Lexus confirms interest in joining V8 Supercars

Lexus has confirmed its interest in joining the V8 Supercars and has participated in “high level” discussions to join the Australian touring car racing series.

The V8 Supercars grid currently consists of Holden, Ford, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. With the global launch of the Lexus RC F earlier this year, the brand is keen to race the RC F in the championship.

Lexus Australia chief executive Sean Hanley said the introduction of a brand new 5.0-litre V8-engined RC F road car sparked his interest in participating in the series.

“We’ve had very high-level discussions with V8 Supercars,” Hanley said at the Australian launch of the Lexus RC 350 in Melbourne. “V8 Supercars never approached me, any interest we have shown has come from Lexus. We intitiated a high-level discussion.

“It is certainly something we’re examining. Are we interested? The truth is yes we are [and] frankly we think that RC F may suit that landscape in the future.

“I think the direction that Lexus is going in terms of great design and performance, a coupe V8 … that that association can show off further the Lexus performance credentials. Are we planning to enter should those eligibility changes go our way? Not necessarily.”

Lexus took the wraps of the RC F GT3 racing concept in June this year. Poised to begin vehicle testing this year, Lexus will supply GT3-compliant race cars starting in 2015. If Lexus makes the jump for the V8 Supercars, the RC F GT3 racer could spawn an entrant for the racing series.

Based on the RC F sports coupe, the RC F GT3 concept is wider, lower, and has been lightened to 1,250kg. Equipped with a modified version of the RC F’s 5.0 V8 engine, Lexus claims the GT3 will have a maximum output of over 397kW (540hp). The road-going RC F boasts over 330kW (450hp) of power and 520Nm of torque.