14
January
2014
|
08:45
Europe/Amsterdam

New rc f — the most powerful v8 performance car yet developed by lexus

• Most powerful Lexus V8 yet, generating well in excess of 450 DIN hp

• World-first use of Torque Vectoring Differential in a front-engined rear-drive sports car, providing enhanced traction and control

• Aggressive exterior styling incorporating advanced, race-bred aerodynamics

• Bespoke interior featuring RC F-unique instrumentation, seats and finishes

• Debut marks the 25th anniversary of the Lexus brand launched at the 1989 Detroit motor show

Lexus has today revealed the high performance version of its new RC coupe, the RC F, at the North American International Auto Show, 25 years after the very first Lexus car, the LS 400, was launched in Detroit in 1989.

The strikingly aggressive RC F features a new 5.0-litre engine developing well in excess of 450 DIN hp and more than 520 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful V8 performance car yet developed by Lexus.

Harnessing this power with optimum efficiency, the RC F combines a newly calibrated eight-speed transmission with the world's first installation of a Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD) in a front-engined rear-drive sports coupe, enhancing traction and control to guarantee extraordinary levels of handling and performance.

'I've built the RC F to be enjoyed by all enthusiasts, no matter what their level of expertise', said Lexus RC F Chief Engineer, Yukihiko Yaguchi. 'There's a false perception that racing cars are hard to drive. In fact, they're easy in the right hands because they've been purpose-built for the skill level of their drivers. It's the same with RC F. Electronics can be modified instantly on board to provide appropriate levels of performance and protection. But even at its basic setting, it's a blast.'

ALL-NEW HIGH-PERFORMANCE 5.0-LITRE V8 

The most powerful Lexus V8 F model yet built features an all-new 5.0-liter, 32 valve engine which develops in excess of 450 hp and more than 520 Nm of torque. The cylinder heads and all moving parts are newly designed to provide increased maximum power at higher engine revolutions than has previously been possible.

For the first time in a Lexus performance engine, the RC F uses the Atkinson cycle at cruising speeds for enhanced fuel economy, and then switches to the Otto cycle at higher revolutions to realise impressive performance levels.

Developed exclusively for the RC F, every aspect of the powertrain has been specifically designed to deliver the highest possible levels of driver engagement, including the transmission and exhaust systems.

The uniquely calibrated eight-speed Sports Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission improves linear response to accelerator-pedal operation, for more precise driver control of power and torque delivery.

A new system of regulating induction and exhaust sound further enhances driver involvement, creating a deep tone up to 3000rpm, and a pleasing, higher-pitched tone as revolutions rise freely above 6000rpm under hard acceleration.

UNIQUE TORQUE VECTORING DIFFERENTIAL

Designed to further heighten driving enjoyment through the greater usability promoted by enhanced traction and control, the Lexus RC F incorporates the world's first front-engined rear-drive installation of a Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD).

The TVD has three operating modes:

  • STANDARD, for a balance of agile performance and high-speed stability
  • SLALOM, for an emphasis on nimble response to steering inputs
  • TRACK, for consistent, stable cornering behaviour whilst circuit driving, with optimum driver control -a newly calibrated VDIM adds a vertical G-sensor to provide even greater vehicle stability

SUPERB DRIVING DYNAMICS

The foundation for the new RC F's outstanding mechanical grip is its high rigidity body, which features large cross-section rocker panels and a highly rigid front lower brace. Numerous specialised Lexus manufacturing techniques further enhance rigidity, including body adhesives, laser-screw welding and multi-spot welding. Grip is further enhanced through the use of a wider tyre and wheel assembly.

The RC F is equipped with coil-sprung independent suspension systems to both front and rear, incorporating monotube gas dampers and ball-jointed stabiliser bars. Unsprung weight is lowered by the adoption of 19-inch forged aluminium alloy wheels which minimise the wheel assembly mass whilst maximising rigidity.

