Lexus Australia has announced the substantially revised RC F range will include a more affordable entry price plus sharp specs for the first RC F Track Edition. 

The entry price of the RC F has been reduced by $3600 to $134,129 while the RC F Track Edition is priced from $165,690.

Three enhancement packages for the RC F will also be available, with the highest package offering upgrades otherwise exclusive to the limited RC F Track Edition.

Lexus says that every new RC F features improved aerodynamics, stiffer and lighter suspension components, firmer steering control, a freer-breathing and lighter engine, more intuitive transmission and grippier tyres.

New styling incorporates single-piece LED headlights and a wider grille with L-shaped mesh pattern. Enlarged front-side air breathers and new canard ‘fins’ on the lower front bumper more accurately harness air.

The RC F Track Edition has a front lower spoiler to further reduce front-end lift, and carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) side fins.

The rear introduces sharper L-shaped tail-lights, vertical fins and a new diffuser – produced in CFRP for the RC F Track Edition, which further includes a CFRP fixed rear wing generating 26kg of downforce.

The normally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 produces 351kW of power at 7100rpm and 530Nm of torque between 4800rpm and 5600rpm.

Lexus says that a seven per cent-lighter machined intake manifold and new intake piping means the engine meets Euro 6 emissions standards while also providing more linear throttle response. A new, more solid rear engine mount has also been developed which, the company says, enhances handling stability particularly at the cornering limit.

The eight-speed automatic transmission debuts new AI-SHIFT control with greater intuition and, in Sport S+ mode, more aggressive downshifting. Lexus will offer standard launch control across the RC F range.

The strength of the steering rack bushing has also been increased by 150 per cent to boost steering response and enhance front-wheel toe control, joining newly designed Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres to increase agility and driver feedback.

The changes have also resulted in a reduced kerb weight of 15kg for the RC F.

For the RC F Track Edition, high-performance Brembo carbon-ceramic disc brakes join 19-inch motorsport-inspired lightweight BBS alloy wheels to reduce unsprung mass by 25kg. A titanium exhaust further reduces weight of the RC F Track Edition by 6kg.

The CFRP bonnet, roof, rear diffuser, lower rocker panel, front spoiler, rear wing and rear-seat brace also help deliver a 65kg total reduction for the RC F Track Edition, which has a kerb weight of 1715kg.

The 0-100km/h performance of the RC F Track Edition is two-tenths quicker than the RC F at 4.3 seconds, making it the fastest Lexus offered since the LFA.

Source: Motor Trader E-Magazine (May 2019)

13 May 2019