What car does Lexus race?
Lexus races primarily through Toyota Gazoo Racing, running race-prepared machines such as the LC 500 GT500 in Super GT and the RC F GT3 in GT3 competition. The brand itself does not typically maintain a standalone factory team for every series, instead working within the Toyota performance umbrella to compete on multiple fronts.
How Lexus competes on the global stage
Within the world of professional motorsport, Lexus operates as part of Toyota’s broader racing program, leveraging two main platforms that align with major international championships. The LC 500 GT500 targets Japan’s Super GT series, while the RC F GT3 is used by customer and privateer teams in various GT3 competitions around the world.
Current active Lexus-branded race cars used in competition:
- Lexus RC F GT3 — a GT3-spec race car developed for customer teams to compete in international GT3 championships around the world.
- Lexus LC 500 GT500 — the GT500-class race car built for the Super GT series in Japan, representing Lexus in the top level of that championship.
These two cars illustrate the brand’s primary active platforms in professional racing today, reflecting a focus on GT3 and GT500 formats within the Toyota Gazoo Racing ecosystem.
Broader context and history
Beyond the current GT3 and GT500 programs, Lexus’ racing footprint is tied to Gazoo Racing’s wider motorsport strategy under Toyota. The broader endurance racing program in the FIA World Endurance Championship has used Toyota-badged machines such as the TS050 Hybrid and subsequently the GR010 Hybrid, under the Toyota Gazoo Racing banner rather than Lexus branding. In the early 2010s, Gazoo Racing also explored LFA-based concepts for GT1-class competition before refocusing on GT3/GT500 and the broader Toyota endurance program. Those historical efforts helped shape the current Lexus racing lineup, even as the badge itself remains most visible in GT3 and GT500 once more.
Summary
In short, Lexus races as part of Toyota Gazoo Racing, with the RC F GT3 and LC 500 GT500 serving as the brand’s primary current race cars. The racing program is integrated into a broader Toyota performance strategy that includes endurance Racing under the Gazoo Racing umbrella, illustrating how a luxury brand participates in high-level motorsport through collaboration rather than a standalone, single-model factory team.
What car does Lexus race with?
Lexus RC F GT3
Lexus competes in sports car racing with the Lexus RC F GT3, helping to develop technologies, capabilities, and components to be implemented on track and into production vehicles.
What's faster, RC F or LC500?
The RC F, especially the Track Edition, has many aerodynamic features to assist it. Perhaps this is why the LC 500 does the sprint in 4.4 seconds. That's a bit longer than the RC F with 4.2 seconds or the RC F Track Edition with 3.96 seconds.
Does Lexus have any sports cars?
Yes, Lexus makes sports cars, including the coupe and convertible models like the LC and RC, as well as the performance-oriented sedans in its IS 500 F SPORT Performance line. These models are available in various trims, such as the high-performance RC F and can be found in the F SPORT and F SPORT Performance lineups.
Key Lexus sports car models
- Lexus LC: A luxury coupe or convertible known for its style and a 471-horsepower V8 engine.
- Lexus RC: Available in different trims like the standard RC 350 F SPORT and the higher-performance RC F. The RC F offers a 472-horsepower V8 engine and a 0-60 mph time of just 4.2 seconds.
- Lexus IS: The IS 500 F SPORT Performance is a sports sedan that can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.
- F SPORT and F SPORT Performance: These are performance-oriented trim levels that can be found on various Lexus models, offering enhanced features and a more thrilling driving experience compared to standard models.
Does Lexus have a F1 team?
Lexus F1 Team. A MMS team from Vancouver, British Colombia. Relocated to Nagoya and Chibi, Japan. Lexus F1 Team is a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Company competing in the MMS.
