Lexus lobs 10th anniversary F editions

LEXUS Australia has commemorated the 10^th anniversary of its F performance sub-brand with two special-edition variants, giving the RC F coupe and GS F sedan a number of extra features to distinguish them from their regular counterparts.

Despite the extra enhancements, the 10^th anniversary editions will carry the same price as their donor vehicles, with the special RC F (based on the RC F Carbon pack) checking in at $151,929 plus on-road costs, while the GS F, which comes with semi-aniline leather trim, asks $155,940. Both models go on sale September 5.

The special editions are immediately identifiable from the outside by the Fuji Graphite matte paint finish, which is also applied to the door handles, mirror housings, side skirts and shark fin antenna.

Polished black 20-spoke, 19-inch alloy wheels are featured on both models, which also reveal the special brake callipers with ‘F’ badging and Competition Blue colouring that is applied around the ‘F’ badge on the front wings.

Handling performance is aided by front performance dampers, which improves body rigidity and steering stability, according to the brand.

Inside, there is more Competition Blue touches, with front seats upholstered in blue semi-aniline leather with white accents and ‘F’ logos stitched in the headrests. Rear seats score black leather upholstery with the same ‘F’ logo.

The steering wheel, gear shifter, instrument panel and centre console are also finished in blue leather, while the seatbelts are coloured blue, and the door window control surrounds feature a carbon-fibre weave with blue, black and silver colours.

Each example is fitted with a metal plaque commemorating its build number and limited status.

No changes have been made to either model’s powerplant, which is a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 outputting 351kW at 7100rpm and 530Nm from 4800-5600rpm, driving the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The F brand was created in 2008 with the release of the IS F sedan, and has also featured the two current F models as well as the legendary LFA supercar, which packed a 412kW aspirated V10 engine capable of revving to 9000rpm.

Lexus Australia chief executive Scott Thompson said the special models were produced to increase the level of enjoyment for the driver.

“The letter F symbolises a series of Lexus cars that are designed and engineered to deliver a higher level of sporting style and driving reward,” he said.

“These rare and exclusive versions reinforce that F models are built for drivers to immerse themselves in pure driving pleasure and satisfying performance.”

Sales of both the GS and RC ranges are down in 2018, with the sedan taking a considerable 49.5 per cent hit year on year with 52 registrations to the end of July. The RC range is only down six units over the same span, from 221 in 2017 to 215.

2018 Lexus RC F, GS F 10th anniversary pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs