The Lexus RC was introduced for the 2015 model year and it was based on the IS platform architecture. While the brand offered both a 4- and 6-cylinder engine for those who were focused more on driving a stunning, comfortable luxury coupe, the new model also included a proper F model. The RC was the first Lexus coupe since the discontinuation of the SC and the Japanese luxury brand jumped back into the two-door market with a splash. The RC300 and RC350 both offered the level of luxury that you would expect, but for those who wanted far more performance, there was the RC F.
The RC F is powered by the 5.0-liter V8 shared by the other F models, offering 467 horsepower and 389 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels by means of an Aisin 8-speed automatic transmission and a torque vectoring differential. The package includes big Brembo brakes, BBS wheels wrapped in performance tires, adaptive variable suspension, and a unique exterior look. The RC F is an awesome machine that looks great inside and out while being a blast to drive in any situation, but the Lexus engineers weren’t quite done.
For 2019, the RC F Track Edition was introduced. It is closely based on the original RC F, but there have been a handful of changes to yield better performance on the track. The 5.0-liter V8 has been massaged to yield 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque (as have the other RC models with the V8 for 2019). Next, 176 pounds have been removed from the Track Edition. This was done by adding lightweight wheels, carbon ceramic brake rotors, a titanium exhaust system, and a variety of carbon fiber body bits. In addition to cutting weight, the Track Edition-specific front splitter and rear spoiler help increase high-speed downforce, making the RC F more capable on a big road course.
The RC F is a solid performance car, but the Track Edition package improves the car in every way, all without compromising luxury.
"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.
"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.
"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.
"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.
"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.
Where do you go for answers when you have a Lexus with a gorgeous leather interior but are not sure about how to maintain that luxurious look? The "Club Lexus" forums, of course.
