Top Gear Review: Lexus RC F Track Edition

F1 Silver Arrows

I think it's better to say that we should wait. However I stand by my opinion that the Supra (and the GRMN/alpha car) will be a way more cohesive sports car. Because that's its purpose. To be a sports car. The RC F is an amazing GT like the M4/C63. The fact that a GT car will do a better job than a sports car is questionable in my humble opinion.

Just to be clear, the 2020 Supra is a GT car - by Toyota's own admission.

Like its 1990s predecessor, the 2020 Supra will be equipped as a premium GT, with a deft balance of function and premium comfort and convenience features.

Source: Toyota Pressroom - A Legend Returns: 2020 Toyota Supra Makes World Debut

F1 Silver Arrows

I think it's better to say that we should wait. However I stand by my opinion that the Supra (and the GRMN/alpha car) will be a way more cohesive sports car. Because that's its purpose. To be a sports car. The RC F is an amazing GT like the M4/C63. The fact that a GT car will do a better job than a sports car is questionable in my humble opinion.

Just to be clear, the 2020 Supra is a GT car - by Toyota's own admission.

Like its 1990s predecessor, the 2020 Supra will be equipped as a premium GT, with a deft balance of function and premium comfort and convenience features.

Source: Toyota Pressroom - A Legend Returns: 2020 Toyota Supra Makes World Debut

Faisal Sheikh

^^^

It is because you are so smitten by Supra that you are not willing to look at objective facts.

Again, I am not going to waste my time because you clearly don't understand fast cars. The fact that you somehow think gearing magically will overcome a huge power-to-weight ratio deficit, is ridiculous. That is not how gearing works. The M2 example illustrates a car with similar size and better power to weight ratio, being slower by 10 km/h on a fast technical track.

Supra stock out of the box will not be anywhere close to the RCF as I stated above at high speeds. You can take it to the bank. I will be sure to check back with you. 0-60 mph? sure 1/4 mile? probably a few tenths off? over 100 mph? no way. This is coming from someone who owns a fast car.

I'm just going to back off because clearly you are upset and I don't want it to be that way. I respect you, so I will say this. Don't assume things man, the fact that you're jumping to assumptions about somebody is definitely not cool and it is untrue as well. I'm not going to respond to the rest of your comment because you're trying to blow off a lot of steam.

I think I'll just back outta these forums for a while because I feel like I may be hurting someone. I did say to someone in pm (may or may not be a mod ;)) that I will be here for the long run and you know who you are. To that guy, I will be here for the long run. I feel like a hiatus should in place for me because my intention is to never hurt anybody here.

I cannot wait for the next chapter to experience amazing.


--------------------


@Gecko That's really odd because Akio and Tada keeps saying sports car? Perhaps a mishmash of things are going on then?

Faisal Sheikh

^^^

It is because you are so smitten by Supra that you are not willing to look at objective facts.

Again, I am not going to waste my time because you clearly don't understand fast cars. The fact that you somehow think gearing magically will overcome a huge power-to-weight ratio deficit, is ridiculous. That is not how gearing works. The M2 example illustrates a car with similar size and better power to weight ratio, being slower by 10 km/h on a fast technical track.

Supra stock out of the box will not be anywhere close to the RCF as I stated above at high speeds. You can take it to the bank. I will be sure to check back with you. 0-60 mph? sure 1/4 mile? probably a few tenths off? over 100 mph? no way. This is coming from someone who owns a fast car.

I'm just going to back off because clearly you are upset and I don't want it to be that way. I respect you, so I will say this. Don't assume things man, the fact that you're jumping to assumptions about somebody is definitely not cool and it is untrue as well. I'm not going to respond to the rest of your comment because you're trying to blow off a lot of steam.

I think I'll just back outta these forums for a while because I feel like I may be hurting someone. I did say to someone in pm (may or may not be a mod ;)) that I will be here for the long run and you know who you are. To that guy, I will be here for the long run. I feel like a hiatus should in place for me because my intention is to never hurt anybody here.

