Australia’s Lexus->ke47 boss Sean Hanley says the automaker is currently evaluating joining the V8 Supercar grid for 2017. This is thanks to potentially shifting rules in the race series that would allow two-door cars to race. Luckily, Lexus just happens to have such a car that qualifies: the 2015 RC F.

The automaker has already showcased a potential race->ke148 variant of the RC F in GT3 form. Now with changing rules, things are looking up.

“I would have shut the door on motorsport a year ago, particularly V8 Supercar->ke177 racing in terms of a promotion, marketing and brand exercise," Hanley says. "But I think the door is slightly open."

Unfortunately, we shouldn’t expect anything from Lexus on the V8 Supercar series in the next two years. However, Hanley countered himself saying. "But what is equally clear to me, is if there is eligibility that allowed a coupe,->ke141 we have a coupe that could go into that race and do pretty well."

He confesses the company does have an interest in GT3 and a race like the Bathurst 12 Hour, but no firm plans have been made.

Lexus is technically ready to race in the Bathurst 12 Hour race this coming February, as those regulations would already allow the RC F GT3 to compete. Perhaps the automaker just isn’t ready to make that announcement yet.

Click past the jump to read more about Lexus' future V-8 supercar.

Why it matters

A Lexus racing team; who would have ever though? A racing division would likely serve the brand well, as the it reaches out to a younger audience. The RC F is a spectacular car, so having it compete in a few race series would likely help its street cred against the stalwarts like BMW, Mercedes, and Audi.

Lexus RC F GT3

The RC F GT3 is built specifically to meet the standards of the GT3 race series. A lowered and widened stance is accented by a large chin splitter and huge fender flares. A massive rear wing helps with downforce with a full roll cage protecting the driver should things turn upside down.

The RC F GT3 is powered by a similar 5.0-liter V-8 that’s found in the production RC F. This mill is race-tuned and develops a respectable 540 horsepower. Only time will tell if Lexus will enter a race series with the car, but from the looks of things, Lexus is already pretty serious.