Lexus RC F Fuji Speedway Edition revealed
But the fiery coupe isn’t slated for Oz as Lexus RC, IS and CT are all soon removed from local saleLexus has whipped the covers off the Lexus RC F Fuji Speedway Edition, which is limited to 50 examples of the special high-performance sports car – all of which are off-limits for Aussie buyers.
The 2022 Lexus RC F Fuji Speedway Edition gets Electric Surge exterior paintwork – a bold blue colour with a semi-matte finish – which is unique to the limited-run rear-drive V8 coupe and a first for the Japanese luxury brand.
Billed as a BMW M4 rival, the Lexus RC F Fuji Speedway Edition is based on the $164,994 RC F Track Edition that was released in 2019 and is still on sale in limited numbers in Australia.
Until October 31, 2021, that is.
New Australian Design Rules (ADR) that come into effect on November 1 will see the Lexus RC discontinued in our market because it doesn’t adhere to new safety regulations.
This rules out the Fuji Speedway Edition for Australia, while the Lexus IS mid-size sedan and Lexus CT small hatchback will also be discontinued.
A Lexus Australia spokesperson said only limited RC stock remains in showrooms and that last Aussie orders for Lexus RC models were finalised by June 30, 2021.
Like the RC F Track Edition, the Fuji Speedway Edition features the same shorter final drive ratio and weight-saving measures – hollow half shaft rear axles, new intake manifold, smaller air-conditioning unit and aluminium suspension components – that shave 80kg off the kerb weight.
While the ageing 5.0-litre V8 engine (351kW/530Nm) remains unchanged, the fitment of a launch control system maintains an impressive the 0-60mph (0-96.5km/h) acceleration time of 3.9 seconds.
Other performance upgrades include Brembo carbon-ceramic brake rotors, lightweight 19-inch forged alloy wheels and a titanium cat-back exhaust.
Lexus is still to confirm whether the Lexus RC, which was introduced in 2015, will enter a second generation.
Its discontinuation in Australia leaves the brand without high-performance ‘F’ model representation to rival Mercedes-AMG, BMW M and Audi Sport, following the exit of the Lexus IS F in 2013 and the GS F sedan in 2020.
However, Lexus is understood to be plotting a performance car revival with the aid of a new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine and a number of go-fast EVs.
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