Lexus SC430 GT500 '08

aspiration

NA (Naturally Aspirated)

Group

Gr.2

Displacement

4,480 cc

DriveTrain

FR

Height

1,200 mm

Length

4,700 mm

Weight

1,100 kg

Width

1,925 mm

Max Power

516 BHP / 7,000 rpm

Max Torque

59.6 kgfm / 5,500 rpm

Performance Point

PP 807.39

Manufacturer

Lexus

Lexus SC430 GT500 '08: A Dominant Force in Super GT Racing

The Lexus SC430 GT500 '08 is a purpose-built racing machine that made a significant impact in Japan's premier Super GT series. Unlike its luxurious road-going counterpart, the SC430 GT500 is a thoroughbred racer, built to conquer the fiercely competitive GT500 category. Based on the elegant Lexus SC430 coupe, the GT500 specification features a heavily modified aerodynamic body, a lightweight chassis, and a high-revving, naturally aspirated V8 engine developed to deliver maximum performance on the track.

Making its debut in the Super GT championship in 2006, the Lexus SC430 quickly established itself as a formidable competitor. By 2008, the SC430 GT500 was at its racing prime, representing teams such as TOM'S, Zent Cerumo, and Bandai Direzza. The car introduced cutting-edge aerodynamics, optimizing downforce while maintaining high speeds on the challenging Japanese circuits. Its engine, a 4.5-liter 3UZ-FE V8, was engineered for reliability and power, producing over 500 horsepower to challenge rivals from Honda and Nissan.

The 2008 season saw intense competition, with the Lexus SC430 GT500 bringing home several pole positions and victories. Its combination of speed, reliability, and strategic teamwork allowed it to often outpace its rivals. Notably, Team Zent Cerumo and Team TOM'S achieved strong finishes, cementing the SC430's reputation as a championship contender. This era also saw Lexus solidifying its presence in motorsports, leveraging the SC430 GT500’s success to enhance the brand’s global prestige.

While the road-going Lexus SC430 appealed to luxury grand touring enthusiasts, the GT500 racing version captured the hearts of racing fans. It became an icon of the Super GT series, both in reality and in virtual circuits like Gran Turismo 7, where players can experience its prowess firsthand. The legacy of the Lexus SC430 GT500 '08 is a testament to Lexus's commitment to innovation, performance, and racing excellence.