New 2019 Lexus RC F and RC F Track Edition Unveiled

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Lexus’ perennial entry-level two-door sports car, the RC F, has gone through an extensive update and now boasts improved performance, revised styling, and a limited production Track Edition.

Under the hood, the RC F’s 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 is now rated at 472 hp (a gain of 5 hp) and 535 Nm of torque (up 8 Nm) thanks to a revised intake routing and lower rpm trigger point for the secondary intake opening (at 2,800 rpm from 3,600 rpm).

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The engine still sends power to an eight-speed automatic transmission, albeit with a higher final drive ratio, now 3.13 versus 2.93 previously, to improve acceleration. The RC F now also includes an electronic launch control function as standard. 

In terms of design - up front, the headlights have been updated to a design that features stacked LED lights and integrated daytime running lights. The shape of the signature grille has been altered by adding a lower lip opening that stretches across the bottom of the bumper fascia. At the rear, new taillights integrate neatly into a redesigned bumper to give the RC F a cleaner appearance.

The limited run RC F Track Edition integrates learnings from Lexus’ race teams in the Japanese Super GT and American IMSA series, adding a set of precisely engineered upgrades to give the car better performance on track.

One key area of improvement is the RC F Track Edition’s aerodynamics – at the front, the Track Edition is fitted with a carbon fibre splitter and canards for additional grip and steering precision. At the rear of the car, a fixed carbon fibre rear wing replaces the standard active spoiler. The wing alone adds an additional 26 kgs of downforce without adding aerodynamic drag.

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Weight reduction was a key area of focus for the Track Edition. Lexus claims a weight reduction of approximately 79 kgs, largely due to Brembo carbon ceramic brake rotors, and lightweight 19-inch BBS forged alloy wheels that feature a design derived from the RC F GT3 race car.

Additional weight was removed by specifying a carbon fibre roof, hood, boot partition behind the rear seats, and a carbon bumper reinforcement. Many of these carbon fibre pieces are made on the same line that supplied the Lexus LFA supercar.

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On the inside, the red leather interior comes standard along with Alcantara seat accents and red carbon trim on the doors and dashboard.

A Titanium muffler and tailpipes round off the list modifications for the Track Edition. There are no changes to the powertrain, delivering the same 472 hp as the standard RC F variant.

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However the reduction in weight means RC F Track Edition has among the best power-to-weight ratios in its class, and when coupled the new electronic launch control system, is capable of launching from 0-to-60 mph in 3.96 seconds.

Only two exclusive exterior colors will be available: Ultra White and Matte Nebula Gray.

Both the Lexus RC F and the RC F Track Edition will start production in Q2 of 2019. Pricing and production numbers of the RC F Track Edition will be announced closer sales launch.

Gallery: 2019 Lexus RC F and RC F Track Edition Unveiled

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