The Lexus RC F has been updated for the 2020 model year. in addition to the standard model, the luxury coupe will be available in a limited edition with upgrades that deliver performance features that are typically only seen on the track. The RC F Track Edition has improved aerodynamics, reduced weight, a retuned suspension and revised gearing.
Lexus engineers have put the coupe on a diet in an effort to shed weight. Previously using a solid half-shaft, that has now been replaced with a hollow unit. Up front a slimmed down intake manifold and smaller air conditioning compressor remove weight from the nose of the car. Toe control brackets and upper support brackets are now made from aluminum for further weight reduction.
The Lexus F series is the high-performance brand at Toyota’s luxury car marquee. The letters RC stand for “Radical Coupe”. The F designation originally comes from an internal project with the codename: Circle F, denoting this series the automaker's Flagship vehicle. The F designation also honors the extensive development that takes place on the Fuji Speedway testing grounds. From their first debut, the F models have been the primary competition racing vehicles of Lexus.
Powered by a normally-aspirated 5.0-liter 2UR-GSE Toyota V-8 engine, the 2020 Lexus RC F Track Edition develops a maximum output of 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. This is the second most powerful engine ever placed in a production Lexus.
The bores of the 2UR-GSE engine are 94.0 mm and the stroke is 89.5 mm for a total displacement of 4968.5 cc. Thin-walled steel cylinder bore liners are cast directly into the aluminum-alloy block for low weight and durability. On the exterior of the liners a series of integrally cast projections or spines improve adhesion and promote heat transfer.
Topping-off the 90° V-angle block is a set of cylinder heads developed and built by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. This technical partner has collaborated on engine designs with Toyota for over five decades. Reaching deep into their considerable capabilities for this project Yamaha enlisted their musical instrument division to fine-tune the unique sound that the engine, titanium muffler and tailpipes makes.
A D4-S port injection and also direct cylinder injection provides fuel. A Dual VVT-i system controls the exhaust valve timing with an additional electric VVT-iE for the inlet camshaft advance and retard. This design is more effective than the hydraulic system at low rpm and at cold operating temperatures.
A Toyota AA80E eight-speed automatic transmission built by Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd. carries power to the rear wheels. For better off-the-line response, the RC F gets a revised final drive ratio of 3.13 instead of the shorter 2.93 rear-end gear that had been used previously. For even quicker acceleration from a standing start an electronic launch control is available as standard. Traction and throttle control are automatically adjusted for maximum response from a stop. Launch control is activated by pressing and holding down the brake pedal, engaging the launch control system then holding the accelerator pedal all the way down to the floor, then releasing the brake.With the Launch Control system, the RC F Track Edition is capable of turning 0 to 60 mph times of less than 4 seconds.
Traction and throttle control are automatically adjusted for maximum response from a stop. Launch control is activated by pressing and holding down the brake pedal, engaging the launch control system then holding the accelerator pedal all the way down to the floor, then releasing the brake.
A set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires keep the Lexus planted to the pavement. This is an exceptional performance tire with good track performance and excellent fair-weather capability. The BBS 19” forged alloy wheels are based on the wheel design of the RC F GT3 race car. Brembo cross-drilled carbon ceramic brake rotors are used to bring the car to a halt. Weighing considerably less than steel rotors, they can better withstand the higher temperatures encountered in track conditions. These Track Edition upgrades reduce the unsprung weight of the vehicle by 55 pounds.
Carbon-fiber was used extensively to further reduce weight in other key areas. The roof, hood and passenger partition and bumper reinforcement are made on the same production line that supplied the carbon-fiber pieces for the Lexus LFA. Lexus has never been known for producing the lightest cars, the brand is built on luxury. Weighing 176 pounds less than the 2019 RC F, the Track Edition weighs in at 3782 lbs. This reduced curb weight gives the Lexus Track Edition the best power-to-weight ratio among its competitors.
The exterior shape of the RC F has been refined to further promote the aerodynamic styling and aggressive design. A lower lip has been added that spans the width of the signature Lexus grill. Headlights are now a stacked LED layout with integrated daytime running lights. The rear taillights are molded into the reshaped bumper to give the RC F a clean, sculpted appearance.
A carbon fiber air splitter with canards improves the frontend downforce and optimizes the aerodynamic characteristics for track use. Fixed to the back deck, a carbon fiber wing reduces drag by smoothing the turbulent airflow over the rear of the car and increases downforce for better grip and precise handling.
“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 Track Edition and the standard RC F will begin production in the second quarter of 2019. Pricing will be made available at a time closer to the on-sale date.
