New 'Track Edition' variant to top Lexus RC F range
Lexus has revisited its RC F performance range in AustraliaLexus Australia has taken the wraps off a new ‘Track Edition’ variant of its RC F sports coupe, along with lopping the price of the regular RC F.
The Lexus RC F Track Edition arrives in Australia in May priced from $165,690 (plus on-road costs), bringing with it performance parts and a host of carbon-fibre goodies that pare back kerb weight by 65kg, to 1715kg, and improve downforce by 26kg.
The exterior changes comprise a new front lower spoiler to reduce front end lift, carbon-fibre reinforced side fines and bonnet, carbon-fibre reinforced roof, rear diffuser, lower rocker panel and rear wing. Inside, there’s carbon-fibre reinforced rear-seat brace.
Elsewhere, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes (380mm diameter front matched by 35mm-larger 380mm units rear) join 19-inch motorsport-inspired lightweight BBS alloy wheels to reduce unsprung mass by 25kg. Uprated Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres are standard.
A titanium exhaust further reduces weight of the RC F Track Edition by 6kg, while increasing sound produced “particularly at high engine speeds”, according to Lexus.
As with the regular RC F, power is sourced from a 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine good for 351kW and 530Nm. Drive is shuffled to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, now with a launch control function.
The Track Edition’s weight loss has translated to a faster 0-100km/h time of 4.3 seconds (against 4.5 seconds for the standard car).
Price cut for regular RC F
Meantime, the garden-variety Lexus RC F has had its price lopped by $3600 while introducing more dynamic enhancements and weight-saving measures.
The RC F is priced from $134,129 plus on-road costs – about $30,000 less than the Track Edition. Furthermore, Lexus Australia will effectively bridge the gap between the entry model and the flagship by way of three new optional ‘enhancement packages’.
“Every new RC F debuts improved aerodynamics with greater downforce particularly on the front axle, stiffer and lighter suspension components, firmer steering control, a freer-breathing and lighter engine, more intuitive transmission and grippier tyres,” Lexus Australia says.
The changes purportedly bring more engaging handling, improved feedback, greater stability and improved steering and throttle response.
The refreshed RC F gets some minor styling tweaks, comprising a single-piece LED headlights and a wider grille, sharped L-shaped tail lights, vertical fins and new diffuser.
The RC F’s intake manifold is now 7 per cent lighter and features new intake piping, while the engine sits a more solid rear mount. The mapping of the eight-speed transmission has also been tweaked.
Inside, the RC F features a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, leather-trimmed bucket seats, 10.3-inch infotainment system and the latest safety acronyms.
The three optional enhancement packages introduce elements of the Track Edition to the base car, and range from $5000 to $29,161.
carsales will attend the global launch of the updated Lexus RC F range in the US next week. Keep an eye out for our full driving impressions.
How much is the 2019 Lexus RC F?
RC F - $134,129
RC F Track Edition - $165,690
*Prices exclude on-road costs
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