Introducing the Lexus RC F Track Edition & Updated 2020 RC F Coupe


After all the spy shots and Nürburgring testing and carefully scripted teasers, the Lexus RC F Track Edition debuts today at the Detroit Auto Show alongside the updated 2020 RC F.

Right from the start, the RC F had style to burn — the coupe was well-suited to all the staples of the Lexus F brand: the massive front intakes, fender vents, and quad exhausts have always been a natural fit. With this latest update, Lexus has taken off the shackles and unleashed something spectacular with the RC F Track Edition.

Lexus RC F Track Edition & Standard

Hyped as the most powerful Lexus since the LFA, the RC F now has 472 horsepower (+5hp) and 395 pound feet of torque (+6 lb ft) while the Track Edition loses 176 pounds of unsprung weight. Add in the new launch control feature, and the RC F Track Edition hits 0-to-60mph in less than 4.0 seconds.

Lexus RC F Track Edition Rear

Both editions of the RC F deserve our through attention, so let’s start off with the full press release and all the official images.


  • Refreshed 2020 Lexus RC F boasts improved performance and updated design
  • New 2020 RC F Track Edition offers exclusive upgrades designed for hard core enthusiasts
  • New launch control feature delivers 0-to-60mph time of less than 4.0 seconds on Track Edition

DETROIT, MI – January 14th, 2019 – Freshly updated for the 2020 model year, the RC F coupe now boasts improved performance, revised styling and an all-new, limited production Track Edition. With the introduction of the RC F Track Edition, hard core driving enthusiasts no longer have to decide between a luxury car for the street and a serious performance car for the track. Blending the luxury and craftsmanship of Lexus with performance upgrades typically reserved for exotic sportscars, the RC F Track Edition is capable of turning hot laps all afternoon and being driven home that night. It’s the latest milestone for the F performance brand that will continue to evolve as an important pillar of the overall strategy at Lexus.

The Track Edition joins the standard Lexus RC F performance coupe which has been extensively updated for the 2020 model year. Improved aerodynamics, reduced weight, a retuned suspension and enhanced styling elevate the RC F to a new level of performance and refinement.

“The new RCF and the Track Edition, in particular, benefit from constant development since their original launch. With the latest improvements, these models help further distinguish the F brand by offering fast, durable, highly capable performance cars that rely on a range of technologies to help make their performance accessible to drivers of all skill levels,” said Koji Sato, Executive Vice President, Lexus International.

The 2020 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. Changing to aluminum for the toe control brackets and upper suspension support brackets also reduces weight while maintaining stiffness.

To further refine the feel of the RC F, there are now stiffer bushings for the rear suspension arms and steering rack mounts. More rigid engine mounts were also used to better transmit the power of the RC F’s normally aspirated 5.0-liter V8, one of the last such engines available in a luxury coupe. It’s now rated at 472 horsepower (+5hp) and 395 pound feet of torque (+6 lb ft) thanks to a revised intake routing and lower rpm trigger point for the secondary intake opening (2,800 rpm vs 3,600rpm). An eight-speed automatic transmission carries over, but a higher final drive ratio (3.13 vs 2.93) 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. All the driver has to do is press and hold the brake pedal, engage the system, floor the accelerator to bring up the engine speed and release the brake. Using the system results in a 0-to-60mph time of just 4.2 seconds.

Additional performance gains are delivered by new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires designed specifically for the RC F. Compared to the standard Michelin specifications, the tires on the RC F utilize a unique profile shape, tread pattern and rubber compound. The changes are specifically designed to reduce understeer, improve overall lateral grip and increase durability under extreme conditions.

RC F Track Edition: A Higher Degree of F


There are also subtle but substantive changes to the styling of the RC F that add familial traits to further refine its aggressive overall shape. Up front, the headlights have been updated to a design that features stacked LED lights and integrated daytime running lights. The shape of the signature grille has been altered by adding a lower lip opening that stretches across the bottom to create a visually shorter front fascia. At the rear of the car, new taillights integrate neatly into a reshaped bumper to give the RC F a cleaner, more chiseled 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. 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.

Achieving that level of predictable performance was made possible by rigorous engineering and the assembly precision of Takumi masters who oversee production of every RC F. All aspects of the car were scrutinized for improvement, but the Track Edition doesn’t forego refinement for all-out speed. It remains an uncompromised luxury performance coupe with the ability to impress both on the track and off.

