Top Gear Review: Lexus RC F Track Edition

The standard RCF in Europe, is losing already power down to 450 HP. Lexus claims, with shorter gearing it will do similar 0-60 mph as the 1st gen RCF. However, once in high revs the almost 20 HP deficit will definitely show itself. Not sure about the track edition, but probably from Geneva show it seems it has the 472 HP.

The Euro emission standards are really rapidly killing high-revving, bigger displacement V8 engines. Everything will be turbo or hybrid there soon.

flexus

RC-F discontinued in Finland. Or just maybe they are waiting to get WLTP emission measurement. The main point is that it's not anymore on the website. It could come back since the standard RC is showing the old model's picture, but I highly doubt since it costs over 140000€ and Lexus hasn't sold even a single unit. It's not that people don't buy it because it's expensive since LC hybrid has seen 6 units sold, which is quite good for a country of 5 million inhabitants and bad roads. Taxation is just too high for 5.0 V8.

The standard RCF in Europe, is losing already power down to 450 HP. Lexus claims, with shorter gearing it will do similar 0-60 mph as the 1st gen RCF. However, once in high revs the almost 20 HP deficit will definitely show itself. Not sure about the track edition, but probably from Geneva show it seems it has the 472 HP.

The Euro emission standards are really rapidly killing high-revving, bigger displacement V8 engines. Everything will be turbo or hybrid there soon.

flexus

RC-F discontinued in Finland. Or just maybe they are waiting to get WLTP emission measurement. The main point is that it's not anymore on the website. It could come back since the standard RC is showing the old model's picture, but I highly doubt since it costs over 140000€ and Lexus hasn't sold even a single unit. It's not that people don't buy it because it's expensive since LC hybrid has seen 6 units sold, which is quite good for a country of 5 million inhabitants and bad roads. Taxation is just too high for 5.0 V8.

Faisal Sheikh

The standard RCF in Europe, is losing already power down to 450 HP. Lexus claims, with shorter gearing it will do similar 0-60 mph as the 1st gen RCF. However, once in high revs the almost 20 HP deficit will definitely show itself. Not sure about the track edition, but probably from Geneva show it seems it has the 472 HP.

The Euro emission standards are really rapidly killing high-revving, bigger displacement V8 engines. Everything will be turbo or hybrid there soon.

Probably for the best. When in Europe I barely use car. Average I think under 10km per day. RC300H would fit my needs, very cost efficient for keeping and city driving and the new version looks neat :).
In Japan I would buy a car when I have so much money that I can literally waste it.
World is very diverce place. You can see it just by looking cars and I think that's a richness :)

Faisal Sheikh

The standard RCF in Europe, is losing already power down to 450 HP. Lexus claims, with shorter gearing it will do similar 0-60 mph as the 1st gen RCF. However, once in high revs the almost 20 HP deficit will definitely show itself. Not sure about the track edition, but probably from Geneva show it seems it has the 472 HP.

The Euro emission standards are really rapidly killing high-revving, bigger displacement V8 engines. Everything will be turbo or hybrid there soon.

Probably for the best. When in Europe I barely use car. Average I think under 10km per day. RC300H would fit my needs, very cost efficient for keeping and city driving and the new version looks neat :).
In Japan I would buy a car when I have so much money that I can literally waste it.
World is very diverce place. You can see it just by looking cars and I think that's a richness :)

RCF and RCF Track Edition premiere at the Laguna Seca Track.

Excited about the tires and my big issue of soft sidewalls is addressed by these new RCF-spec Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires

RCF and RCF Track Edition premiere at the Laguna Seca Track.

Excited about the tires and my big issue of soft sidewalls is addressed by these new RCF-spec Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires

Faisal Sheikh

RCF and RCF Track Edition premiere at the Laguna Seca Track.

Excited about the tires and my big issue of soft sidewalls is addressed by these new RCF-spec Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires

The Lexus RCF is a great car. Would like to see the track edition offer with the ultra sonic blue with red interior in the future. I hope Lexus Is at making the next generation even better. Hoping for a dynamic force engine Tt V8 with 500 plus hp for the next generation RCF replacement.

Faisal Sheikh

RCF and RCF Track Edition premiere at the Laguna Seca Track.

