Lexus introduces the very sporty RC F and track-focused RC F Track Edition to SA. It's pricey but sure to stand out in a crowd.

The RC F range comprises style with substance as the coupe aims to please the eye as well as the hardened track enthusiast. The refreshed lineup makes use of a single engine, namely the 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 that thumps out a claimed 351 kW and 530 Nm. Zero to 100 kph is dispatched in 4.5 seconds for RC F and 4.3 seconds for RC F Track Edition.

Lexus models with ‘F’ badges are performance-oriented and thus, the RC F is lighter and more capable dynamically. On the Track Edition, the claim is that it is up to 80 kg lighter thanks to a carbon fibre bonnet and roof. Carbon ceramic Brembos are used to stop the RC F and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber stickit to the tarmac.

The Track Edition also benefits from some added aero aids like a rear diffuser and fixed rear wing. Final tweaks are then made to the suspension to make it handle better and roll less when cornering with enthusiasm. Lexus claims it tapped into its motorsport division and took aerodynamic elements from the GT500 and GT3 race cars. The Track Edition also features a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) bonnet and roof to reduce weight by 9 kg.

All RC F versions feature an expansive 10.3-inch widescreen centre display featuring satellite navigation, digital radio and Bluetooth® phone and audio streaming including voice recognition. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system is also added. The seats are heated and ventilated, while on the safety side of things, the vehicle features theLexus Safety System+ suite of driving aids: Pre-crash (Brake Synchronised) safety system with pedestrian detection, Standard-Adaptive Cruise Control, lane-departure warning with steering assist and LED-Automatic High Beam. Also thrown in are Blind-spot monitor, reversing camera, front clearance and rear parking sonars and rear cross-traffic alert.

Lexus Sales and Marketing Vice President, Glenn Crompton says the RC F and RC F Track Edition make a formidable pair in the performance-enthused South Africa market: "Offering an aggressively-priced RC F and a more aggressively dynamic RC F Track Edition is an ideal twin-strategy in this performance-loving South Africa market," Crompton adds."These highly sophisticated, proudly-unique normally-aspirated V8-powered coupes have never been better represented than after such comprehensive upgrades." The new RC F range is available at Lexus dealerships now. Allocation of the RC F Track Edition is strictly limited."

Pricing

Both the RC F and RC F Track Edition come with the Lexus7-year / 105 000 km warranty and full maintenance plan. The vehicle’s service intervals are at every 15 000km, alternatively every 12 months.

Lexus RC F – R1 318 300

Lexus RC F Track Edition – R2 098 200