Q&A with Team Lexus HERE
05-19-06, 10:12 AM
#1
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Q&A with Team Lexus HERE
Leroy Taylor, the marketing manager of Team Lexus (as well as the primary Team Lexus member who works with me to help plan Lexfest) has graciously offered to do a Q&A with ClubLexus members.
Just post your questions here about Team Lexus, the new GT2 car (pictured above) etc and he'll try to answer your questions.
Please keep in mind that there may be some questions he cannot fully answer due to the confidentiality / competitive nature of the business.
05-19-06, 11:10 AM
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Leory posts with the screen name Apex84.
Testing of the Lexus IS 350 GT2 is expected to begin soon with a possible American Le Mans Series debut in July.
Photo courtesy of Planit.
TORRANCE, Calif., – Since Lexus' announcement in December that Team Lexus will field two IS 350s in the 2006 American Le Mans Series' GT2 class, the team has been hard at work preparing the cars for their first racing season. The new cars will challenge GT2-class stalwarts Porsche and Panoz while taking on new entries from Ferrari and BMW.
"Although we'd love to be racing this weekend in Houston, building a new, competitive, GT2 car from the ground up is a complex undertaking," said Team Lexus owner Chuck Goldsborough. "Our team has been working very hard to design and build the new cars, with inevitable challenges along the way. Once complete, the task of development then starts and must ramp up very quickly."
The level of GT2 American Le Mans Series competition underscores the challenges inherent in building a sedan to compete on even terms. Top GT2 competitors include the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Ferrari F430GT, Panoz Esperante GTLM and BMW M3—all formidable cars.
With its production-based V6 providing more than 450 hp to propel a race car weighing less than 2,800 lbs., the new IS 350 GT2 promises to be plenty quick. The car also will retain its double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, suitably modified for the task and tuned to work with the large BBS-mounted Michelin racing slicks. StopTech will provide an upgraded brake package.
The team expects to begin testing in the next few weeks with the goal of a race debut in July. But the final decision on race timing will be based on test and development program results. "With the majority of the American Le Mans Series schedule taking place after July 1, it simply makes sense to be patient and develop the car properly," said Philip Gaviola, Lexus motorsports manager. "And with the caliber of competition in the GT2 class, it's going to be a steep learning curve regardless of when the IS 350 makes its debut."
source : americanlemans.com
Originally Posted by LexArazzo
Testing of the Lexus IS 350 GT2 is expected to begin soon with a possible American Le Mans Series debut in July.
Photo courtesy of Planit.
TORRANCE, Calif., – Since Lexus' announcement in December that Team Lexus will field two IS 350s in the 2006 American Le Mans Series' GT2 class, the team has been hard at work preparing the cars for their first racing season. The new cars will challenge GT2-class stalwarts Porsche and Panoz while taking on new entries from Ferrari and BMW.
"Although we'd love to be racing this weekend in Houston, building a new, competitive, GT2 car from the ground up is a complex undertaking," said Team Lexus owner Chuck Goldsborough. "Our team has been working very hard to design and build the new cars, with inevitable challenges along the way. Once complete, the task of development then starts and must ramp up very quickly."
The level of GT2 American Le Mans Series competition underscores the challenges inherent in building a sedan to compete on even terms. Top GT2 competitors include the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Ferrari F430GT, Panoz Esperante GTLM and BMW M3—all formidable cars.
With its production-based V6 providing more than 450 hp to propel a race car weighing less than 2,800 lbs., the new IS 350 GT2 promises to be plenty quick. The car also will retain its double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, suitably modified for the task and tuned to work with the large BBS-mounted Michelin racing slicks. StopTech will provide an upgraded brake package.
The team expects to begin testing in the next few weeks with the goal of a race debut in July. But the final decision on race timing will be based on test and development program results. "With the majority of the American Le Mans Series schedule taking place after July 1, it simply makes sense to be patient and develop the car properly," said Philip Gaviola, Lexus motorsports manager. "And with the caliber of competition in the GT2 class, it's going to be a steep learning curve regardless of when the IS 350 makes its debut."
source : americanlemans.com
05-19-06, 11:37 AM
#3
Speaks French in Russian
Wow, this is pretty cool. 
We had a thread awhile back asking us about the Team Lexus colors and if we felt that the color scheme should be updated. It was stated that the colors will stay the same, but more than likely incorporate a different design. One member also asked if we will see a production IS350 with the Team Lexus Orange color. Are there any new developments about this?
I am under the impression that the engine you are using is completely N/A. Probably won't be able to answer this, but I will throw it out there anyway. What modifications to the engine and transmission were done in order for the 3.5L to reach 470+hp?
