New 2019 Lexus RC F and RC F Track Edition Unveiled

Lexus’ perennial entry-level two-door sports car, the RC F, has gone through an extensive update and now boasts improved performance, revised styling, and a limited production Track Edition.

Under the hood, the RC F’s 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 is now rated at 472 hp (a gain of 5 hp) and 535 Nm of torque (up 8 Nm) thanks to a revised intake routing and lower rpm trigger point for the secondary intake opening (at 2,800 rpm from 3,600 rpm).

The engine still sends power to an eight-speed automatic transmission, albeit with a higher final drive ratio, now 3.13 versus 2.93 previously, to improve acceleration. The RC F now also includes an electronic launch control function as standard. 

In terms of design - 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 of the bumper fascia. At the rear, new taillights integrate neatly into a redesigned bumper to give the RC F a cleaner appearance.

The limited run RC F Track Edition integrates learnings from Lexus’ race teams in the Japanese Super GT and American IMSA series, adding a set of precisely engineered upgrades to give the car better performance on track.

One key area of improvement is the RC F Track Edition’s aerodynamics – at the front, the Track Edition is fitted with a carbon fibre splitter and canards for additional grip and steering precision. At the rear of the car, a fixed carbon fibre rear wing replaces the standard active spoiler. The wing alone adds an additional 26 kgs of downforce without adding aerodynamic drag.

Weight reduction was a key area of focus for the Track Edition. Lexus claims a weight reduction of approximately 79 kgs, largely due to Brembo carbon ceramic brake rotors, and lightweight 19-inch BBS forged alloy wheels that feature a design derived from the RC F GT3 race car.

Additional weight was removed by specifying a carbon fibre roof, hood, boot partition behind the rear seats, and a carbon bumper reinforcement. Many of these carbon fibre pieces are made on the same line that supplied the Lexus LFA supercar.

On the inside, the red leather interior comes standard along with Alcantara seat accents and red carbon trim on the doors and dashboard.

A Titanium muffler and tailpipes round off the list modifications for the Track Edition. There are no changes to the powertrain, delivering the same 472 hp as the standard RC F variant.

However the reduction in weight means RC F Track Edition has among the best power-to-weight ratios in its class, and when coupled the new electronic launch control system, is capable of launching from 0-to-60 mph in 3.96 seconds.

Only two exclusive exterior colors will be available: Ultra White and Matte Nebula Gray.

Both the Lexus RC F and the RC F Track Edition will start production in Q2 of 2019. Pricing and production numbers of the RC F Track Edition will be announced closer sales launch.