Excited about the tires and my big issue of soft sidewalls is addressed by these new RCF-spec Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires

The Lexus RCF is a great car. Would like to see the track edition offer with the ultra sonic blue with red interior in the future. I hope Lexus Is at making the next generation even better. Hoping for a dynamic force engine Tt V8 with 500 plus hp for the next generation RCF replacement.

Video: Lexus RC F Track Edition at Laguna Seca

With Scott Pruett.

View the original article post

Video: Lexus RC F Track Edition at Laguna Seca

With Scott Pruett.

View the original article post

flexus

RC-F discontinued in Finland. Or just maybe they are waiting to get WLTP emission measurement. The main point is that it's not anymore on the website. It could come back since the standard RC is showing the old model's picture, but I highly doubt since it costs over 140000€ and Lexus hasn't sold even a single unit. It's not that people don't buy it because it's expensive since LC hybrid has seen 6 units sold, which is quite good for a country of 5 million inhabitants and bad roads. Taxation is just too high for 5.0 V8.

Same decision is made to delete the RC F from the range in Belgium & Luxemburg, unfortunately. :mad:
It's a shame, because such 'halo' models are absolutely needed to build brand awareness with a dream factor, even if not one single unit is sold...

flexus

RC-F discontinued in Finland. Or just maybe they are waiting to get WLTP emission measurement. The main point is that it's not anymore on the website. It could come back since the standard RC is showing the old model's picture, but I highly doubt since it costs over 140000€ and Lexus hasn't sold even a single unit. It's not that people don't buy it because it's expensive since LC hybrid has seen 6 units sold, which is quite good for a country of 5 million inhabitants and bad roads. Taxation is just too high for 5.0 V8.

Same decision is made to delete the RC F from the range in Belgium & Luxemburg, unfortunately. :mad:
It's a shame, because such 'halo' models are absolutely needed to build brand awareness with a dream factor, even if not one single unit is sold...

Joe

Same decision is made to delete the RC F from the range in Belgium & Luxemburg, unfortunately. :mad:
It's a shame, because such 'halo' models are absolutely needed to build brand awareness with a dream factor, even if not one single unit is sold...

I think they dropped because it was keeping fleet emissions high. But I don't think they never intented to sell one. As you said building a brand, never saw even displayed.

Joe

Same decision is made to delete the RC F from the range in Belgium & Luxemburg, unfortunately. :mad:
It's a shame, because such 'halo' models are absolutely needed to build brand awareness with a dream factor, even if not one single unit is sold...

I think they dropped because it was keeping fleet emissions high. But I don't think they never intented to sell one. As you said building a brand, never saw even displayed.

interesting that they say nothing about the lap time at laguna seca. It's a nice car, very comfortable, but it does not compete with the other cars one typically sees at the track, like a corvette grand sport, porsche 911 S or GT3 and above, camaro Zl1 1LE; not sure if it would be a modified miata either. Not that speed is the important thing for the RC F track edition; just sayin

interesting that they say nothing about the lap time at laguna seca. It's a nice car, very comfortable, but it does not compete with the other cars one typically sees at the track, like a corvette grand sport, porsche 911 S or GT3 and above, camaro Zl1 1LE; not sure if it would be a modified miata either. Not that speed is the important thing for the RC F track edition; just sayin

PeterF

interesting that they say nothing about the lap time at laguna seca. It's a nice car, very comfortable, but it does not compete with the other cars one typically sees at the track, like a corvette grand sport, porsche 911 S or GT3 and above, camaro Zl1 1LE; not sure if it would be a modified miata either. Not that speed is the important thing for the RC F track edition; just sayin

When was the last time Lexus talked about lap times? The track edition will not compete with most of the cars you mentioned. An M4 CS, Camaro 1LE SS or GT350R most likely, but these cars have racing slick tires that make a big difference in lap times. A standard RCF without carbon/TVD, with Randy having issues with the transmission, ran a 1:43. It is safe to say the RCF track edition will be 2.5 - 3 seconds quicker than the RCF carbon with TVD so it should put it in the 1:39 range with Randy, wbich is a very good lap considering it is not on slick tires and still has a full luxury interior.

p.s. Unless a Miata has a big turbo on its engine, it would not be close to an RCF on a big/fast momentum and flow track where you are carrying around 90 - 100 mph through some turns.

