GT5 Transcripts/Lexus BANDAI DIREZZA SC430 (SUPER GT) '06

In 2006 when changing from the Supra to the SC430, many Toyota teams struggled with the difference in dimensions, trying to find the best balance. Toyota Team Kraft led by Toshimichi Hiraoka was no exception.
The original SC430 is a full convertible, and because of its special body shape, the major issue was how to reduce air resistance. The SC430 had a larger frontal surface area than the Supra, and had a disadvantage in terms of aerodynamics. However the development teams worked hard to change the shapes of various parts to reduce resistance, and as a result, they achieved a Cd value close to the Supra.
Of course this also involved the introduction of a hardtop. To make the upper part of the car lighter, carbon was selected for the material. At the connection points where there were issues with rigidity, the top was reinforced with a roll cage.
Through the new regulation added in 2006 regarding "specially approved individual items," the front and rear bumpers were made different in design than the commercial car. The front bumper was further extended by 37.4 inches to improve downforce, to achieve a level of aerodynamic performance that was considered impossible when they first began development.
Though Team Kraft struggled through the start of the season, Naoki Hattori and Peter Dumbreck managed to take their first victory in the GT500 at the third round in Fuji. In the 6th round of Suzuka, they went from 14th in qualifying to an incredible 3rd place finish. Though they took a close loss at the final round of Fuji, they were in the top group fighting for the lead until the very end, and all throughout the season they showed their high potential.
Category:GT5 Transcripts