(Tue 30 Mar 10)

With only 500 examples of the Lexus LFA supercar being built, you would think that it was already a pretty exclusive machine. Fifty of them, however, will be even more special thanks to the addition of something called the Nürburgring package.

This partly involves an increase in maximum power output to above 560bhp and an improvement in the speed of the gearchanges in the six-speed sequential gearbox to just 0.15 seconds. Neither of these things make any difference to the performance, though, which remains at 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds and 202mph flat-out, because the Nürburgring version is slowed down slightly by the aerodynamic drag of its extra bodywork.

This consists of a larger front spoiler, side fin-type spoilers and a rear wing, all of which are of course designed to increase downforce and - in conjunction with revised suspension and grippier tyres - reduce lap times round a race track.

A race track such as, for example, the Nürburgring ring itself, where an LFA will be competing in the 24 Hour race in May this year. Owners of cars fitted with the Nürburgring package will receive a one-year driving pass to the circuit, where they will also be able to receive instruction from local experts.

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