I cannot wait for the next chapter to experience amazing.


--------------------


@Gecko That's really odd because Akio and Tada keeps saying sports car? Perhaps a mishmash of things are going on then?

F1 Silver Arrows

Don't assume things man, the fact that you're jumping to assumptions about somebody is definitely not cool and it is untrue as well. I'm not going to respond to the rest of your comment because you're trying to blow off a lot of steam.

Reading through these posts, you are making a lot of assumptions about others and the lack of regard for facts is coming off as steam blowing indeed. Given the ability to stretch its legs, the 472hp RC F should walk away from a 335hp Supra. Will the Supra probably be faster 0-60 or 1/4 mile? Yes - welcome to turbocharging 101. But the RC F's horsepower advantage will trounce the Supra given the opportunity to get into the upper RPMs for an extended run.

All we have so far for the Supra is price, weight, horsepower, torque and 0-60. There is still a lot we don't know - including hypothetical GRMN Supras. What we have now are limited facts about the Supra and a good bit of factual data about the RC F because it's 4 years old. The good news is that this car should be out for media testing very soon, and on sale in something like 10 weeks, if what I hear is correct. We'll have more data very soon.

Again, let's dial back the personal jabs and assumptions. Last time I'd like to make that point.

F1 Silver Arrows

Don't assume things man, the fact that you're jumping to assumptions about somebody is definitely not cool and it is untrue as well. I'm not going to respond to the rest of your comment because you're trying to blow off a lot of steam.

Reading through these posts, you are making a lot of assumptions about others and the lack of regard for facts is coming off as steam blowing indeed. Given the ability to stretch its legs, the 472hp RC F should walk away from a 335hp Supra. Will the Supra probably be faster 0-60 or 1/4 mile? Yes - welcome to turbocharging 101. But the RC F's horsepower advantage will trounce the Supra given the opportunity to get into the upper RPMs for an extended run.

All we have so far for the Supra is price, weight, horsepower, torque and 0-60. There is still a lot we don't know - including hypothetical GRMN Supras. What we have now are limited facts about the Supra and a good bit of factual data about the RC F because it's 4 years old. The good news is that this car should be out for media testing very soon, and on sale in something like 10 weeks, if what I hear is correct. We'll have more data very soon.

Again, let's dial back the personal jabs and assumptions. Last time I'd like to make that point.

Once the Supra has run quicker 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds and 1/4 mile in 12.5@114 mph 0-200 km/h in 14.5 seconds then we can talk about it. The track edition will be quicker than these standard RCF numbers. Even the new standard RCF probably will run quicker due to better tires and shorter gearing.

Until then, itis about the RCF track edition. Let's keep it to that.

Once the Supra has run quicker 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds and 1/4 mile in 12.5@114 mph 0-200 km/h in 14.5 seconds then we can talk about it. The track edition will be quicker than these standard RCF numbers. Even the new standard RCF probably will run quicker due to better tires and shorter gearing.

Until then, itis about the RCF track edition. Let's keep it to that.

Supra will not have the interior experience of RC-F I can tell you that much. RC-F interior ambiance is the best in class, like you are sitting inside of a tank. Honestly the best thing about RC-F is the interior and how awesome it feels. Low seating position, thick door panels, proper arm rest position. It's one of those things you don't know you can experience unless you actually do.

Supra will not have the interior experience of RC-F I can tell you that much. RC-F interior ambiance is the best in class, like you are sitting inside of a tank. Honestly the best thing about RC-F is the interior and how awesome it feels. Low seating position, thick door panels, proper arm rest position. It's one of those things you don't know you can experience unless you actually do.

I don't think there is anything inherently wrong with emotions ... or more specifically, passion for one's opinion. What does cross the line is when you are disparaged for your opinion or the way you relay it disparages another. IMHO, mutual respect must underpin the back and forth.

