Lexus lobs hi-po RC F Track Edition

LEXUS Australia has updated its high-performance RC F coupe range, which is now topped by the performance-focused Track Edition and kicks off from $134,129 plus on-roads – a $3600 reduction over the outgoing range.

The entry-level RC F continues to kick off the two-variant range, while the RC F Track Edition – first revealed at the Detroit motor show in January – replaces the outgoing Carbon variant and is priced from $165,690 plus on-roads, an increase of $31,561 over the RC F.

Partially derived from the RC F GT3 racecar, the Track Edition introduces a number of performance-oriented enhancements that give it an edge over its entry-level counterpart.

Changes across the range include improvements to aerodynamics including greater downforce on the front axle, lighter and stiffer suspension, firmer steering, a lighter engine and grippier tyres, all to enable more responsive handling, greater chassis stability and improved throttle response.

Light styling updates have been applied to the range, including new single-piece LED headlights, a wider grille with an L-shaped mesh pattern, larger front-side air breathers, lower front bumper fins and side rocker mouldings.

At the rear it scores restyled L-shaped tail-lights, vertical fins and a new diffuser.

The Track Edition is easily distinguishable from the RC F by its more aggressive front spoiler, carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) side fins and rear diffuser, and a fixed rear wing – also made of CFRP – which contributes 26kg of downforce.

Other CFRP parts on the Track Edition include the bonnet, roof, lower rocker panel and rear-seat brace, which along with a titanium exhaust system, contribute a weight reduction of 71kg.

Carbon-ceramic brakes and 19-inch BBS alloys help to reduce weight by a further 25kg, bringing the Track Edition’s kerb weight to 1715kg.

Both models score the carry-over 5.0-litre free-breathing V8 engine producing 351kW at 7100rpm and 530Nm from 4800-5600rpm, teamed to a revised eight-speed automatic transmission with a new AI-Shift feature and more aggressive downshifting in Sport S+ mode.

Launch control will also be offered on a Lexus model for the first time since the LFA supercar.

The Track Edition is able to complete the sprint from zero to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds, 0.2s ahead of the RC F.

Standard spec across the range includes a 10.3-inch infotainment system with live traffic updates and DAB+ digital radio, a mechanical limited-slip differential, semi-aniline leather-accented trim, heated and ventilated front seats, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and a suite of safety features including pre-collision safety system, active cruise control, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring.

Three enhancement packs are available for the RC F including two choices of 19-inch alloy wheels at $5000 each, and a $29,161 package of Track Edition-inspired kit including BBS alloys, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, titanium exhaust and carbon-fibre cabin ornamentation. All three come with a moonroof.

In 2018, Lexus sold 334 examples of the RC, down 9.7 per cent on the 370 it managed in 2017.

Through the first three months of 2019, it has recorded 68 new registrations, down 38.7 per cent year-on-year.

2019 Lexus RC F pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs