Lexus, Lexus LF-A, Lexus Videos, Nurburgring, Racing, Reports, Video

It takes a lot of confidence to name a special edition of your car after the most demanding and famous circuit in the world. Even if said car is not some run-of-mill model, but a limited edition supercar. Enter the world of the LFA Nürburgring Edition, a track-oriented, hardcore version of the already awesome V10-powered Lexus supercar.

According to Tweets from Lexus Europe, the LFA lapped the Nordschleife in 7 minutes and 14 seconds making it the fourth fastest production car on the 'Ring (according to Wikipedia's record book).

This happened during a customer meeting between September 1-2, and the brave and obviously very competent driver behind the wheel was Lexus test driver Akira Iida.

Lexus said it will soon post a video of the record breaking run, but for now, take a look at a few videos of the Japanese supercar running around the 'Ring including the LFA’s previous fast lap of the ‘Ring.

Just bear in mind that Iida-San’s lap time was a full 8.85 seconds faster than that the previous fastest lap recorded in the LFA.

Story Sources: Lexus via LexusEnthusiast

Lexus CT200h Debut at the legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit

The Lexus CT200h compact hybrid will debut in racing car guise at an endurance race this weekend at the legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit. Entered by Gazoo Racing, the same organization that races the Lexus LFA, the CT200h will compete in the Adenauer ADAC Rundstrecken-Trophy. Around 200 cars will line up at the start of the six hour-race.

The Gazoo Racing CT features the Japanese automaker’s Lexus Hybrid Drive, but has a larger capacity 2.4-liter petrol engine instead of the factory 1.8-liter unit for better performance. At start-up and during braking, the car uses only the electric motor, consuming no fuel and therefore producing zero emissions. The internal combustion engine takes over at higher speeds, with the electric motor providing extra power under acceleration and at racing speeds.

The race car shares with the road-going CT200h the batteries and hybrid system, with the latter selecting the most appropriate power sources and capturing energy through regenerative braking to charge the battery so that the electric motor never runs out of juice.

According to Lexus, the Gazoo Racing CT requires less fuel and emits less CO2 and NOx gases than any equivalent petrol or diesel race car it will compete with. The car will be entered in the SP4 Class and will be driven by three experienced pilots: Kumi Sato, Masahiko Kageyama and Minoru Takaki.

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SCOOP: New Audi RS4 Avant Snagged Testing on the Nurburgring

It looks like Audi has set its mind to fill all the performance niches in the premium category. Following news on the development of a hot S6 based on the latest iteration of Ingolstadt’s executive mid-size model, our man with the long lens has caught a prototype version of the upcoming RS4 Avant testing around the Nurburgring race track.

Even though the prototype is a test mule based on the S4 Avant, there are certain elements that tell us there’s something different about this model. These include the heavily blistered front and rear wheel arches housing the same dark 20-inch alloy rims found on the RS5 Coupe, as well as a modified front bumper with different air vents to supply additional cooling to the engine.

Talking about the engine, it is believed that Audi will make use of the same hardware as the RS5 Coupe. That means the RS4 Avant should get a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 churning out 450HP at 8,250 rpm along with 430Nm (317.15 lb-ft) of peak torque between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm.

Power will be transferred to all-four wheels through a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission and Audi’s upgraded quattro system, which splits torque 40:60 front to rear under normal driving conditions, with the capability of sending up to 70 percent to the front or as much as 85 percent toward the rear end, if necessary.

Naturally, the RS4 Avant will get an upgraded chassis with beefed-up suspension, brake and steering bits, as well as a more aggressive aero package with model-specific parts and the usual interior goodies such as bucket sport seats, bespoke instruments and trim.

It remains to be seen if Audi’s plans will also include an RS4 sedan or if the company from Ingolstadt keeps the range limited to the Avant model.

Look for the RS4 Avant to make its world premiere at a major international car show next year.

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Back to the Future: Formula One Racecar Lapping the Nürburgring Circuit in 1967

The Nürburgring circuit is called “The Green Hell” for a good reason. Measuring 24.4 km (15.2 miles) in today’s combined version that uses a part of the Formula 1 track, it’s not an easy circuit to master. Complete a fast lap was even more difficult in the late ’60, when Formula 1 was nowhere near the high-tech parade it represents now. Back then, fearless drivers raced cars with skinny tires that had very few, if any safety features and weren't exactly easy to drive.

