The ‘Ring’

No, this isn’t the movie. Though I really love that movie, the original version that is. I am talking about the strip that is so popular among tuners and car manufacturers. It’s name is oft-repeated when talks shift to car testing and development. I am talking about Nurburgring. I just did a little research on this strip since this name once again popped out when I did a small research on the Lexus LF-A. I also remembered this strip since I read that the Nissan Skyline GT-R was also tested here.

The Nurburgring is also named as the The Ring by the enthusiasts; and this race track is located in Nurburg, Germany. In its original form, the race track originally featured four track configurations. This race track as mentioned played host to a number of cars in production and most importantly played host to prototypes in development. The demanding layout of the tracks help car manufacturers probe their cars and prototypes. Some of the big names that used this site includes Nissan for their GT-R, Toyota for the Lexus supercar, BMW, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Saleen and also General Motors. General Motors is new to the track and one of the very first models that was tested at the track is the Cadillac CTS-V and the fifth generation Chevrolet Corvette.

Lexus LF-A to Compete with Ferraris/Porsches

When it comes to racing cars and fast cars, two names usually stand out. That’s your Ferraris and the Porches. Porsche and Ferrari has a storied racing heritage in between them. It is believed that their rivalry is ignited by the fact that both brands has a racing background and their production vehicles are of comparable performance as well. Now another name is set to enter the fray. Toyota thru its luxury arm Lexus is set to introduce its own racing car, the Lexus LF-A. And to start its development, the Lexus LF-A supercar is set to enter May’s Nurburgring 24-hour race.

The Lexus LF-A is a concept vehicle of Lexus that integrates the simple elegance of the new Lexus design initiative with the racing-inspired racing. The concept also features sculpted curves and the fluid lines as well. The concept was re-launched in 2007 at the North American International Show in Detroit. When it was unveiled in early 2007, it was announced that the concept car will feature a V10 engine that can deliver more than 500 horsepower. This supercar was unveiled together with the other concept car, the IS-F. Though these two are different concepts, there is actually a similarity that runs in between them. Both used the designation ‘F’ and this label was initially conceived with the project Circle-F where F stands for flagship. The code was initially the name for the Lexus brand. This supercar was initially seen at the 2005 NAIAS; with an intention to be Lexus’ vehicle to traverse new grounds. All along, the Lexus is known for luxury cars but with the development and the introduction of these two cars, it is expected that Lexus is set to take a new direction. The design intention of the LF-A will run thru the lines of L-finesse. The car features a mid-engine and a rear-mounted transaxle and rear-mounted radiators that can allow for an excellent weight distribution. The F logo will be located on each front fender.

A Lexus LF-A prototype is now being tested, and as mentioned one of its intensive development is by way of the Nurburgring track. The prototype is a regular custmoer of the 22km track since the car has been seen in the area in recent months.