LGT Engineering  confirm their plans to enter the FIA World Touring Car Championship.  The Liverpool based squad will enter two Lexus IS220d cars to compete in the Yokohama Independents Trophy.

LGT’s Commercial Director Tim Blake commented: “Our plan is to run the cars towards the end of this season, prior to embarking on a full assault on the championship in 2008. We are currently undertaking the official Lexus homologation with the FIA, with many of the car’s components, including the proven transmission, having been designed by our innovative in-house team.”

Tim added: “The WTCC is a natural fit for the company to showcase its work.  Needless to say, we’re eager to get out there and start racing!”

LGT Engineering was founded in February 2007 by Tim Blake and Technical Director George Ryton.  George, whose previous experience includes designs for the Ferrari, Minardi and Tyrell F1 teams, heads up the design department, working on both the motorsport and Lexus roadcar programmes.

Lexus IS220d World Touring Car Specifications

Make:              Lexus

Model:             IS220d

Engine:          

Engine: 2AD-FHV Diesel, Alloy Head & Block, Turbocharged, Intercooler

Engine Type:            4 Cylinder, In Line

Valves: 16

Displacement:            2000 cc (reduced from 2200 cc)

Compression:            16:1

Max Power:            280 Bhp @ 4000 rpm

Max Torque:            500 nm @ 2650 rpm   

Transmission:

Type:                LGT IL400, 6-Speed Sequential Shift

Drive:               Rear Wheel Drive

Selector Forks: Steel CNC Billet Machined

Casing:            Aluminium L169

Lubrication:            Twin Scavenge (Front & Rear)

Torque Rating: 750 Nm (550 Ib/ft)

Weight: 39 KG (Including pumps & Clutch operating system)

Clutch:              Alcon Twin Plate

Differential:            LGT/Hewland Limited Slip – Mechanical

           …/3

-3-

Chassis:

Front:               Double Wishbones, Coil Springs

Rear:                5-Arm Multilink, Coil Springs

Anti Roll Bars:            Front & Rear

Dampers:            TBA

Steering:            Electronic Power Steering, Rack & Pinion

Brakes:

Front:               4 Piston Calipers, 332 mm Steel Ventilated Discs, Brembo

Rear:                2 Piston Calipers, 280mm Steel Discs, Brembo

Dimensions:

Length: 4575 mm

Width:              1840 mm

Wheelbase:            2730 mm

Weight: 1215 KG (Minimum Weight Including Driver)