Racing Success Inspires Latest Updates to the Lexus RC F Coupe
The Lexus RC F has proved itself a race-winning car in international motorsport in the past year, competing in the European GT3 and American IMSA series. Success on the track has helped inspire some new styling and engineering upgrades for the V8-powered coupe, and the addition of a new, performance-focused version – the RC F Track Edition.
On sale from this week, the 2019 RC F coupe benefits from changes to boost its performance and freshen its appearance. Reducing weight was a key target, without diminishing the car’s feeling of refinement and solidity. The details are small, but telling, including the use of hollow half-shafts in place of solid components, a slimmer intake manifold and a smaller air conditioning compressor. More kilogrammes have been saved by using aluminium for a number of suspension parts, while maintaining overall stiffness.
To gain a more refined feel, stiffer bushings have been added to the suspension arms and steering rack mounts, while the use of more rigid engine mounts helps the RC F better exploit the power of its normally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine. The engine maintains its maximum power output of 457bhp/341kW and maximum torque of 520Nm at 4,800rpm, with a revised intake routing and lower rpm trigger point for the second intake opening (2,800rpm vs 3,600rpm). The established eight-speed automatic transmission is retained, but with a higher final drive ratio (3.13 vs 2.93) for improved off-the-line response.
To secure the sharpest acceleration from a standing start, a new electronic launch control system has been added as standard. This automatically adjusts the traction and throttle control for maximum take-off performance. The driver simply needs to press and hold the brake pedal, then engage the system by pressing a button on the centre console. This enables nought to 62mph to be accomplished in just 4.3 seconds.
The RC F further gains new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, designed specifically for the coupe. These have a unique profile and tread pattern and are made from a special rubber compound. They have been designed to help reduce understeer, improve lateral grip and increase durability in extreme driving conditions.
Styling changes include a new headlight design with a stacked arrangement of LEDs, with integrated daytime running lights. The signature spindle grille has been revised with a lower lip opening that spans the base of the grille, creating the effect of a shorter front facia. At the rear, new tail lights are integrated into a reshaped bumper, giving a cleaner, more chiselled appearance.
The new RC F Track Edition reflects the model’s motorsports success, being equipped with a series of advanced parts to improve aerodynamics and performance. These include a carbon fibre composite front lip spoiler, a fixed carbon fibre rear wing, a Brembo braking system with ceramic discs and lightweight 19-inch BBS forged alloy wheels. More weight has been saved by using additional carbon fibre composite parts, including the roof, bonnet, rear cabin partition and bumper reinforcement.
As standard, the RC F Track Edition comes with a red leather interior, with Alcantara upholstery accents and red carbon trim details. The body colour choices are Ultra White and Nebula Matt Grey – the latter exclusive to the Track Edition.
On the road prices for the 2019 Lexus RC F: –
RC F £62,900
RC F Track Pack £72,650
RC F Carbon £69,900
RC F Track Edition £79,900
ENDS
