Lexus Australia has announced a substantially revised RC F range that will include a more affordable entry price plus sharp specification for the first RC F Track Edition.
Visually, Lexus RC F incorporates new single-piece high-grade LED headlights and a wider grille with L-shaped mesh pattern, emphasising a lower stance.
Enlarged front-side air breathers and new canard ‘fins’ on the lower front bumper more accurately harness air. Control of flow is then directed by fin-shaped side rocker mouldings – derived from the RC F GT3 race car – to new rear air breathers.
Every new RC F debuts improved aerodynamics with greater downforce particularly on the front axle, stiffer and lighter suspension components, firmer steering control, a freer-breathing and lighter engine, more intuitive transmission and grippier tyres.
The Lexus RC F Track Edition hones that aerodynamic focus with a front lower spoiler to further reduce front-end lift, and carbon-fibre reinforced plastic side fins.
A new CFRP diffuser for the RC F Track Edition, which also includes a CFRP fixed rear wing generates 26 kg of downforce.
The high-revving naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 produces 351 kW of power at an impressively high 7100 rpm and 530 Nm of torque between 4800 rpm and 5600 rpm.
The eight-speed automatic transmission debuts new AI-SHIFT control with greater intuition and, in Sport S+ mode, more aggressive downshifting than previously.
For the first time since the LFA supercar, Lexus will offer standard launch control across the RC F range to enable faster and more controlled standing-start take-off.
For the RC F Track Edition, high-performance Brembo carbon-ceramic disc brakes (380mm diameter front matched by 35 mm-larger 380 mm units rear) join 19-inch motorsport-inspired lightweight BBS alloy wheels to reduce unsprung mass by 25 kg.
The 0-100 km/h performance of the RC F Track Edition is two-tenths quicker than the RC F at just 4.3 seconds, making it the fastest Lexus offered since the LFA.
Lexus chief executive Scott Thompson said the RC F and RC F Track Edition would make a formidable pair in the performance-obsessed Australian market.
“Offering a more aggressively priced RC F and a more aggressively dynamic RC F Track Edition is an ideal twin-strategy in this performance-loving Australian market,” Mr Thompson said.
“These highly sophisticated, proudly unique normally aspirated V8-powered coupes have never been better represented than after such comprehensive upgrades.”
The new RC F range is available in Lexus dealerships now. Allocation of the RC F Track Edition is strictly limited.
MODEL RANGE:
RC F: $134,129
RC F Track Edition: $165,690
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Lexus dealer for drive-away prices.
