Besides showing off the stunning Lexus LC Convertible Concept at the 2019 Detroit International Motor Show, the Japanese luxury carmaker also debuted their most hardcore sports coupe yet, the Lexus RC F Track Edition.
The RC F Track Edition gets development inputs from Lexus race teams in the Super GT and IMSA series to deliver exceptional performance for the enthusiast to unleash on track. It gets extensive carbon fibre parts for weight savings, Brembo carbon ceramic brakes and aerodynamic improvements.
Compared to a standard RC F, you’ll find a new front splitter, bonnet, roof and rear diffuser all made from carbon fibre to reduce weight and increase front downforce. At the rear, Lexus has installed a carbon fibre fixed rear wing that is lighter than a standard active rear spoiler to promote smoother airflow and add 26 kgs of downforce.
The wheels fitted on the RC F Track Edition are 19-inch BBS forged alloys with a design derived from the RC F GT3 race car to hide the Brembo carbon ceramic brake rotors. The two components add up to 25 kg reduction in unsprung weight on the front axles which will benefit handling and steering feel.
Further weight saving measures include a titanium muffler and tailpipes, carbon fibre partition behind the rear seats and a carbon bumper reinforcement. All in all, the RC F Track Edition is some 72 to 82 kgs lighter than a standard RC F.
However, Lexus has made sure that luxury is not compromised which is why all the sound deadening materials are left intact and the interior features red leather with Alcantara seat inserts and exposed red carbon trim.
The naturally aspirated 5.0-litre has been revised with new intake routing and lower rpm trigger point for the secondary intake opening to squeeze additional 5 hp and 8 Nm to 472 hp and 535 Nm of torque. Drive is channelled to the rear wheels via a tweaked eight-speed automatic transmission with a higher final drive ratio (3.13 vs. 2.93) for better off-the-line response.
With the lighter body and a new Launch Control function, the RC F Track Edition is capable of sprinting from 0 to 96 km/h (0 to 60 mph) in 3.96 seconds, on par with the bi-turbo V8 powered Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 S.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-ddIWa5ub8
In addition, the standard RC F Coupe has also been revised for the new model year with weight reduction measures. It now features hollow half shafts at the rear, pared down intake manifold, smaller air condition compressor as well as aluminium toe control brackets and upper suspension support brackets.
The rear suspension arms and steering mounts also feature stiffer bushings and more rigid engine mount was used to house the updated 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine of the RC F Track Edition. Launch Control is also a new feature in the updated RC F Coupe.
Styling wise, the headlights have been updated to a new stacked LED layout and integrated daytime running lights, lower lip opening that stretches across the bottom to create a visually shorter front fascia and a pair of new taillights that integrates to the reshaped rear bumpers.
Both the updated Lexus RC F and the RC F Track Edition will start production in the second quarter of 2019 with pricing to be announced closer to market launch. Only two exterior colours will be available on the RC F Track Edition – Ultra White and Nebula Matte Gray, the latter an exclusive colour only available on the Track Edition.
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Lexus RC F Track Edition
Updated Lexus RC F
