GT5 Transcripts/Lexus ENEOS SC430 (SUPER GT) '08

In 2008, the third season since the debut of the Lexus SC430, Toyota Team LeMans added the 2007 GT500 driver champion, Daisuke Ito as their driver in addition to Bjorn Wirdheim. Their sponsor also changed from Forum Engineering to Eneos.
Their machine powered by a DOHC 32 valve V8 had to use the same frame as the previous year due to regulations, but based on the 2007 machine, many performance improvements were made.
One thing they focused on was suppressing pitch sensitivity. The SC430 which debuted in 2006 had extended front and rear overhangs according to new vehicle regulations, and it was enough to compensate for the loss of downforce due to introduction of the stepped bottom floor. However it also raised a new problem of a delay in exit speed from corners. As a response to this, a suspension that would suppress just the pitching of the car during acceleration and deceleration was developed. As a preliminary measure they had introduced SARD dampers at first but this took it one step further.
Though there doesn't appear to be a major change at a glance, the SC430 underwent repeated wind tunnel testing to improve the floor bottom, and its aerodynamic performance had been greatly improved. They also worked on rigidity, weight balance, and more. There was no end to the work of the developers.
This was a rough year for the team with mishaps such as Daisuke Ito becoming injured, the reintroduction of "special performance adjustments," as well as the added development necessary for the new car regulations of the 2009 season. However in the final round at Fuji, Daisuke Ito who had recovered successfully achieved a podium finish, and ended the season with high hopes for the following year.
Category:GT5 Transcripts