As in the Lexus' LFA supercar, an active rear wing is incorporated into the boot lid to provide down force at speeds of more than 80kmh. The wing is a highlight of the RC F's comprehensive aerodynamic grip and stability package, which also includes careful tuning of the flat underbody, race-bred air-management ducts to the rear of the front bumper and front fenders, and the strategic placement of aero stabilising fins.

AGGRESSIVE F PERFORMANCE STYLING

The Lexus RC F is instantly identifiable by the visual aggression it adds to the stylish design of the new RC coupe on which it is based.

It features its own version of the Lexus signature spindle grille which dominates the front of the vehicle, with a subtle 'F' motif embedded in the mesh below the Lexus symbol.

Adding further visual aggression, the bonnet front is higher than that of the RC, creating a powerful, flared profile appropriate to an F model. This striking profile is further enhanced by a choice of three, 10-spoke 19" forged aluminium wheels, one version of which is hand polished by Lexus craftsmen.

The RC F takes certain design cues from the Lexus LFA supercar, most notably in the application of essential air cooling and aerodynamic devices. Bonnet air outlets such as those on the LFA combine with front cooling ducts, contributing to engine cooling and overall vehicle stability.

To the side, air outlet ducts at the rear of the front fender further aid engine and brake cooling performance, merging with side sill extensions to form a powerful 'L' shape.

To the rear, trapezoidally-stacked quad-outlet exhaust outlets add further visual impact to the RC F's broad, aggressive stance.

LIGHTWEIGHT CARBON FIBRE PACKAGE

Drawing on experience gained by Lexus from the LFA and the IS F CCS-R limited-edition racing car, the weight of the new RC F has been minimised by the adoption of a comprehensive package of carbon fibre parts. Carbon fibre elements include the roof, bonnet and active rear wing.

HIGHLY DRIVER-FOCUSED RC F INTERIOR DESIGN

The driver-focused RC F interior features numerous uniquely designed components, including the instrument meters, steering wheel, seats, pedals and trim, engaging drivers with the high levels of comfort, support and ergonomic excellence appropriate to a high-performance Lexus F model.

The RC F's all-new, F-exclusive instrument meters represent a further development of the LFA's switchable, driving mode-dependent central dial. The design is inspired by aircraft cockpit instrumentation, in providing a wide range of information in clear, concise form which is easily read at a glance.

This information includes a large, centrally-mounted tachometer that alters according to driving mode, digital and analogue speed readouts, a differential torque vectoring monitor, a G-Force meter, oil and water temperature gauges, mileage information and even a stopwatch.

An ergonomically ideal driver/machine interface is fundamental to Lexus F performance models. The RC F debuts a Lexus-first elliptical cross-section, thick grip steering wheel which offers greater control during performance driving. The placement, shape and operation of the wheel's paddle shifters have also been optimised for fast, accurate gear changes during all forms of performance driving.

Styled on close-fitting athletic sportswear, all-new high-back seats feature Lexus' integrated foaming technique, which achieves a cosseting, highly supportive fit and does not suffer from movement between the seat padding and trim.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Lexus RC F 

Horsepower

Over 450 DIN hp

Torque

Over 520Nm

Transmission

Eight-speed Sports Direct Shift (SPDS)

Electronic Controlled automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i)

Seating Capacity

4

Overall Length 

4705 mm

Width 

1850 mm

Height 

1390 mm

Wheelbase 

2730 mm

Driven Wheels

Rear-wheel Drive

Curb Weight

Targets below 1,800kg

Brake Type

Four-wheel power assisted disc brakes (Brembo manufactured for Lexus) with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA)

Wheel sizes

(front and rear)

Fr 19" x 9J

Rr 19" x 10J

Tyre sizes

Fr 255/35/19

Rr 275/35/19

0 — 100kph

Targets faster than IS F

Top speed 

Estimated 270km (electronically limited)

MPG (City/Hwy/Comb.)

Targets better than IS F

Official pictures are available on http://newsroom.lexus.eu