Team GAZOO’s machine this year was the LEXUS IS250 sports sedan.
This six-speed manual built to British specifications was customized in a step-by-step process. The first changes were to the suspension, taking a “taste and see” approach in incrementally altering its “flavor” from the standard.

The Team GAZOO members who took part in the previous year’s Nürburgring 24 Hours took the wheel again in 2008.
Their goal was to be top automotive “chefs,” diligently sharpening their senses as they “converse” with their automobile on the track to discover fresh hints about automotive seasoning.

Their race debut was on May 10 at the VLN4 endurance race.
While it presented a significant challenge, it was still just another step in the process.
The aim is to put to use the sensory feedback obtained from this demanding environment in constructing the ideal automobile.

The shakedown (maiden run) was held amidst rain in low temperatures which made it difficult to heat the tires, and with road conditions that were extremely slippery…but, “the slick roads made it easy to get a feel for the car’s movement. We learned a lot from the car today,” said the excited driver after finishing the run, almost as if speaking to the car itself.