Check out the video after the break to see 1967 Formula 1 car running the Green Hell. At the time, the Nordschleife measured 22.8 km (14.2 miles) and had 174 turns.

By Csaba Daradics

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Real Life Red Bull X1 to be Shown at GT5 Launch Party in Madrid

We were quite impressed with the virtual Red Bull X1 Prototype, the fastest car in the upcoming fifth installment of the Gran Turismo series. This time, Evo Magazine reveals that Red Bull has decided to build a scale model, which will be shown at the GT5 launch party in Madrid, in a few weeks time.

As previously reported, the virtual X1 will feature a twin-turbocharged 3-liter V6 engine, producing 1,483 hp (1,106 kW) and – new piece of information – 526 lb-ft (713 Nm) of torque.

According to Red Bull's older press release, the X1 can reach 60 mph (96 km/h) in a mind-boggling 1.4 seconds, 120 mph (193 km/h) in 2.8 seconds and last but not least, 200 mph (320 km/h) in a mere 6.1 seconds.

Should by any chance the X1 become a reality, an important question arises: who will dare pilot this thing as it can effortlessly generate 8.25 Gs during cornering?

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Evo Magazine, Via: GT Planet

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VIDEO: Red Bull X1 is the Fastest Car in Gran Turismo 5

The Red Bull X1 will be the fastest car in Sony's forthcoming Gran Turismo 5 - that is, if the game ever comes out… To prove this, Sebastian Vettel was asked to do a lap of the Nürburgring race track. As you'd expect, it was done in record time and you can witness it by watching the video after the break.
This is all fine and dandy, but the X1 doesn't exist in real life. However, the science behind it is very real, so, if it were to be built, it would be the fastest vehicle on Earth. Let's check out some [virtual] facts and numbers.
On paper, the X1 measures 0.98 m (38.58 inches) tall, 2.18 m (85.82 inches) wide and 4.75m (187 inches) long - or about the same length as an average family sedan.
Power comes from a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that produces in theory 1,483 hp (1,106 kW) at an equally astonishing 15,000 rpm! That's right: 283 horses more than the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport.
To say that something this powerful is fast is an understatement. The X1 could easily reach 450 km/h or 280 mph, while the Veyron Super Sport maxes out at 431 km/h or 267 mph. Then again, that's in real life...
As for the other performance figures; 0-60 (0-96 km/h) comes in 1.4 seconds; 0-120 mph (0-193 km/h) in 2.8 seconds and 0-200 mph (0-320 km/h) in a truly incredible 6.1 seconds.
These numbers are a possibility because the X1 is not just insanely powerful, but also very light. According to the designers, it tips the scales at a mere 615 kg (1,356 lbs) - almost on par with a 1959 MINI, or with Mark Webber's weight, when cornering at 300 km/h (186 mph) and enduring 8.25Gs! Oh man, that is jet fighter territory! Oh, you really have to build this Red Bull, you really do.
By Csaba Daradics

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VIDEO: 1970 Dodge Challenger Taken to Triple-Digit Speeds on the Autobahn

Now here's a dream come true: taking an old-school muscle car - in this case, a black 1970 Dodge Challenger - out on the Autobahn and winding it out. This bad-to-the-bone vintage ride appears to have been lightly modified or restored so as to not rattle to pieces, although there's no way of knowing for sure until the owner drops us a line (do it, 66PaleRider).

Whoever the driver is, there's no denying that the long-haired fiend has got a pair; pushing old muscle up to 130+ mph in any instance has been known to get a little shaky. The last time yours truly tried such a feat in the old Stang, I recall a trail of white smoke about a mile long and desperately seeking an off ramp (but man was it fun).

Repair results were better than expected, but the lesson was loud and clear: unrestored 289s have a bit of trouble getting up higher than 90 and shouldn't be pushed. In the case of this '70 Challenger, though, we see that's not really the case.

Enjoy the vids below, and if anyone knows some info about the car, send it on over. I smell a feature.

By Phil Alex

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