Lexus debuts refreshed RC F and RC F Track Edition

Freshly updated, the Lexus RC F Coupe now boasts improved performance, revised styling and an all new, limited production Track Edition.

The refreshed Lexus RC F coupe gets a wide range of changes designed to boost its performance and freshen its overall look. One of the first targets for the engineers was reducing weight without compromising the coupe's sense of refinement and solidity.

At the rear, hollow half shafts are now used in place of the previous solid shafts while up front a pared down intake manifold and a smaller air-conditioning compressor remove weight from the front of the car.

More rigid engine mounts were used to better transmit the power of the RC F's normally aspirated 5.0-litre V8, one of the last such engines available in a luxury coupe. It's now rated at 466bhp and 535Nm thanks to a revised intake routing and lower rpm trigger point for the secondary intake opening.

An eight-speed automatic transmission carries over, but a higher final drive ratio has been installed to improve off-the-line response. For the ultimate in standing start acceleration, the RC F now includes electronic launch control as standard. With a push of the button on the console, the system automatically adjusts the traction and throttle control for maximum acceleration from a stop.

Subtle but substantive changes further refine its aggressive overall shape. Up front, the head lights feature stacked LED lights and integrated daytime running lights. The shape of the signature grille has been altered by adding a lower lip opening to create a visually shorter front fascia. At the rear of the car, new tail lamps integrate neatly into a reshaped bumper to give the RC F a cleaner, more chiselled appearance.

More than a mere accessories package, the limited production RC F Track Edition features a precisely engineered set of upgrades that work together seamlessly to push its performance to a new level.

All aspects of the car were scrutinised for improvement, developed with input from Lexus race teams in the Super GT and IMSA series. The Track Edition is designed to deliver exceptional performance that enthusiasts can easily exploit in a wide variety of conditions.

Up front, the unique air dam is not only made from carbon fibre to reduce weight, it increases front end downforce for better grip and more precise steering. At the rear of the car, a fixed rear wing made from carbon fiber replaces the active spoiler offered on the standard RC F. The fixed wing is not only lighter, it simultaneously reduces drag. The wing has a very slight angle of attack, resulting in up to 26kg of additional downforce compared to the active rear spoiler.

Every Track Edition model is upgraded with Brembo carbon ceramic brake rotors that are significantly lighter and better able to withstand the extreme heat cycling associated with performance driving. They are surrounded by a set of lightweight 19-inch BBS forged alloy wheels. The Track Edition boasts a significant 24.9kg reduction in unsprung weight on the front of the car alone. Additional weight was removed by specifying carbon fibre for the roof and hood, along with a carbon fibre partition behind the rear seats and a carbon bumper reinforcement.

A standard titanium muffler and tail pipes is yet another area where the Track Edition sheds weight, giving the Track Edition a polished look along with a unique sound. That sound is worth enhancing, too, as the Track Edition uses the same normally aspirated 5.0-litre V8. Combined with the new electronic launch control system, the RC F Track Edition is capable of a 0-100km/h time of less than 4.0 seconds.