Lexus and Gazoo Racing have announced they will be entering a modified Lexus CT 200h race car into this year’s VLN (Veranstaltergemeinschaft Langstreckenpokal Nürburgring) Nurburgring championship series.
Competing in the SP4 class of the series, Gazoo Racing will prepare a CT 200h with racing suspension, a comprehensive carbon fibre aerodynamics kit including a new front splitter, and a new powerplant to give the little Lexus a more competitive edge.
Fitted with a 2.4-litre petrol engine as well as an electric hybrid setup borrowed from the HS 250h, the Gazoo Racing CT 200h will produce a total output of 139kW, compared with the standard car’s 1.8-litre hybrid package with a combined power of 100kW.
Lexus says the special race car will require less fuel and emit less harmful emissions compared with other race cars in its class. In the longer races, Lexus hopes the range will put up a decent challenge for its rivals throughout the series.
The Gazoo Racing Lexus CT 200h has just raced in its first event on weekend which comprised a six-hour long endurance competition on the famous Nurburgring, placing 108th overall out of 127 finishers. The car was driven by Kumi Sato, Masahiko Kageyama, and Minoru Takaki.
