A few weeks ago, we flew off to Marbella to test the LEXUS RC F, an incredible car that gave us plenty of thrills.
A unique adventure on the Ascari circuit, and we’re going to share some of the best moments with you.
The new Lexus RC F is powered by a 5.0-liter engine developing 477 hp and 530 Nm of torque, figures that make it the brand’s most powerful V8 to date.
With aggressive lines inspired by the LF-LC and LF-CC, two spectacular concepts unveiled in 2012, the RC F is the successor to the famous IS F. This is the second generation of Lexus V8 F models, embodying the quintessential style and technology inherited from the Lexus LFA V10 supercar.
“We tend to think that high-performance sports cars are difficult to drive. But in fact, they’re easy in the right hands, because they’re designed to adapt to the driver’s riding ability. The same applies to the RC F, which I wanted to be accessible to all enthusiasts, whatever their level of expertise. Its electronic settings can be modified instantly to adjust performance and safety features to individual skill levels. But even in its basic settings, it’s pure joy”
Yukihiko Yaguchi, chief engineer of the Lexus RC F
Initial of “Fuji Speedway”, the circuit where Lexus carries out most of its high-speed tests, the ‘F’ label symbolizes the pinnacle of the brand’s sportiness. Synonymous with exceptional performance and driving pleasure, its aura benefits the entire range.
The RC F coupe is one of the most powerful and versatile models ever created by Lexus, but it should be able to delight driving enthusiasts of all levels.
Day-to-day driving is characterized by outstanding performance and high-speed stability, complemented by special comfort, equipment and safety features. The inimitable sound of the naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine as it revs up the revs adds to the pleasure.
The new Lexus coupé also excels on the racetrack. It benefits from sophisticated technologies that instantly adapt the engine, steering and chassis to the skills of the driver, whether amateur or experienced. With just the right degree of safety and driving aids, everyone can hone their driving skills.
The 8-speed Sports Direct Shift (SPDS) gearbox offers a choice of six modes, with a new AI-SHIFT system whose acceleration sensor optimizes gear selection during sporty driving.
For the first time at Lexus and exclusive to F models, the RC F’s Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) system now features two modes, SPORT and EXPERT, which further extend the range of electronic assistance and enhance safety without detracting from driving pleasure.
The RC F can also be fitted with a torque-vector differential (TVD), a world first for a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicle. Available as an option on the RC F GT and standard on the Carbon version, this device considerably improves the vehicle’s efficiency and control, to the benefit of handling and performance.
Building on the RC F’s success in the pan-Asian Super GT formula in 2014, Lexus has developed a highly modified variant of the V8 sports coupe: a 540hp GT3 strictly for the track. It will be sold to teams and private customers wishing to sign up for the 2015 international GT3 season.
HIGHLY STUDIED AERODYNAMIC EXTERIOR LINES
The perfect embodiment of functional beauty, every element of the powerful silhouette is designed to optimize aerodynamics or cooling efficiency.
At the front, the grille forms a double trapezoid, echoed at the ends of the bumper. This signature Lexus grille not only ventilates the RC F’s 5.0-liter V8, but also guides cooling air to the front brakes through openings in the lower corners.
At the lower ends of the bumper, additional grilles channel air to the oil coolers. Directly above, the characteristic three-lamp LED headlamps are highlighted by independent “L”-shaped daytime running lights.
Behind each optical compartment, a small thermostatically-controlled fan ensures optimum performance over time, a technique tried and tested in the World Endurance Championship.
At the top of the hood and in the fenders, behind the front wheels, vents evacuate air from the engine compartment and disc brakes. This airflow over the top and sides of the car contributes to high-speed stability.
The shape of the ends of the front and rear bumpers optimizes aerodynamic flow to the sides of the RC F. Front and rear wheel deflectors reduce the flow of air hitting the tires. In addition, all wheel arches are lined to limit turbulence around the wheels.
At the front, the profile of these fender liners is grooved to smooth the airflow generated by wheel rotation. Similarly, at the rear, ribbed liners evacuate the airflow generated by wheel rotation. This aerodynamic treatment of the stern also contributes to stability.
Door moldings (at mirror level) and rear light clusters feature stabilizer fins that also enhance straight-line stability and reduce swaying movements when cornering.
The trunk lid is fitted with an active spoiler that further optimizes aerodynamic flow to enhance downforce and stability at high speeds. It deploys automatically from 80 km/h and retracts below 40 km/h. However, if the driving mode selector is set to Eco, it only deploys above 130 km/h to save fuel. The driver can also trigger deployment at any time from the cockpit.
Behind the wide front apron, the underbody of the RC F also benefits from aerodynamic measures designed to smooth and channel the airflow beneath the vehicle, reducing turbulence and increasing stability.
Under the engine, transmission, center and rear floor, fairings flatten the bottom of the vehicle; they also carry aerostabilizing fins that eliminate turbulence and fluidize airflow. The fairing rising from the rear floor also features corrective fins to better evacuate the air passing under the car.
All these aerodynamic solutions give the new Lexus RC F a remarkably low Cx of 0.33.