How confident are you with using an automatic transmission compared to your competitors who mostly use manual transmissions in this class? Do you think you have an advantage over the competition?
We had a thread awhile back asking us about the Team Lexus colors and if we felt that the color scheme should be updated. It was stated that the colors will stay the same, but more than likely incorporate a different design. One member also asked if we will see a production IS350 with the Team Lexus Orange color. Are there any new developments about this?
I am under the impression that the engine you are using is completely N/A. Probably won't be able to answer this, but I will throw it out there anyway. What modifications to the engine and transmission were done in order for the 3.5L to reach 470+hp?
How confident are you with using an automatic transmission compared to your competitors who mostly use manual transmissions in this class? Do you think you have an advantage over the competition?
05-19-06, 01:16 PM
#4
G35x - RWD/AWD goodness
It’s great that we are so fortunate to have a direct channel to our favorite racing team. 
Membership (in ClubLexus) truly does have its privileges! 
Once aerodynamic testing has finished, and you are happy with the body kit you have on the new IS, will you be offering the kit for sale to the general public, licensing it for manufacture from a body kit company, or will you be keeping it all to yourselves?
Membership (in ClubLexus) truly does have its privileges! Once aerodynamic testing has finished, and you are happy with the body kit you have on the new IS, will you be offering the kit for sale to the general public, licensing it for manufacture from a body kit company, or will you be keeping it all to yourselves?
05-19-06, 01:37 PM
#5
Here is a question I've always wondered about.
Lexus has always been criticized for their numb and light steering. How did Team Lexus tackle this so that the steering becomes more "race-like"? Did Team lexus completely replaced the steering mechanism with something else or was it left untouched?
Lexus has always been criticized for their numb and light steering. How did Team Lexus tackle this so that the steering becomes more "race-like"? Did Team lexus completely replaced the steering mechanism with something else or was it left untouched?
05-19-06, 03:29 PM
#6
Lexus Test Driver
Naturally, since there are many variables and issues to work out when competing in a brand new league with a brand new car, what are Team Lexus's goals for this season? Also, was TL aware when you first started the project that the already stiff-competition would expand to include a race-prepared Ferarri?
Good luck Team Lexus!!
Good luck Team Lexus!!
05-19-06, 03:31 PM
#7
Fantastic!
This kind of interaction with the manufacturers is what makes ClubLexus one of the best online enthusiast communuties! A big heartfelt thanks to all who make this possible.
For Team Lexus:
Welcome!
Here are a few fun questions:
"British Racing Green" is a legendary color that has graced a variety of British race cars throughout motorsports history. What's the story behind the Team Lexus Orange color? Will this become a recurring theme for future Team Lexus race vehicles?
Team Lexus faces quite a few new obstacles in the highly competitive GT2 class. With a completely new chassis and an undoubtedly larger budget for this racing series, what other changes should we expect to see happening within Team Lexus?
Everyone here strongly supports Lexus and loves the new Lexus lineup and upcoming LF-A supercar. Since the Tanabe USA facility is right next door to Toyota / Lexus National Headquarters, any chance we can get our hands on an LF-A to play with? (We are right off of the southern entrance on Western Way)
Good luck!
This kind of interaction with the manufacturers is what makes ClubLexus one of the best online enthusiast communuties! A big heartfelt thanks to all who make this possible.
For Team Lexus:
Welcome!
Here are a few fun questions:
"British Racing Green" is a legendary color that has graced a variety of British race cars throughout motorsports history. What's the story behind the Team Lexus Orange color? Will this become a recurring theme for future Team Lexus race vehicles?
Team Lexus faces quite a few new obstacles in the highly competitive GT2 class. With a completely new chassis and an undoubtedly larger budget for this racing series, what other changes should we expect to see happening within Team Lexus?
Everyone here strongly supports Lexus and loves the new Lexus lineup and upcoming LF-A supercar. Since the Tanabe USA facility is right next door to Toyota / Lexus National Headquarters, any chance we can get our hands on an LF-A to play with?
(We are right off of the southern entrance on Western Way)Good luck!
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05-19-06, 04:20 PM
#8
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Originally Posted by magneto112
I am under the impression that the engine you are using is completely N/A. Probably won't be able to answer this, but I will throw it out there anyway. What modifications to the engine and transmission were done in order for the 3.5L to reach 470+hp?
1) As Magneto mentions, I'm very curious if any sort of forced induction is being used to reach the higher HP levels? What compression?
2) Is your engine builder for the new motor the same as we toured last year at Lexfest (Quicksilver?)?
3) What direct input do you get from the Lexus engineers (both for engine and suspension) when creating the purpose built racecar? Is Team Lexus 'on its own' do make the race-ready car or do the original creators of the car participate at all.
