Lexus RC F Track Edition's Debut In Detroit

New Release

On Monday, at the North American International Auto Show, Lexus released the revised RC F alongside the RC F Track Edition. The new model was teased by Lexus several weeks ago, and has numerous updated components making it a more modern and competitive model. The new Track Edition is an exciting update to the Lexus lineup, offering a more lightweight, hardcore version of an already exhilarating car. Both the RC F and the RC F Track Edition are scheduled for production in the second quarter of 2019. Pricing has yet to be announced. The current RC F MSRP is $64,750 for reference.

Photo: Jakob Hansen

What is it?

The RC F Track Edition is a lightweight, track-focused version of the new RC F. The overall weight has been reduced and several unique parts are added to the Track Edition to provide higher downforce along with less drag. There are no power changes between the standard and Track Editions of the RC F. However, handling is greatly increased with a significantly lower unsprung weight and higher downforce. The car is aimed at the driving enthusiasts who are looking for track-ready performance with the luxury of a higher end coupe. It’s meant to be driven hard at the track and still turn off the track at the end of the day and take the driver home in comfort.

Photo: Jakob Hansen

>>Join the conversation about the new RC F Track Edition right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Aerodynamic Differences

Out front, A unique front splitter with canards helps to suck the front end down to the pavement and improve front end grip. The splitter is made completely of carbon fiber for strength and lightness. In the rear, an exposed carbon fiber fixed wing sits atop the trunk.  While increasing downforce in the rear, the wing also reduces drag, according to Lexus.

Photo: Jakob Hansen

>>Join the conversation about the new RC F Track Edition right here in the ClubLexus forum.

That Glorious Wing

Adding downforce and reducing drag is very desirable in racing. Finding a way to force the car down to the earth while simultaneously reducing its forward drag through the air is a feat not easily accomplished.

In the new RC F Track Edition, Lexus engineers designed a shape that would reduce rear turbulence. They then tilted this shape to a slight angle of attack and bolted it to the rear deck lid. This resulted in 58 pounds of additional downforce to the rear of the car and a lower drag coefficient.

>>Join the conversation about the new RC F Track Edition right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Weight Reduction

Following the old homage of “add lightness”, Lexus has reduced the overall weight of the RC F and the Track Edition. Overall, roughly 176 pounds have been removed from the previous model. Essentially the weight of the average driver has been taken out of the car. This was a primary focus of the Lexus engineers, particularly in unsprung weight, since this can significantly add to steering feel and handling abilities.

Photo: Jakob Hansen

>>Join the conversation about the new RC F Track Edition right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Where is the Weight Removed?

Focusing first on unsprung weight, (mass not supported by the suspension) it can greatly influence a vehicle’s handling abilities. Not having to push as much weight back into the pavement when the wheel is rebounding from an undulation means the wheels remain on the track for a longer period of time with less disruption form each road deformation. Adding carbon ceramic brakes is an easy weight reduction and they also can handle more heat cycling that comes with track driving. This, along with forged 19” BBS wheels, dramatically reduce unsprung weight on the RC F. Combined, a significant 55 pounds are lost on the front of the car.

A significant amount of carbon fiber has also been used to help reduce small amounts of weight throughout the entire car. A carbon fiber roof was also used to help lower center of gravity and reduce weight overall. The RC F Track Edition also has a carbon fiber partition behind the rear seat and carbon fiber bumper reinforcements. The carbon components used on the car are supplied by the awe-inspiring carbon fiber loom designed specifically for the LFA.

A titanium muffler and tailpipes are also fitted for both weight and aesthetic purposes.

>>Join the conversation about the new RC F Track Edition right here in the ClubLexus forum.

From the Inside

Not many changes have been made to the interior overall. Unique red leather seats with Alcantara inserts come standard in the Track Edition. Along with a red carbon fiber trim running along the doors and dashboard. Only two exterior colors are made available for the Track Edition: Ultra White and Matte Nebula Gray, the latter of which is a unique color developed only for the RC F Track Edition.

>>Join the conversation about the new RC F Track Edition right here in the ClubLexus forum.

The Numbers

Both the RC F and RC F Track Edition boast the same engine. Unusual in today's market is a naturally aspirated 5.0 liter V8. It produces 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, up 5 horsepower and 6 lb-ft from the outgoing model. Lexus engineers redesigned the intake routing and mapping, lowering the point at which the second intake opening triggers, 2,800 RPM vs 3,600 RPM of the previous design. The same eight-speed transmission is still used.

With the higher power, less weight, and standard launch control, the RC F Track Edition is capable of a zero to 60 time of 3.96 seconds.

Photo: Jakob Hansen

>>Join the conversation about the new RC F Track Edition right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Is This What We Needed from Lexus?

While the RC F Track Edition is a good start, it still seems to be lacking. The performance cars offered by Lexus are still slightly behind when compared side by side to their German, and now even Korean, competitors. The performance vehicles are extremely competent and potent vehicles but are still playing catch up to their rivals. The cars today would have been absolute game changers if they were offered when the LFA was still making its rounds, but they are a slight step behind the competition in a small number of performance categories.

That being said, this is the exact car that we needed from Lexus. I would have liked to have seen more aggressive and hardcore tuning, however, that was not the point of the car. It’s meant to pound the track and then waft you home in comfort. Lexus is showing their commitment to performance oriented cars, however. Having a specialty car in the line-up is no easy task, it takes a significant amount of time, money and effort to develop. Putting priority into releasing a performance track oriented car into the lineup alongside a brand new CUV shows where their priorities are. Keep this up and we will soon see a car that can rival the likes of the LFA again, but also have the sales floor to back it up this time.

>>Join the conversation about the new RC F Track Edition right here in the ClubLexus forum.

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