In addition to a choice of eight body colors, the RC F can be fitted with an optional carbon kit. Initially developed for the LFA and IS F CCS-R race cars, this kit replaces the hood, roof and active rear spoiler with finely-finished carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic panels.
DRIVER-CENTRIC INTERIOR DESIGN
The RC F’s interior is designed around the driver and features exclusive equipment – dials, steering wheel, seats, pedals and trim – providing a level of comfort, support and ergonomics worthy of Lexus F excellence.
On the dashboard, the all-new “Special F” instrumentation is derived from the LFA’s central dial, whose appearance varied according to driving mode. With a design inspired by aircraft cockpit dials, it provides a wealth of information in a clear, concise form (described in detail in the Driving dynamics chapter).
The instrument cluster features a central rev counter that changes according to driving mode, analog and digital speedometers, a TVD torque distribution indicator, an accelerometer, oil and water thermometers, a remaining range indicator and even a stopwatch.
For Lexus, the RC F introduces a three-spoke steering wheel, 370 mm in diameter and with a thick elliptical cross-section, offering good grip and better steering control during sporty driving. The position, shape and operation of the paddles have also been optimized to ensure fast, precise shifting when driving more dynamically.
The new high-back seats, with their athlete’s clothing-style trim and reinforced supports, provide perfect support for the back, shoulders, torso and legs during hard acceleration, braking and cornering.
They benefit from the Lexus technique of integrating foam into the upholstery, which provides comfortable, morphologically-adapted support and avoids any displacement between the upholstery and the trim.
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
In addition to its sporting vocation, the RC F is equipped with all the technological innovations that every Lexus customer expects.
The RC F is equipped as standard with the Lexus Premium Navigation multimedia system. All essential information is displayed on the high-resolution 7″ screen in the center console or on the 4.2″ multifunction display on the dashboard.
On the center console, the cockpit control area incorporates a new Remote Touch Interface (RTI). Similar to that of a smartphone, it offers the driver fast, intuitive control of the various equipment (radio, navigator, air conditioning, telephone and vehicle information), while keeping the driver’s attention on the road.
Thanks to RTI’s ergonomic design, icons fall naturally to the fingertips, which can then be activated with a single or double tap – the touchpad surface vibrating as the cursor passes over an icon. This practical system also enables you to zoom in and out on the navigation map.
At the heart of RC F’s high-fidelity multimedia systems is a new audio technology that restores the tones crushed by MP3 file compression.
The Lexus Premium Navigation multimedia system is accompanied by a 10-speaker Pioneer sound system. The 17-speaker, 835 W Mark Levinson audio system is standard on the RC F GT and optional on the RC F Carbon version. It features the new Clari-Fi technology, which analyzes and enhances the sound quality of all compressed digital music sources.
To ensure optimum comfort even when driving at high speed on the racetrack, the new air-conditioning system features an independent air circulation function for the upper and lower zones of the cabin, and separate temperature control for the left and right sections.
Sophisticated electrostatic controls on the control panel provide convenient, ultra-precise climate control, while the air-conditioned front seats feature a rapid carbon heating system.
ENGINE
– New 5.0-liter engine producing 477 hp (351 kW) at maximum rpm, the most powerful Lexus V8 to date
– Active Sound Management System (ASC) enhances the sound of the exhaust, in the cabin
– Sports Direct Shift (SPDS) 8-speed gearbox, redesigned for higher engine speeds
– Torsen Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) for improved traction, handling and stability
Never before has Lexus produced a V8 with such power! The 5.0-liter engine powering the RC F coupé is mated to an 8-speed Sports Direct Shift (SPDS) gearbox. A Torsen limited-slip differential (LSD) is fitted as standard, enhancing traction, handling and stability.
THE MOST POWERFUL V8 IN THE LEXUS RANGE
The 4,969 cm3, 32-valve V8 delivers 12% more power than the IS F engine from which it is derived, i.e. 54 hp (40 kW) more, to reach 477 hp (351 kW). Maximum engine speed is increased from 6,800 to 7,300 rpm.
As with the Lexus LFA, this new engine is designed to deliver instant torque. Its compression ratio has been increased to 12.3:1 to raise the torque curve at all engine speeds, with a maximum of 530 Nm in the 4,800 to 5,600 rpm range.
Coupled with an 8-speed Sports Direct Shift (SPDS) gearbox, this new engine gives the RC F eloquent performance figures: 4.5 seconds acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, 80 to 120 km/h in 3.7 seconds, 12.5 seconds at 400 m from a standing start and a top speed electronically limited to 270 km/h.
The majority of engine parts are new: intake manifold and throttle body, intake and exhaust valve train, electric motor-driven variable valve timing, cylinder heads and covers, Lexus D-4S dual fuel injection, spark plugs, pistons and rings, connecting rods, crankshaft, main bearing and crankshaft bearing caps, exhaust manifold and heat insulator, oil sump and baffle plate, disengageable alternator system and engine and transmission oil coolers.
The engine has also undergone measures to increase its rpm, such as the adoption of titanium intake and exhaust valves, new ultra-high-strength forged connecting rods and new materials for the main bearing. Crankpin diameters, connecting-rod bearings and crankshaft counterweights have all been reduced to reduce moving mass.
