We knew we were about to experience something out of the ordinary when Lexus SA flew us out to KZN some time ago to test its better and lighter Lexus RC F.
To our surprise, when we got to the parking lot of King Shaka International Airport, there stood both RC F models: the regular Lexus RC F and the RC F Track Edition.
Here's what you need to know about these models:
RC F Track Edition
The RC F Track Edition was first revealed at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show alongside the updated standard RC F. It is also a limited edition model around the world and only a few will make its way to South Africa. So if you ever take get a chance to see one of these up-close or passing you on the road, consider yourself lucky.
Lexus put the Track Edition on a strict diet and through a carbon fibre transformation to drop as much weight as possible.
Approximately 25kg in unsprung mass was reduced from the fitment of lightweight 19-inch BBS alloy wheels, which are designed after the RC F GT3 racer, and Brembo’s carbon-ceramic disc brakes claimed to withstand heat cycling more effectively than standard steel. This substantial elimination of weight is said to remove pressure from the suspension componentry, which has significantly improved the ride quality while greatly enhancing handling agility and body control on rough road surfaces and tough racetrack kerbs.
The Track Edition variant got titanium mufflers and titanium quad exhaust tailpipes which not only helped to reduce 7kg of weight but it also differentiates the exhaust note from the standard RC F particularly at high engine speeds.
Additionally, the RC F Track Edition is fitted with a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) front spoiler to further enhance front-end turn-in control. The CFRP bonnet and roof reduce vehicle kerb weight by 9kg while lowering the centre of gravity and delivering an aggressive look befitting of a racetrack-focused flagship.
The RC F Track Edition’s CFRP fixed rear wing increases downforce by 26kg while delivering both a 3kg weight reduction and 2.0 per cent reduction in drag co-efficient.
The outer casing of the front suspension upper supports has also been changed from steel to aluminium for both RC F and the RC F Track Edition, realising a 0.7kg weight reduction.
1. Engine
Powering the latest RC F and RC F Track Edition models is a newly-revised and freer-breathing 5.0-litre normally-aspirated V8 engine. It puts out maximum power of 351 kW at 7100 rpm and peak torque of 530 Nm between 4800 rpm and 5600 rpm.
Lexus engineers have worked tirelessly on perfecting the blend of driver connection via the throttle, aural satisfaction and superb performance. The RC F now offers improved responsiveness while carbon emissions have also been reduced. Delivering immediate throttle response, in coordination with its high rev-ability, the RC F will rocket from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds while the RC F Track Edition achieves this in 4.3 seconds.
2. Interior and Technology
While the focus of the RC F is on going fast, occupants of the car are still treated to Lexus standards of luxury in the cabin. You’ll find the premium cabin lined with leather and filled with technology and convenience features.
In terms of seating, there are aggressive, high-back sport seats which provide a sufficient level of comfort for long highway journeys, of which ours consisted from South Coast to Umhlanga, and are even supportive for aggressive driving, which we experienced driving around Dezzi Raceway.
To give the dash a sophisticated and sporty look, a punched-metal texture was used around the non-TFT display areas.
All RC F variants boast an expansive 10.3-inch widescreen centre display with a remote touch interface. The infotainment system features satellite navigation, digital radio, 2 USB and auxiliary inputs, and Bluetooth® phone and audio streaming. The system also includes voice recognition. All this comes through a premium 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system which ensures crisp sound quality.
3. Safety Features
All RC F models are equipped with the highest level of safety technology. It also includes the Lexus Safety System+ suite of driving aids which consists of:
- Pre-crash (Brake Synchronised) safety system with pedestrian detection
- Standard-Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane-departure Alert with Lane Keep Assist and steering control
- LED-Automatic High Beam
Other standard safety features include:
- Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert
- Reversing camera
- Front clearance and rear parking sonars
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
4. Colours and Trim
For the local market, the RC F will be made available in six colours:
- White Nova
- Sonic Titanium
- Solar Storm Red
- Poseidon Blue
- Naples Yellow
- Graphite Black
The RC F Track Edition will only be available in four colours:
- White Nova
- Sonic Titanium
- Mercury Grey Metallic
- Graphite Black
The RC F is available with four interior trims - white, black and pure red semi-aniline leather-accented choices.
"Competition red" Alcantara® will be exclusive to the RC F Track Edition.
5. Price and Warranty
Lexus RC F R1 318 300
Lexus RC F Track Edition R2 098 200
Both derivatives come standard with Lexus’ best-in-class 7-year/105 000km Warranty and Full Maintenance Plan. The vehicle’s service intervals are at every 15 000km, alternatively every 12 months.