4) Is there any formal feedback that Team Lexus gives to Lexus Corp on tweaks either for power, handling or even aerodynamics that make a significant difference in the car? I'd guess this may be more applicable for the prior Rolex Series cars as they're marginally closer to stock trim.
5) How many Team Lexus GT2 cars have been built?
05-19-06, 10:54 PM
#9
this is very nice!!!!!!1
1) with the way lexus is tuning the engine on the gt2, does lexus still have high confidence on the reliability? and could this car and engine / suspension setup be any clues to potential future performance version of the new IS, something that will compete with m-series or amg? or lexus has a different department taking it in a different direction?
1) with the way lexus is tuning the engine on the gt2, does lexus still have high confidence on the reliability? and could this car and engine / suspension setup be any clues to potential future performance version of the new IS, something that will compete with m-series or amg? or lexus has a different department taking it in a different direction?
05-22-06, 07:47 AM
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This is still a good chance of changing the layout of the color scheme by adding a secondary color, but that is 50/50 right now. Inregards to a Team Lexus Edition IS, the idea has been pitched and hopefully Lexus will swing at it, but thats all I can say in respect to that (hint, hint). Though I CANNOT disclose anything about power or displacement, yes we are firmly confident in our automatic transmissions standing up to the competition by utilizing paddle shift technology. But I cannot comment on that any further.
05-22-06, 07:52 AM
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Originally Posted by GSteg
Here is a question I've always wondered about.
Lexus has always been criticized for their numb and light steering. How did Team Lexus tackle this so that the steering becomes more "race-like"? Did Team lexus completely replaced the steering mechanism with something else or was it left untouched?
Lexus has always been criticized for their numb and light steering. How did Team Lexus tackle this so that the steering becomes more "race-like"? Did Team lexus completely replaced the steering mechanism with something else or was it left untouched?
To better answer your question, could you be more specific inregards to which of our cars. With our drift IS 300 we modified our lower ball joints to increase our steering angle, but all of our past cars have left the steering mechanism pretty much untouched.
05-22-06, 02:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Tanabe USA
Fantastic!
This kind of interaction with the manufacturers is what makes ClubLexus one of the best online enthusiast communuties! A big heartfelt thanks to all who make this possible.
For Team Lexus:
Welcome!
Here are a few fun questions:
"British Racing Green" is a legendary color that has graced a variety of British race cars throughout motorsports history. What's the story behind the Team Lexus Orange color? Will this become a recurring theme for future Team Lexus race vehicles?
Team Lexus faces quite a few new obstacles in the highly competitive GT2 class. With a completely new chassis and an undoubtedly larger budget for this racing series, what other changes should we expect to see happening within Team Lexus?
Everyone here strongly supports Lexus and loves the new Lexus lineup and upcoming LF-A supercar. Since the Tanabe USA facility is right next door to Toyota / Lexus National Headquarters, any chance we can get our hands on an LF-A to play with? (We are right off of the southern entrance on Western Way)
Good luck!
This kind of interaction with the manufacturers is what makes ClubLexus one of the best online enthusiast communuties! A big heartfelt thanks to all who make this possible.
For Team Lexus:
Welcome!
Here are a few fun questions:
"British Racing Green" is a legendary color that has graced a variety of British race cars throughout motorsports history. What's the story behind the Team Lexus Orange color? Will this become a recurring theme for future Team Lexus race vehicles?
Team Lexus faces quite a few new obstacles in the highly competitive GT2 class. With a completely new chassis and an undoubtedly larger budget for this racing series, what other changes should we expect to see happening within Team Lexus?
Everyone here strongly supports Lexus and loves the new Lexus lineup and upcoming LF-A supercar. Since the Tanabe USA facility is right next door to Toyota / Lexus National Headquarters, any chance we can get our hands on an LF-A to play with?
(We are right off of the southern entrance on Western Way)Good luck!
Make no mistake, ALMS GT2 is a very competitive class that is more demanding than anything we've done in the past. So we WILL be much more efficent, quicker, educated, and presentable in every possible aspect than ever before.
Oh and sure we can help you with acquiring an LF-A. Just kidding, that car is the best kept secret out there. Will second best next to our new GT2 IS 350s.
05-22-06, 02:19 PM
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Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX
Is there any plans to bring the blue IS (the Team Lexus one) with the BBS wheels and Stoptechs to the market as a special editon?
What has the compeititon said about Team Lexus entering GT2 competiton? Are they looking closely or not taking it serious?
What has the compeititon said about Team Lexus entering GT2 competiton? Are they looking closely or not taking it serious?
Yes the competition is taking us VERY seriously. As to how and what measures they've taken in finding out information cannot be disclosed.