I don't think there is anything inherently wrong with emotions ... or more specifically, passion for one's opinion. What does cross the line is when you are disparaged for your opinion or the way you relay it disparages another. IMHO, mutual respect must underpin the back and forth.

My guess is, Lexus has eliminated the LSD version of the RCF and made the carbon fiber/TVD RCF the base model. I completely agree, if that is the case since RCF should never be driven without the TVD. It seems so integral to the driving experience where 'slalom' in city for best maneuverability and the 'track' mode for high speed agility through fast turns. It makes the car really neutrally balanced and responsive in turns that LSD does not do it justice as far as handling goes.

My guess is, Lexus has eliminated the LSD version of the RCF and made the carbon fiber/TVD RCF the base model. I completely agree, if that is the case since RCF should never be driven without the TVD. It seems so integral to the driving experience where 'slalom' in city for best maneuverability and the 'track' mode for high speed agility through fast turns. It makes the car really neutrally balanced and responsive in turns that LSD does not do it justice as far as handling goes.

I like the RC-F. Thought about getting one a few years ago.

I'm waiting on the 4IS ISF though. (need a 4 door)

I like the RC-F. Thought about getting one a few years ago.

I'm waiting on the 4IS ISF though. (need a 4 door)

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!

I have to admit, i came quite close to the final value!!!!!!

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!

I have to admit, i came quite close to the final value!!!!!!

krew

Photo Gallery: Lexus RC F Track Edition in Matte Nebula Gray

Wicked.

View the original article post

krew

Photo Gallery: Lexus RC F Track Edition in Matte Nebula Gray

Wicked.

View the original article post

Hi everyone! It's been awhile since I've made any comments. Here are mine.

First, I must preface my comments by saying that I have become quite the track junkie with my 2014 911 C2S. So much so that I moved from novice to advanced with a number of track groups and am not going to start as an instructor with a motorsports group.

I was hoping for a TRUE TRACK edition version of the RC F. While I really like the way it looks, I think that they have compromised with this car by keeping too much of the luxury. If you really want to seriously track a car, then you don't care about all the cushions, stereos, infotainment system, and back seat. There is much too much extra weight on this car. I would have had 3 models / builds. The basic RC F (spruced up with some of these extras), a RC F with the additional carbon fiber and maybe a spoiler that was a little smaller than the one they have here (for those who want a car that looks like its for the track, but really don't want to drive it on the track much if at all) and a true track edition that would have more carbon fiber, no back seat, no high end stereo, only the basic safety system stuff, without the excess leather and cushions, and keep the rest on the current edition. They should have shedded more like 300-400 lbs, not 176. Also, if you want to track a car, then its not a good idea to have carbon ceramic brakes because you were go through brakes readily and these things cost way more. Have some large slotted steel/iron disks with huge pads. I'm looking for another car to add to my 911, but I won't buy this one. A Porsche GT3 and above are really too expensive, and clearly out of the RC F's league. They want the RC F track edition to compete with the BWM M4 but I bet the M4 will track better and beat it as well

The best new and exciting dude out there is the new 2020 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500. That car is badass and has upgraded transmission (that apparently compares with Porsche PDK in terms of fast shifts), upgraded suspension (they promise far better cornering that the GT350R), a major upgrade to the engine (now with more than 700 HP, supercharged), and other additional tech and fun. the Shelby Gt500 will likely be cheaper than the RC F track edition and it will absolutely stomp it on the track (and it looks fearsome).

I drive at up to 15 different events a year and I bet that I will never see the Lexus Track Edition on the track. I have seen an RC F once in the past 2 years and most cars beat it (911s, M4s, corvettes, high end camaros, Mustangs etc. It would beat most M3s if the driver is talented.

I think they made this "track edition" for people who want to drive a Lexus that kinda looks like a race car, with a big wing, who fantasize about driving in track event, but are not seriously interested in driving very fast and pushing the car at the kind of track events held by PCA, 10-1oths, Chin, MVP, etc.

so, I am disappointed, but not surprised. Lexus does the best job at comfort, luxury, and reliability, and the F cars are very fast, sound fantastic, look cool, but they are not built for serious track driving. Porsche has that down in spades. BMW has the M4 GTS, and Ford Performance has some serious irons in the fire with their upper end Mustangs as does Chevy with their corvettes and upper level camaros.

