Lexus Introduces RC F Track Edition
Freshly updated for the 2020 model year, the Lexus RC F coupe now boasts improved performance, revised styling and an all-new, limited-production Track Edition.
“With the introduction of the RC F Track Edition, hardcore driving enthusiasts no longer have to decide between a luxury car for the street and a serious performance car for the track,” Lexus stated in a press release. “Blending the luxury and craftsmanship of Lexus with performance upgrades typically reserved for exotic sportscars, the RC F Track Edition is capable of turning hot laps all afternoon and being driven home that night. It’s the latest milestone for the F performance brand that will continue to evolve as an important pillar of the overall strategy at Lexus.”
The Track Edition joins the standard Lexus RC F performance coupe, which has been extensively updated for the 2020 model year with improved aerodynamics, reduced weight, a retuned suspension and enhanced styling.
“The new RCF-and the Track Edition in particular-”benefit from constant development since their original launch,” said Koji Sato, executive vice president, Lexus International. “With the latest improvements, these models help further distinguish the F brand by offering fast, durable, highly capable performance cars that rely on a range of technologies to help make their performance accessible to drivers of all skill levels.”
RC F Track Edition: A Higher Degree of F
More than a mere accessories package, the limited-production RC F Track Edition features a precisely engineered set of upgrades that work together seamlessly to push its performance to a new level, according to Lexus. Developed with input from Lexus race teams in the Super GT and IMSA series, the Track Edition is designed to deliver exceptional performance that enthusiasts can easily exploit in a wide variety of conditions.
One key area of improvement is the RC F Track Edition’s aerodynamic signature. Up front, the unique front splitter with canards is not only made from carbon fiber to reduce weight, but also designed to increase front-end downforce for better grip and more precise steering. At the rear of the car, a fixed rear wing made from carbon fiber replaces the active spoiler offered on the standard RC F. The fixed wing is not only lighter, it does double-duty by simultaneously reducing drag and adding downforce.
Weight reduction was another key area of focus for the Track Edition. Preliminary estimates put the total reduction at 176 pounds compared to the previous RC F, but more importantly, the engineers focused on cutting weight that yields the most significant dynamic improvements. This led to keying in on un-sprung weight, since any weight that can be removed from the mass not supported by the suspension pays huge dividends in handling and steering feel.
With that goal in mind, every Track Edition model is upgraded with Brembo carbon ceramic brake rotors that are significantly lighter and better able to withstand the extreme heat cycling associated with performance driving. They are surrounded by a set of lightweight 19-inch BBS forged alloy wheels that feature a design derived from the RC F GT3 race car.
Between the wheels, brake rotors and calipers, the Track Edition boasts a significant 55-pound reduction in un-sprung weight on the front of the car alone.
Additional weight was removed by specifying carbon fiber for the roof and hood, along with switching to a carbon fiber partition behind the rear seats and a carbon bumper reinforcement.
A standard titanium muffler and tailpipes reduce overall weight and provide a unique sound.
The sound is worth enhancing, as the Track Edition uses the same 472-hp, normally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 found in every 2020 RC F. When combined with the Track Edition’s reduced curb weight, this RC F has the best power-to-weight ratio among its competitors.
Coupled with the new electronic launch control system, and the RC F Track Edition is capable of launching from 0-to-60 mph in 3.96 seconds.
In order to give the Track Edition a more exclusive look on the inside, a red leather interior comes standard along with Alcantara seat accents and red carbon trim on the doors and dashboard.
Only two exterior colors will be available: Ultra White and Matte Nebula Gray, an exclusive color only available on the Track Edition.
Both the 2020 Lexus RC F and the RC F Track Edition will start production in the second quarter of 2019.