PeterF

interesting that they say nothing about the lap time at laguna seca. It's a nice car, very comfortable, but it does not compete with the other cars one typically sees at the track, like a corvette grand sport, porsche 911 S or GT3 and above, camaro Zl1 1LE; not sure if it would be a modified miata either. Not that speed is the important thing for the RC F track edition; just sayin

When was the last time Lexus talked about lap times? The track edition will not compete with most of the cars you mentioned. An M4 CS, Camaro 1LE SS or GT350R most likely, but these cars have racing slick tires that make a big difference in lap times. A standard RCF without carbon/TVD, with Randy having issues with the transmission, ran a 1:43. It is safe to say the RCF track edition will be 2.5 - 3 seconds quicker than the RCF carbon with TVD so it should put it in the 1:39 range with Randy, wbich is a very good lap considering it is not on slick tires and still has a full luxury interior.

p.s. Unless a Miata has a big turbo on its engine, it would not be close to an RCF on a big/fast momentum and flow track where you are carrying around 90 - 100 mph through some turns.

Faisal Sheikh

When was the last time Lexus talked about lap times? The track edition will not compete with most of the cars you mentioned. An M4 CS, Camaro 1LE SS or GT350R most likely, but these cars have racing slick tires that make a big difference in lap times. A standard RCF without carbon/TVD, with Randy having issues with the transmission, ran a 1:43. It is safe to say the RCF track edition will be 2.5 - 3 seconds quicker than the RCF carbon with TVD so it should put it in the 1:39 range with Randy, wbich is a very good lap considering it is not on slick tires and still has a full luxury interior.

p.s. Unless a Miata has a big turbo on its engine, it would not be close to an RCF on a big/fast momentum and flow track where you are carrying around 90 - 100 mph through some turns.

I agree, The RC F is a luxury grand touring car, not a car that will compete with the typical cars one sees on the track (in USA at High Performance track days) that I mentioned above. So, IDK why Lexus calls it a track edition, inferring that it will compete at the track. I was expecting a serious attempt by Lexus to field a car that would compete with vette GS, 911S, GTS. I was disappointed. I might have bought one if they took off more weight and if it was faster. Its still a cool car. I am sure people will buy it, but for the most part they won't drive it on a track. The wing looks cool and it's comfy, but still heavy. I am sorry to ding it, but I was disappointed. 0-60 in 3.96 s is pretty good and it is an improvement, but I was hoping for something quicker.. There are many cars that are much faster. Their RC F GT concept car was very fast on VIR. They can make a fast car, but their market is not to track boys; its to more sophisticated drivers who like a pretty fast car that has some cool carbon fiber and has a cool wing. I do like the way it looks. I am just complaining and don't mean to disrespect the car. I just wish they sold something more track focused. I guess one could buy one, and pull out the back seats, and do away with a lot of the extra stuff to make it lighter.

Faisal Sheikh

When was the last time Lexus talked about lap times? The track edition will not compete with most of the cars you mentioned. An M4 CS, Camaro 1LE SS or GT350R most likely, but these cars have racing slick tires that make a big difference in lap times. A standard RCF without carbon/TVD, with Randy having issues with the transmission, ran a 1:43. It is safe to say the RCF track edition will be 2.5 - 3 seconds quicker than the RCF carbon with TVD so it should put it in the 1:39 range with Randy, wbich is a very good lap considering it is not on slick tires and still has a full luxury interior.

p.s. Unless a Miata has a big turbo on its engine, it would not be close to an RCF on a big/fast momentum and flow track where you are carrying around 90 - 100 mph through some turns.

I agree, The RC F is a luxury grand touring car, not a car that will compete with the typical cars one sees on the track (in USA at High Performance track days) that I mentioned above. So, IDK why Lexus calls it a track edition, inferring that it will compete at the track. I was expecting a serious attempt by Lexus to field a car that would compete with vette GS, 911S, GTS. I was disappointed. I might have bought one if they took off more weight and if it was faster. Its still a cool car. I am sure people will buy it, but for the most part they won't drive it on a track. The wing looks cool and it's comfy, but still heavy. I am sorry to ding it, but I was disappointed. 0-60 in 3.96 s is pretty good and it is an improvement, but I was hoping for something quicker.. There are many cars that are much faster. Their RC F GT concept car was very fast on VIR. They can make a fast car, but their market is not to track boys; its to more sophisticated drivers who like a pretty fast car that has some cool carbon fiber and has a cool wing. I do like the way it looks. I am just complaining and don't mean to disrespect the car. I just wish they sold something more track focused. I guess one could buy one, and pull out the back seats, and do away with a lot of the extra stuff to make it lighter.

