Now A Serious Contender
At the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Lexus unveiled the 2020 RC F lineup. At the top of the RC F line is the Track Edition Lexus has already teased.
All versions of the RC F for 2020 feature less weight, stiffer suspension, revised styling, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires designed specifically for the car, and better aerodynamics. The new car gets more power, too. It has the same 5.0-liter V8 but the power is now 472 horsepower and 396 lb-ft of torque. Also, due to stiffer engine mounts more of that power makes its way to the wheels.
The standard RC F can make a 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.2 seconds. The RC F Track Edition can do it in a quicker 4 seconds. Both the regular RC F and the Track Edition get electronic Launch Control as standard equipment.
The RC F Track Edition doesn’t get more horsepower or torque, but it does get larger 19-inch BBS alloy wheels, a lot more carbon fiber throughout the car, carbon ceramic brakes, titanium muffler, new front splitter, and large fixed rear wing. Inside, the Track Edition gets red leather, Alcantara, and carbon fiber to sportily spruce up the cabin.
Lexus managed to remove 176 pounds from the Track Edition version of the car over the previous version of the vehicle. That’s a ton of weight. It should be evident in the turns as well as in straight line performance.
Lexus will start production of the new RC F models in 2019. Pricing for the cars has not yet been announced.