A Smoother Shape and a Precise Diet


One key area of improvement is the RC F Track Edition’s aerodynamic signature. Up front, the unique lower spoiler is not only made from carbon fiber to reduce weight, it’s also designed to increase 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 does double duty by simultaneously reducing drag and adding downforce.

To accomplish that paradoxical feat, the engineers started by shaping the wing in a way that smooths the airflow over the rear of the car to decrease drag-inducing turbulence. They then added a very slight angle of attack to produce downforce without compromising the overall airflow. The result is up to 58 pounds of additional downforce compared to the active rear spoiler.

Like the standard model, weight reduction was a key area of focus for the Track Edition. Preliminary estimates put the total reduction at 176 pounds compared to the previous RC F, but more importantly, the engineers focused on cutting weight that yields the most significant dynamic improvements. This led to keying in on unsprung weight since any weight that can be removed from the mass not supported by the suspension pays huge dividends in handling and steering feel.

With that goal in mind, every Track Edition model is upgraded with Brembo carbon ceramic brake rotors. They are not only significantly lighter than their steel counterparts, they’re also better able to withstand the extreme heat cycling associated with performance driving. They are surrounded by a set of lightweight 19” BBS forged alloy wheels that feature a design derived from the RC F GT3 race car. Between the wheels, brake rotors and calipers, the Track Edition boasts a significant 55-pound reduction in unsprung weight on the front of the car alone.

Additional weight was removed by specifying carbon fiber for the roof and hood along with switching to a carbon fiber partition behind the rear seats and a carbon bumper reinforcement. Many of these carbon fiber pieces are made on the same line that supplied the Lexus LFA during its two-year production run. A standard titanium muffler and tail pipes is yet another area where the Track Edition sheds weight. Rarely seen on production cars, the use of titanium not only reduces the overall weight of the individual parts, it gives the Track Edition a polished look along with a unique sound.

That sound is worth enhancing, too, as the Track Edition uses the same 472hp, normally aspirated 5.0- liter V8 found in every 2020 RC F. In fact, when combined with the Track Edition’s reduced curb weight, this RC F has the best power-to-weight ratio among its competitors. Couple that with the new electronic launch control system, and the RC F Track Edition is capable of launching from 0-to-60 mph in 3.96 seconds.

In order to give the Track Edition a more exclusive look on the inside, a red leather interior comes standard along with Alcantara seat accents and red carbon trim on the doors and dashboard. Only two exterior colors will be available: Ultra White and Matte Nebula Gray, an exclusive color only available on the Track Edition.

Both the 2020 Lexus RC F and the RC F Track Edition will start production in the second quarter of 2019. Pricing will be announced closer to their on-sale dates.

Lexus RC F: First Generation
Comments
So that points to a power bump over the 471hp... AWESOME!
RCF easily gets around 500 HP with an exhaust mod. Maybe, Lexus relaxed the emissions on it a bit (since it is a limited edition model) and got it around 490 - 495 HP (that is what I had predicted a while back). Would be awesome if they raise the redline to 7800 rpm, but I doubt that will happen.

Very excited about this as RCF will go out with a bang.

Gecko
So that points to a power bump over the 471hp... AWESOME!
Gecko
So that points to a power bump over the 471hp... AWESOME!
To quote from the Autoblog article cited above:

As for how much power the RC F Track Edition will produce, we can at least guess a range while we wait for the reveal. The most powerful LFA, the Nurburgring Edition, made 562 horsepower, and the regular model made 552 horsepower. The most powerful Lexus on sale right now is the LC 500 with a 471 horsepower V8. At least 500 horsepower seems a safe bet for this special RC F, and it will probably come from a massaged version of the 5.0-liter V8 in the regular RC F and LC 500.
Two key questions here:

- How much weight will the Track Edition shed versus the regular RC F? Will it lose, for example, the back seats?

- Will the Track Edition have to observe the "no U.S. CAFE Gas Guzzler Tax" edict that has limited horsepower figures of the vast majority of Lexus' performance lineup? Or will it be exempt as the LFA was?
552-562 hp as a hurdle, even without any weight reductions puts it at 283-289 hp/ton vs 242 hp/ton of standard. So about a 20% increase. Add in some weight reduction and some smarter bits and pieces, and this could be a pretty attractive track option (especially if it remains NA, which seems likely). I realize that they are not necessarily saying this is more powerful than the LFA, the wording seems a bit vague to take that away from it, but it would be interesting.

What's the likelihood this thing being faster than/comparable to a potential LC F, until an LC F track edition comes along?
They said, aside from LFA, it will be the quickest (which RCF already is, actually).