Hi everyone! It's been awhile since I've made any comments. Here are mine.

First, I must preface my comments by saying that I have become quite the track junkie with my 2014 911 C2S. So much so that I moved from novice to advanced with a number of track groups and am not going to start as an instructor with a motorsports group.

I was hoping for a TRUE TRACK edition version of the RC F. While I really like the way it looks, I think that they have compromised with this car by keeping too much of the luxury. If you really want to seriously track a car, then you don't care about all the cushions, stereos, infotainment system, and back seat. There is much too much extra weight on this car. I would have had 3 models / builds. The basic RC F (spruced up with some of these extras), a RC F with the additional carbon fiber and maybe a spoiler that was a little smaller than the one they have here (for those who want a car that looks like its for the track, but really don't want to drive it on the track much if at all) and a true track edition that would have more carbon fiber, no back seat, no high end stereo, only the basic safety system stuff, without the excess leather and cushions, and keep the rest on the current edition. They should have shedded more like 300-400 lbs, not 176. Also, if you want to track a car, then its not a good idea to have carbon ceramic brakes because you were go through brakes readily and these things cost way more. Have some large slotted steel/iron disks with huge pads. I'm looking for another car to add to my 911, but I won't buy this one. A Porsche GT3 and above are really too expensive, and clearly out of the RC F's league. They want the RC F track edition to compete with the BWM M4 but I bet the M4 will track better and beat it as well

The best new and exciting dude out there is the new 2020 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500. That car is badass and has upgraded transmission (that apparently compares with Porsche PDK in terms of fast shifts), upgraded suspension (they promise far better cornering that the GT350R), a major upgrade to the engine (now with more than 700 HP, supercharged), and other additional tech and fun. the Shelby Gt500 will likely be cheaper than the RC F track edition and it will absolutely stomp it on the track (and it looks fearsome).

I drive at up to 15 different events a year and I bet that I will never see the Lexus Track Edition on the track. I have seen an RC F once in the past 2 years and most cars beat it (911s, M4s, corvettes, high end camaros, Mustangs etc. It would beat most M3s if the driver is talented.

I think they made this "track edition" for people who want to drive a Lexus that kinda looks like a race car, with a big wing, who fantasize about driving in track event, but are not seriously interested in driving very fast and pushing the car at the kind of track events held by PCA, 10-1oths, Chin, MVP, etc.

so, I am disappointed, but not surprised. Lexus does the best job at comfort, luxury, and reliability, and the F cars are very fast, sound fantastic, look cool, but they are not built for serious track driving. Porsche has that down in spades. BMW has the M4 GTS, and Ford Performance has some serious irons in the fire with their upper end Mustangs as does Chevy with their corvettes and upper level camaros.

Here's the important question: the LC500 beat the old RC-F on track despite being a whale in size and weight. Will the refreshed RC-F (not the track edition) beat the LC500 or will GA-L prevail again?

Here's the important question: the LC500 beat the old RC-F on track despite being a whale in size and weight. Will the refreshed RC-F (not the track edition) beat the LC500 or will GA-L prevail again?

ssun30

Here's the important question: the LC500 beat the old RC-F on track despite being a whale in size and weight. Will the refreshed RC-F (not the track edition) beat the LC500 or will GA-L prevail again?

RCF is already quicker especially with TVD. LC500 is slower both in straight line and handling because of 350 lbs, size and understeer. On one fast track, it was a full 3 second difference. LC500 is more luxurious, ofcourse. LCF would be a whole different conversation.

ssun30

Here's the important question: the LC500 beat the old RC-F on track despite being a whale in size and weight. Will the refreshed RC-F (not the track edition) beat the LC500 or will GA-L prevail again?