The RCF GT that ran lightning lap was not street legal and was stripped out of all interior. The track edition RCF still has the same rear seats and front seats my RCF has because racing seats are uncomfortable for daily driving. I think you are confusing the car's purpose. It is not a purpose built track car. 911s cost a lot more than the RCF and Corvette is a 2-seater. If you want to compare it, you should look at 2 + 2 cars that are built with track focus while still retaining the luxury amenities. Cars like (past) C63 AMG black series, (past) M3 GTS, M4 CS or GTS, GT350R are a good comparison.

I personally thought, Lexus would strip out the rear seats and put lightweight racing seats at the front, but they have been using the phrase "drive it every day and then take it to the track to run fast laps". Still, just under 200 lbs weight savings is quite impressive and I think it will do quite well.

PeterF

I agree, The RC F is a luxury grand touring car, not a car that will compete with the typical cars one sees on the track (in USA at High Performance track days) that I mentioned above. So, IDK why Lexus calls it a track edition, inferring that it will compete at the track. I was expecting a serious attempt by Lexus to field a car that would compete with vette GS, 911S, GTS. I was disappointed. I might have bought one if they took off more weight and if it was faster. Its still a cool car. I am sure people will buy it, but for the most part they won't drive it on a track. The wing looks cool and it's comfy, but still heavy. I am sorry to ding it, but I was disappointed. 0-60 in 3.96 s is pretty good and it is an improvement, but I was hoping for something quicker.. There are many cars that are much faster. Their RC F GT concept car was very fast on VIR. They can make a fast car, but their market is not to track boys; its to more sophisticated drivers who like a pretty fast car that has some cool carbon fiber and has a cool wing. I do like the way it looks. I am just complaining and don't mean to disrespect the car. I just wish they sold something more track focused. I guess one could buy one, and pull out the back seats, and do away with a lot of the extra stuff to make it lighter.

The RCF GT that ran lightning lap was not street legal and was stripped out of all interior. The track edition RCF still has the same rear seats and front seats my RCF has because racing seats are uncomfortable for daily driving. I think you are confusing the car's purpose. It is not a purpose built track car. 911s cost a lot more than the RCF and Corvette is a 2-seater. If you want to compare it, you should look at 2 + 2 cars that are built with track focus while still retaining the luxury amenities. Cars like (past) C63 AMG black series, (past) M3 GTS, M4 CS or GTS, GT350R are a good comparison.

I personally thought, Lexus would strip out the rear seats and put lightweight racing seats at the front, but they have been using the phrase "drive it every day and then take it to the track to run fast laps". Still, just under 200 lbs weight savings is quite impressive and I think it will do quite well.

PeterF

I agree, The RC F is a luxury grand touring car, not a car that will compete with the typical cars one sees on the track (in USA at High Performance track days) that I mentioned above. So, IDK why Lexus calls it a track edition, inferring that it will compete at the track. I was expecting a serious attempt by Lexus to field a car that would compete with vette GS, 911S, GTS. I was disappointed. I might have bought one if they took off more weight and if it was faster. Its still a cool car. I am sure people will buy it, but for the most part they won't drive it on a track. The wing looks cool and it's comfy, but still heavy. I am sorry to ding it, but I was disappointed. 0-60 in 3.96 s is pretty good and it is an improvement, but I was hoping for something quicker.. There are many cars that are much faster. Their RC F GT concept car was very fast on VIR. They can make a fast car, but their market is not to track boys; its to more sophisticated drivers who like a pretty fast car that has some cool carbon fiber and has a cool wing. I do like the way it looks. I am just complaining and don't mean to disrespect the car. I just wish they sold something more track focused. I guess one could buy one, and pull out the back seats, and do away with a lot of the extra stuff to make it lighter.

Ha! Really cool seeing Chad in the video. I know Chad, he's a really good guy and a true Lexus enthusiast!

Ha! Really cool seeing Chad in the video. I know Chad, he's a really good guy and a true Lexus enthusiast!

New Lexus marketing of the RCF

New Lexus marketing of the RCF