8 Jan 2008, 16:27 (Ref:2101962)

Don't get your hopes too high, because some reports say that it will be racing in DTM, and not ALMS GT2.

NightStalk3r · 8 Jan 2008, 16:35 (Ref:2101973)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThePenguin

Don't get your hopes too high, because some reports say that it will be racing in DTM, and not ALMS GT2.

that article clearly states it wont be compeating in DTM.

Quote:

This Friday at the Tokyo Auto Salon Lexus will pull the covers off their latest IS race car. The IS 350 GT2 is powered by a 470+ hp V6 engine and will compete in the American GT2 LeMans Series and not in the German DTM series as many had hoped here in Europe.

ThePenguin · 8 Jan 2008, 16:38 (Ref:2101977)

Yea, I have seen that, but until it is actually on the grid, I won't have my hopes up.

Speed-King · 8 Jan 2008, 16:42 (Ref:2101982)

Errrm, isn't that the stillborn Team Lexus car from a few years ago?

mariantic · 8 Jan 2008, 16:51 (Ref:2101987)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speed-King

Errrm, isn't that the stillborn Team Lexus car from a few years ago?

It is indeed. But check the other link - this one:-

http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080104....kyo-auto-salon

Interesting?

Mariantic

isynge · 8 Jan 2008, 16:52 (Ref:2101990)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speed-King

Errrm, isn't that the stillborn Team Lexus car from a few years ago?

While sharing a lot of people's healthy skepticism about this the article does at least refer to the stillborn 2006 project, which indicates to me that this is a different initiative.

Will believe it when it's on a grid somewhere, but at least it's a positive good news story.

tblincoe · 8 Jan 2008, 16:56 (Ref:2101996)

The car pictured is the Team Lexus car from '06... the article states that Lexus is set to announce a ALMS program with the IS-F on Friday at the Tokyo Auto Show. I'll remain cautious on this because the article also states the car will compete with a V6 (as in the IS350), when the IS-F has a V8.

**FIRE** · 8 Jan 2008, 17:13 (Ref:2102007)

The orange Team Lexus car is the same as the ALMS GT2 S2 project of 2 years ago.

On the Japanese Lexus site there's a picture of the Lexus IS F Racing Concept:
http://lexus.jp/brand/event/autosalon2008 (click on enter)

This black car looks like a DTM car and not as the Team Lexus GT2 car.

I don't believe the ALMS story.

Justin Moran · 8 Jan 2008, 18:31 (Ref:2102056)

As with all things "new team" related this time of year, I remain open minded and sceptical at the same time. Until it turns a wheel in anger. Then I believe!

Hammerdown · 8 Jan 2008, 18:42 (Ref:2102061)

Well, the bodywork on the black car certainly looks more DTM than GT2 imo.

Marcel ten Caat · 8 Jan 2008, 21:02 (Ref:2102146)

That first link even mentions Sebring on March 15-18. That was the 2006 race.

They also mention stiff competition of the Panoz Esperante and BMW M3(!!!)...lots of rumours based on a 2005/2006 plan, no one seems to have any proof of Lexus' plans with that new car.

Zytek_Fan · 9 Jan 2008, 00:22 (Ref:2102261)

The Lexus plans were abandoned.

There was some grumble that Lexus might try a SC430...or could that American V8 in the Zulltec LMP1 actually be a Lexus? :O

ss_collins · 9 Jan 2008, 00:26 (Ref:2102264)

That black car IS DTM and not GT2 - that aero would not be legal. But it also looks a like a road car with AMG merc bits photoshopped on.

I would not be at all suprised to see Lexus go head to head with Acura

Zytek_Fan · 9 Jan 2008, 00:31 (Ref:2102267)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ss_collins

I would not be at all suprised to see Lexus go head to head with Acura

At this point that is what makes the most sense to me. When they said American V8 it could have meant American style V8...

ss_collins · 9 Jan 2008, 00:34 (Ref:2102269)

I find it highly unlikely that they will be anything to do with Zulltec. But where you find Honda - you tend to find Toyota - look elsewhere

Zytek_Fan · 9 Jan 2008, 00:43 (Ref:2102270)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ss_collins

I find it highly unlikely that they will be anything to do with Zulltec. But where you find Honda - you tend to find Toyota - look elsewhere

No way of telling of if Toyota would want LMP2 or LMP1, but I'm sure Toyota would want to go for overall wins.

Here's my list of speculative possible chassis combinations for Lexus:
I'm going to immediately rule out Courage. I believe Toyota would want something different from what Honda is using.
Lola. Consistant strong challengers.
Radical. Not the most popular chassis. Could be stronger with some more development.
Dallara. Chassis could be called a Lexus, but with Dallara's expertise, they have surely been contacted by Toyota if they are serious. (didn't Dallara build the wonderful GT-One's?)
Last pick is Embassy. Unlikely, but the chassis looks promising for an LMP2 effort.

edit: Just thought of another one. Williams could be a possibility. They already have a good partnership in F1, and Williams can build a good sportscar if the BMW LMR was any indication.

Fogelhund · 9 Jan 2008, 00:44 (Ref:2102271)

I doubt Toyota would look at LMP2, when Acura is headed to P2 in a year. Might as well go to P1, and get started on facing Acura in a year... might as well do it in Europe to start as well.

dxk1 · 9 Jan 2008, 01:42 (Ref:2102285)

Lexus! Toyota! Is this April 1 or is this just Silly Season?

DK

ss_collins · 9 Jan 2008, 01:45 (Ref:2102286)

Quote:

Dallara. Chassis could be called a Lexus, but with Dallara's expertise, they have surely been contacted by Toyota if they are serious. (didn't Dallara build the wonderful GT-One's?)

Dallara not allowed to.

It is silly season (Don't forget Lexus is Toyota) and cars are over due

AU N EGL · 9 Jan 2008, 13:28 (Ref:2102571)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zytek_Fan

At this point that is what makes the most sense to me. When they said American V8 it could have meant American style V8...

TRD designed and built V8?

for LMP, what about a Dom chassis? are they not built in Japan ??

SebringMG · 9 Jan 2008, 13:34 (Ref:2102575)

A full blown P1 programme would most likely be run out of Cologne by the F1 team - why subcontract it when your facilites are better and with the current F1 rules you cannot develop your car / engine like you could before ?

Could not see Toyota even using Lola....never Zulltec!!

A GT2 car on the other hand would like be developed by someone other than europe or Japan.........

johntt · 9 Jan 2008, 13:36 (Ref:2102578)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zytek_Fan

Just thought of another one. Williams could be a possibility. They already have a good partnership in F1, and Williams can build a good sportscar if the BMW LMR was any indication.

Thats what i would expect if Toyota were to go into sportscars. Have Williams build the chassis and TRD make the drivetrain. There were some rumours a while ago about Toyota testing a prototype lmp with a petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain.

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