Lexus Eyes V8 Supercar Debut – But Not Yet

Lexus has dropped its strongest hint yet that a future Lexus V8 Supercar team is on its radar.

The Japanese carmaker has confirmed to TMR that it is adopting a 'watch and wait' position to see what other carmakers were doing and how the new regulations affected the sport, and has also confirmed that its RC F performance coupe will continue its duties as a safety car.

With its 5.0 litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine, the RC F may appear to be a natural fit with the sport’s ‘Gen 2’ regulations that will allow body shapes other than four-door sedans to compete.

Lexus’ involvement as a course car provider has been seen as a ‘toe-in-the-water’ exercise. The company's recent statement however leaves the door open for future involvement as a competitor.

In the statement, Lexus Australia CEO Sean Hanley said Lexus "would continue to have a presence in V8 Supercars while monitoring the sport's developments, including the 2017 Gen2 Supercar regulations that open up the series to new engine and body configurations".