German Car Zone

The Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) race series is a tight and contentious one, populated solely by Mercedes-Benz and Audi since 2005. While the two-marque seasons have made for some very heated competition, the fans and the series itself would like to see another maker enter the fray. Lexus may be doing just that, if pictures of its new IS-F Racing Concept, which seem to show a car conforming to DTM specifications, prove to be accurate.

The chances that the car could be designed for almost any other racing series are slim, since the aerodynamic configuration of the DTM-series cars is rather distinctive. No details on the car itself have been revealed. In fact, the only picture available is from Lexus’ mini-site for the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon. Nevertheless, from what is visible in the picture - from the wider wheelbase to the front and rear canards - the Lexus IS-F Racing Concept is almost certainly a DTM-spec machine. But whatever the outcome, it takes some serious cojones to even contemplate bringing the fight to the Germans on their home turf.

There remains a possibility that it could be a Japanese Super GT racer - Lexus already competes in that series, and the IS-F could be an answer to Nissan’s replacement of its 350Z-based racer with the GT-R. However, apart from the lowered right height and widened stance, the IS-F Racing Concept shares very little in common with the Super GT GT500 class racers it would be competing against.

We’ll know some time after January 11th - when the Tokyo Auto Salon opens its doors - exactly what the IS-F Racing Concept is intended to do, but until then we’ll have to make do with conjecture and speculation based on fuzzy pictures and even fuzzier logic.


Source: Motor Authority >> Lexus planning IS-F DTM entry?

I'm guessing it's either just a concept or a prototype for some Japanese racing series. Dunno why but I doubt the DTM possibility.

I say go for it. Kind of boring watching Audi and MB take it out on each other all the time. We need a new competitor - someone to spank!

j/k



Seriously, go for it. DTM used to be so much more exciting with Alfa Romeo, Opel and BMW etc. in it.