Racing success inspires latest updates to the Lexus RC F Coupe

A car with racing-inspired design

The Lexus RC F has proved itself a race-winning car in international motorsport in the past year, competing in the European GT3 and American IMSA series. Success on the track has helped inspire some new styling and engineering upgrades for the V8-powered coupe, and the addition of a new, performance-focused version – the RC F Track Edition.

On sale from this week, the 2019 RC F coupe benefits from changes to boost its performance and freshen its appearance. Reducing weight was a key target, without diminishing the car’s feeling of refinement and solidity. The details are small, but telling, including the use of hollow half-shafts in place of solid components, a slimmer intake manifold and a smaller air conditioning compressor. More kilogrammes have been saved by using aluminium for a number of suspension parts, while maintaining overall stiffness.

To gain a more refined feel, stiffer bushings have been added to the suspension arms and steering rack mounts, while the use of more rigid engine mounts helps the RC F better exploit the power of its normally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine. The engine maintains its maximum power output of 457bhp/341kW and maximum torque of 520Nm at 4,800rpm.

To secure the sharpest acceleration from a standing start, a new electronic launch control system has been added as standard. This automatically adjusts the traction and throttle control for maximum take-off performance. The driver simply needs to press and hold the brake pedal, then engage the system by pressing a button on the centre console. This enables nought to 62mph to be accomplished in just 4.3 seconds.

The RC F further gains new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, designed specifically for the coupe. These have a unique profile and tread pattern and are made from a special rubber compound.