RCF is already quicker especially with TVD. LC500 is slower both in straight line and handling because of 350 lbs, size and understeer. On one fast track, it was a full 3 second difference. LC500 is more luxurious, ofcourse. LCF would be a whole different conversation.

Reading some of what you guys say I'm not totally surprised that Lexus doesn't go for a top 60 time or biggest engine/HP. It's not what they are best at and they have never really gotten into lap times and fastest car. Honestly does it matter if you can go 0-60 in 3.5 seconds or 3.96...probably not to the average driver or even a sports enthusiast he cares about the car on the road. 3.96 is still fricken fast and so is the new RCF at what 4.2? I think the biggest thing is they just can't be so outclassed it's not even close. A few .1 of a second who cares but a full second slower is where the problem is. I know on one of the threads about the SUV's 0-60 is more of a problem that they will have to solve as those are starting (okay starting is probably a nice way of putting it) to get pretty far behind and without a bigger engine option in any of the SUV's big difference with some of the competitors.

On that last question from ssun30 the RCF should beat out the LC right? I mean losing that weight should only help the RCF right?

Anyway regardless of LC or RCF faster thank god we can even have that conversation! I was really worried that they were going to go back and focus on sales and improvement there on more base models. The RCF, LC and LCF or LSF if we ever get them are very important to the lineup if Lexus ever wants to even continue fighting the big 3 Germans on higher models. It's hard to break their grasp that they have with fast cars but Lexus can't stop. The last few years have shown that they want to continue so they need to stay focused that when we have a brand new RC or IS that there needs to be an F with it. People need to see them on the roads and have their heads turn. They need to be heard on the street where people are looking for that amazing sports car and be wowed with what they hear coming from a Lexus. People have the it's just a Lexus no way it can be fast or fun that's a hard mindset to change but if they want to change that mindset they have to stay the course and honestly one of Lexus's biggest gaps still is that higher engine. They have to have one of those in almost every model. You're not going to sell many but you have to expect that! Our F brand is still really young and look at what they have done so far. Not bad. But will they keep the course? I think that's the biggest question and after NAIAS it looks like it...

Reading some of what you guys say I'm not totally surprised that Lexus doesn't go for a top 60 time or biggest engine/HP. It's not what they are best at and they have never really gotten into lap times and fastest car. Honestly does it matter if you can go 0-60 in 3.5 seconds or 3.96...probably not to the average driver or even a sports enthusiast he cares about the car on the road. 3.96 is still fricken fast and so is the new RCF at what 4.2? I think the biggest thing is they just can't be so outclassed it's not even close. A few .1 of a second who cares but a full second slower is where the problem is. I know on one of the threads about the SUV's 0-60 is more of a problem that they will have to solve as those are starting (okay starting is probably a nice way of putting it) to get pretty far behind and without a bigger engine option in any of the SUV's big difference with some of the competitors.

On that last question from ssun30 the RCF should beat out the LC right? I mean losing that weight should only help the RCF right?

Anyway regardless of LC or RCF faster thank god we can even have that conversation! I was really worried that they were going to go back and focus on sales and improvement there on more base models. The RCF, LC and LCF or LSF if we ever get them are very important to the lineup if Lexus ever wants to even continue fighting the big 3 Germans on higher models. It's hard to break their grasp that they have with fast cars but Lexus can't stop. The last few years have shown that they want to continue so they need to stay focused that when we have a brand new RC or IS that there needs to be an F with it. People need to see them on the roads and have their heads turn. They need to be heard on the street where people are looking for that amazing sports car and be wowed with what they hear coming from a Lexus. People have the it's just a Lexus no way it can be fast or fun that's a hard mindset to change but if they want to change that mindset they have to stay the course and honestly one of Lexus's biggest gaps still is that higher engine. They have to have one of those in almost every model. You're not going to sell many but you have to expect that! Our F brand is still really young and look at what they have done so far. Not bad. But will they keep the course? I think that's the biggest question and after NAIAS it looks like it...