It won't be anywhere close to 552 - 562 HP. We get 450 - 460 whp with all naturally aspirated mods out of the RCF (stock is 400 whp). So 450 - 460 whp is around 520 - 525 HP, but the emissions are out the door at that point.

Since it is the same N/A V8 (as appears in spy videos), it can go safely up to 490 - 495 HP with small tweaks easily without emissions being too much of an issue. Also, the weight reduction would be around 250 - 300 lbs (light seats, no back seats, no 17 speaker ML, more carbon fiber) so my guess is around 3670 - 3700 lbs weight and around 490 - 495 HP.


CRSKTN
552-562 hp as a hurdle, even without any weight reductions puts it at 283-289 hp/ton vs 242 hp/ton of standard. So about a 20% increase. Add in some weight reduction and some smarter bits and pieces, and this could be a pretty attractive track option (especially if it remains NA, which seems likely). I realize that they are not necessarily saying this is more powerful than the LFA, the wording seems a bit vague to take that away from it, but it would be interesting.

What's the likelihood this thing being faster than/comparable to a potential LC F, until an LC F track edition comes along?
I have been waiting for this kind of update for a long time. I hope it's good.
Autoblog just likes to remind everyone that Lexus’ parent company is Toyota. The first word in that article is Toyota, smh...
mordecai
Autoblog just likes to remind everyone that Lexus’ parent company is Toyota. The first word in that article is Toyota, smh...
In this particular case, I don't think there was any malice or trolling intended. Rather, it was a reminder that the reputed "blandmobile" carmaker was, in fact, debuting two enthusiast-oriented sports cars (Toyota Supra and Lexus RC F Track Edition) in Detroit.
Is no one talking about that wing? :heart_eyes::heart_eyes::heart_eyes:
Some real exciting news!!! Can’t wait even for the LC’s project as it’s not yet finished!
Being an RCF owner, one of the most frustrating thing is that the car is making the most power just before rev limiter. It surges/howls all the way and then suddenly rev limiter. Hope they raise the rev limiter a bit to around 7700 - 7800 rpm. It would really make one appreciate the engine even more, but I doubt it will happen.
Faisal Sheikh
Being an RCF owner, one of the most frustrating thing is that the car is making the most power just before rev limiter. It surges/howls all the way and then suddenly rev limiter. Hope they raise the rev limiter a bit to around 7700 - 7800 rpm. It would really make one appreciate the engine even more, but I doubt it will happen.
Yes. An engine that peaks right before rev limiter is very suboptimal for track use because it forces an upshift which leads to a loss of power continuity. A good performance engine should always leave at least 10% extra revs after peak so the car is still in the power band after upshift. But in this case it's just Lexus being Lexus because you know, maintaining that reliability reputation is No.1 priority on every car they make. And it's unlikely they will ever change that approach.
It will be 473 hp. 472 hp would be too little bump. They will not put engineering hours in an engine, that will be built like maybe five pieces a month, for a twelve month production run.

The car will be stripped of amenities, a little carbon fiber panels here and there and thats it. Still it will be hellishly fast!
indeed, it will likely gain no more than 10hp :)... but much lighter.
Guaranteed it would be 480 - 490 HP as the engine can easily attain that without any engine modifications. It will cost quite a lot more than carbon/TVD RCF (will be around the M4 GTS or at least M4 CS price range) so it will definitely get more power.

Especially, considering in Europe/Japan the RCF and LC500 both are rated identically to 477 DHP/PS (471 BHP) so if RCF GT is "most powerful" then it is definitely much higher than 477 DHP/PS. As soon as they arrive in the North American markets, there is a "marketing" 4 HP difference when the exhaust of Euro-spec RCF is identical to the NA RCF so there is no reasonable explanation of the 4 HP difference.



arrow1982
It will be 473 hp. 472 hp would be too little bump. They will not put engineering hours in an engine, that will be built like maybe five pieces a month, for a twelve month production run.

