Helping the driver see what's going on behind him is the Panasonic rearview camera, which sends video signal to the LCD screen in the cockpit. (The interior resembles more of jet fighter cockpit than the inside of a car.) The dash is made from carbon fiber and covered with any-reflection material, which resembles velvet. The main instrumentation is fixed directly onto the Sparco steering wheel, while the center console and transmission tunnel are covered with miscellaneous switchgear and controls. The big metallic gearlever actuates the Xtrac transmission, while two smaller ones allow the driver to adjust the antiroll bars on the go. An adjustable pedal box helps the driver find the most comfortable setup. The passenger side holds most of the electronic control modules of the car and various timing and data loggers, helping to balance the weight of the driver.
Team Takeuchi with the Shift Lexus IS350 debuted at the second round of the '08 Super GT season. Main driver Takuya Kurosawa, son of legendary race car driver Motoharu Kurosawa, and secondary driver Takuto Iguchi were all ready to go, but the car was unable to qualify due to some delays in getting it ready in time. The car returned at Round 3 in Fuji Speedway, where in its debut run qualified 20th with a time of 1'55"243. The race didn't go too well as the car retired due to some trouble. The next round in Sepang will hopefully go better for the Team Takeuchi guys as little gremlins have been worked out.
Specs
Engine
RV8J naturally aspirated V-8
2,997.6cc
93mm x 55.16mm (bore x stroke)
24.8mm air restrictors
Carbon roof scoop airbox with panel filter
Straight-through twin exhaust system
Custom racing fuel tank with double high-pressure side-mounted filler valves
Wako's engine oil
Transmission
Xtrac six-speed sequential transaxle gearbox
AP Racing clutch
Suspension/Brakes
Quantum fully adjustable dampers
Various combinations of springs
Double wishbone layout with pushrod damper mounts
Adjustable antiroll bars
AP Racing six-pot monoblock racing calipers (front)
380mm two-piece slotted rotors (front)
AP Racing four-pot racing calipers (rear)
ø355mm two-piece slotted rotors (rear)
Single nut hubs