Lexus CT Hybrid debuts at Green Hell

The legendary Nürburgring will host the racing debut of Lexus’s full hybrid CT today (14 May) – as it competes in the Adenauer ADAC Rundstrecken-Trophy, a six hour enduro, along with 200+ cars. The new wave Lexus CT, competing in the SP4 Class, has been prepped by Gazoo Racing, the motorsport specialists responsible for the incredible paradigm-shifting racing Lexus LFA which has competed in the hardcore Nürburgring 24 Hours. Like its road-going sister CT 200h model, the Gazoo Racing CT features Lexus Hybrid Drive, but with a higher capacity 2.4-litre petrol engine instead of the usual 1.8 unit. Lexus says: "The batteries and hybrid system are identical to the road car. At start-up and under braking, the race car uses just its electric motor, producing zero tailpipe emissions and using no fuel. The combustion engine seamlessly takes over at higher speeds with the electric motor providing extra power when accelerating and at racing speeds. Throughout its operation, the Lexus full hybrid system intelligently selects the most appropriate power source and also captures energy through regenerative braking to charge the battery, which in turn powers the electric motor. Lexus remains the only car manufacturer to compete in major endurance races with full hybrid cars, starting with the Lexus RX 400h which contested the Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2005." Drivers for the GAZOO Racing CT include three experienced pilots: Kumi Sato, a female racer who competed in a Lexus IS 250 in 2008; Masahiko Kageyama, who previously supported Toyota’s vehicle development programme; and Minoru Takaki, who is responsible for production vehicle development. The future of motorsport is here... good luck on the Green Hell Lexus.