The car will be stripped of amenities, a little carbon fiber panels here and there and thats it. Still it will be hellishly fast!
The torque curve is very flat from 4000 rpm to rev cut off. Over 90% available at all times. However, as the revs rise, the gearing torque multiplication is greater, which is why after shifts (drops to 5700 rpm in 1st to 2nd shift), there is definitely a noticeable difference in power at 5500 rpm vs ~7400 rpm. Almost as if Lexus designed an 8000 rpm engine and then bean counters decided to put a rev limiter around 7400 rpm.


ssun30
Yes. An engine that peaks right before rev limiter is very suboptimal for track use because it forces an upshift which leads to a loss of power continuity. A good performance engine should always leave at least 10% extra revs after peak so the car is still in the power band after upshift. But in this case it's just Lexus being Lexus because you know, maintaining that reliability reputation is No.1 priority on every car they make. And it's unlikely they will ever change that approach.
Faisal Sheikh
Almost as if Lexus designed an 8000 rpm engine and then bean counters decided to put a rev limiter around 7400 rpm.
And the Camry's 2.5 at 6800 has a higher mean piston speed than the 2UR at 7400. Toyota in their infinite wisdom thinks it's too risky to rev their flagship track car to 8k while it's okay to rev the grocery getter harder.
C
If we look at it from a 0-60 mph standpoint, the LFA hit it in 3.6 seconds which nowadays is M4 CS and RS5 territory.

Now being stated as the second fastest Lexus, I fear the RC F TE at best will hit 60 in the high 3s (from 4.3s today), placing it still in a catch up position to the Germans. So I'm not holding my breath for this metric, however, I'm still hopeful it can outshine them overall on the track.
corradoMR2
If we look at it from a 0-60 mph standpoint, the LFA hit it in 3.6 seconds which nowadays is M4 CS and RS5 territory.

Now being stated as the second fastest Lexus, I fear the RC F TE at best will hit 60 in the high 3s (from 4.3s today), placing it still in a catch up position to the Germans. So I'm not holding my breath for this metric, however, I'm still hopeful it can outshine them overall on the track.
my thoughts exactly, recently Lexus has never produced a proper competitor to the German performance cars, only very close.
M4 CS might be close in 0-60 mph, but it will get destroyed by the LFA at higher speed (or even around the race track). It won't be near LFA territory (despite LFA being almost 10 years old).

If the RCF also has Cup 2 tires (like all of these other cars) alongside the weight reduction and power increase then it can most likely put down serious lap times in the GT350R, C7 Stringray or M4 GTS league.

corradoMR2
If we look at it from a 0-60 mph standpoint, the LFA hit it in 3.6 seconds which nowadays is M4 CS and RS5 territory.

Now being stated as the second fastest Lexus, I fear the RC F TE at best will hit 60 in the high 3s (from 4.3s today), placing it still in a catch up position to the Germans. So I'm not holding my breath for this metric, however, I'm still hopeful it can outshine them overall on the track.
krew
krew

Lexus RC F Track Edition to Debut at Detroit Auto Show
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View the original article post
The official 2019 Detroit Auto Show press conference schedule has been posted. Lexus will host one on Monday 14 January (the sole carmaker press day) starting at 1:10 PM Eastern Time.
Was hoping it would be earlier than that, but oh well at least it happening and very happy about the RCF being in the limelight again.
Their bold claim is kind of a soft proof that LC-F is still far away. At this point we could be certain the earliest would be a facelift MY.
Maybe at least 100kg lighter than the normal RC F? Just like the LFA Nurburgring Package is 100kg lighter than the normal LFA.

I wonder will Toyota and Lexus continue to evolve the 5.0L V8 2UR-GSE, since they are going to run the LC500 again this year at the 24 Hours Nurburgring.
About 150 - 200 lbs max. Around 3750 lbs or so at best because the safety equipment etc. weight will still stay. Around 500 - 505 HP is my guess with a free flowing exhaust.

LFA Nürburgring Editions with navi, ML stereo etc. were barely 100 lbs lighter than the standard LFA. From what I remember, it weighed 3350 lbs for the Sport Auto supertest.

carguy420
Maybe at least 100kg lighter than the normal RC F? Just like the LFA Nurburgring Package is 100kg lighter than the normal LFA.

I wonder will Toyota and Lexus continue to evolve the 5.0L V8 2UR-GSE, since they are going to run the LC500 again this year at the 24 Hours Nurburgring.
carguy420
I wonder will Toyota and Lexus continue to evolve the 5.0L V8 2UR-GSE, since they are going to run the LC500 again this year at the 24 Hours Nurburgring.
I honestly don't know the future for the 5.0L V8 -- all the rumors point to a 4.0L twin-turbo for the LC F/LS F, maybe they lower the displacement on this engine?
krew
I honestly don't know the future for the 5.0L V8 -- all the rumors point to a 4.0L twin-turbo for the LC F/LS F, maybe they lower the displacement on this engine?
Yeah, definitely it is on its way out. Turbo sixes is the way of the future for Lexus F.

F