Meet the new 2017 Lexus LC500 Super GT racer, set to compete in the Japanese GT500 Class from next year.
Developed by Lexus Gazoo Racing, the LC500 Super GT will replace the RCF in the Japanese Touring Series.
Unlike the regular production model which is powered by a 5.0-litre V8 engine, the Super GT version will use a twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder direct injection unit producing more than 600hp and paired to a six-speed sequential gearbox.
With GT500 regulations being similar to those in the DTM series, all participants are built upon a bespoke tube frame with the minimum weight set at 1020kg (2248 lbs).
So it may look like an LC500 but as with other modern Touring cars, the resemblance stops somewhere there. The extreme aero with the huge fixed wing, the bulging fenders and the exhaust popping out of the enormous side sills don’t leave much doubt about that.
Lexus says they will start the LC500 Super GT’s development testing this September in order to get it ready for the 2017 racing season.
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