V8-powered coupe gains a raft of updates for 2019 – and a lighter Track Edition variant
Lexus has revealed a facelifted version of the RC F alongside a new, lighter and more focused derivative called the RC F Track Edition. Both models share a naturally aspirated 5-litre V8 engine and coupe body, and offer a distinct contrast to the turbocharged competition from Germany.
Under its refreshed skin the standard RC F has picked up a range of detail changes to the chassis, including new engine mounts, stiffer bushings on the rear suspension, and further use of aluminium in the front suspension. The drivetrain has also received some updates, including lighter, hollow half-shafts to reduce driveline friction.
The engine itself is the same musical 5-litre V8 as found in the pre-facelift RC F and the current LC 500 Coupe. In this application, power is rated at 451bhp, with 383lb ft of torque, which is 12bhp and 8lb down on before – an unfortunate ramification of WLTP emissions laws. Lexus has also designed a new, more compact intake manifold and shrunken the air-conditioning condenser to try to reduce weight at the front of the car. The eight-speed automatic transmission is unchanged.
The RC F’s styling has also been given a refresh in line with the standard RC Coupe, focused around new lighting elements and a gently updated interior with revised tech. The RC F’s specific design elements have largely remained the same, short of a new carbonfibre lip. The model’s signature stacked rear exhaust pipes have remained, though they now sit in a more aggressive diffuser.
The Track Edition takes these aesthetic changes further, with a carbonfibre bonnet, roof and stacked rear wing, the latter replacing the standard RC F’s active wing. Also new are the 19-inch forged BBS wheels, plus carbon-ceramic brakes up front, which together reduce unsprung weight by 25kg. The interior has also been stripped out, with yet more carbonfibre around the of the cabin, and liberal use of Alcantara and red leather. The powertrain is unchanged, but the Track Edition does feature a new titanium exhaust system, further reducing weight and increasing the noise from the Yamaha-tuned engine.
All up, Lexus estimates a weight reduction of between 60 and 70kg, which should see the Track Edition hit the scales at around 1700kg. The RC F also wears a bespoke set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, which are fitted to both the standard and Track Edition models.
Although the RC F has never really been able to compete with the latest crop of German sports coupes such as the RS5 and M4 in terms of performance, its distinct character and engine always made it an attractive left-field choice. And as one of the few naturally aspirated V8 performance cars left on sale, its desirability will only get stronger with these latest updates.
This article originally appeared at evo.co.uk
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