Lexus LF-A

Is Lexus finally on track with it's supercar-rivalling LF-A?. Our spies caught this special racing prototype testing at the famous Nurburgring.

Although a production version of the exciting 200mph two-seater is due until 2009, performance fans will get a glimpse of a competition version this year.

Sources within the company claim that the V10-powered coupe is set to make its public debut in May's Nurburgring 24 hour endurance race.

As you can see, the car has been tweaked to give it an edge on the circuit. At the front is a deeper front bumper with larger holes to aid high-speed cooling.

Move around to the rear and you'll spot the tall carbon fibre rear wing and large triple exhausts above a F1-style diffuser. All of this modifications should mean that the LF-A laps considerable quicker than the rumoured 7 minutes 24 secs of the road-based prototype.

However, underneath the all-black bodywork are near standard mechanicals, as engineers at the company are aiming to prove the relaibility of the production car drivetrain.

The newcomer will make its debut on the grid during qualifying for the German event on 23 May.