This V8 is an exception for a Lexus high-performance engine: at constant, moderate speeds, it uses the Atkinson cycle for sobriety, then reverts to the Otto cycle to express its impressive performance.
Featuring redesigned intake cams to increase valve lift, Lexus VVT-iE intelligent electric variable valve timing has been redesigned to extend the intake timing amplitude to achieve an Atkinson cycle. Extended intake valve opening allows intake air to flow back into the manifold to limit pumping losses and increase thermal efficiency.
The use of the Atkinson cycle is just one of the many strategies implemented to optimize fuel consumption and comply with Euro 6 emission standards. For example, the stoichiometric air/fuel ratio is now respected up to 220 km/h to significantly reduce fuel consumption at high speeds and during sporty driving.
The redesigned Lexus D-4S dual fuel injection system boasts an increased injection pressure of 180 bar and an optimized fuel atomization pattern for improved fuel consumption and emissions. At the same time, the diameter of the throttle valve has been increased from 76 to 83 mm.
Engine breathing also benefits from the adoption of new cylinder heads with optimized ducts and a high flow/vortex ratio. In addition, intake plenum capacity has been increased, as have intake manifold length and diameter. New four-in-two exhaust manifolds reduce interference, further improving engine breathing.
The exhaust system features larger-diameter front pipes to minimize back pressure and boost power. Enlarged exhaust pipe junctions give a clearer engine sound. In addition, the structure of the main silencer has been modified to limit noise at low revs and deliver a dynamic tone at medium and high revs.
Last but not least, new air/oil heat exchangers cool the engine and transmission oils for longer track days.
ACTIVE SOUND CONTROL SYSTEM
One of the three pillars of the Lexus F philosophy is to create a captivating sound experience. To this end, the RC F features an Active Sound Control (ASC) system that enhances the exhaust, intake and mechanical noise perceived in the cabin, so that the driver can get the most out of this naturally-aspirated V8 capable of such high revs.
ASC functions only when the driving mode selector is set to Sport S+ (for full description, see the Driving dynamics chapter).
The system uses an electronic computer to record engine speed, throttle position and speed, then divides the sound into eight components. It then calculates the ideal sound according to driving conditions, and generates a secondary sound via an actuator mounted under the dashboard. This actuator is totally independent of the RC F’s audio system.
Thus, the sound perceived in the cabin is a combination of 50% ASC and 50% exhaust/admission/engine. The aim of the system is to reproduce the sound experience of the LFA, whose intake and exhaust melody is considered one of the most captivating among supercars.
The pitch of the secondary sound is proportional to engine speed and throttle opening. Initially low and deep up to 3,000 rpm, it evolves towards a higher pitch as the engine revs up, merging with the engine noise to reach a climax above 6,000 rpm.
SPORTS DIRECT SHIFT (SPDS) GEARBOX
8-speed
The RC F coupe’s V8 is mated to an 8-speed Sports Direct Shift (SPDS) gearbox, whose management program has been revised to adapt to higher engine speeds.
It now offers a more progressive response to throttle inputs, while preserving its smooth selection, low fuel consumption and remarkably quiet operation at all speeds.
The driver can opt for one of six selection modes: ECO, NORMAL, SPORT S, SPORT S+, SNOW and Manual (full description in the Driving dynamics chapter).
DYNAMIC BEHAVIOR
– Gearbox with multiple driving modes: ECO, NORMAL, SPORT S, SPORT S+
– Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) system with SPORT and EXPERT modes for the first time at Lexus
– Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD) improves traction and vehicle control for better handling and performance
– Instrument panel information adapted to driving mode
The new Lexus RC F coupe is designed to satisfy driving enthusiasts of all levels.
That’s why it’s equipped with a host of sophisticated technologies capable of instantly modifying the engine, steering and chassis to adapt the level of performance and active safety to each driver’s skills and driving conditions, from daily commutes to circuit driving.
The 8-speed Sports Direct Shift (SPDS) gearbox has six modes. It includes a new AI-SHIFT control that monitors acceleration to optimize selection during sporty driving, as well as sequential manual selection.
For the first time at Lexus and exclusive to F models, the RC F’s VDIM system now features two modes, SPORT and EXPERT, which further extend the range of electronic assistance and enhance safety without detracting from driving pleasure.
In addition, the Lexus RC F can be fitted with a torque-vector differential (TVD) – a world first for a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports coupé. Available as an option on the RC F GT and standard on the Carbon version, this device considerably improves the efficiency and control of the vehicle, to the benefit of handling and performance.
Another evolution derived from the LFA’s central dial: the RC F’s specific instrumentation adapts automatically according to the driving modes selected for the gearbox, VDIM or TVD.
DRIVING MODE SELECTOR
Via the mode selector mounted on the center console, the 8-speed Sports Direct Shift (SPDS) gearbox offers four driving modes: ECO, NORMAL, SPORT S and SPORT S+.
INTEGRATED DYNAMIC MANAGEMENT (VDIM) WITH NEW SPORT AND EXPERT MODES
VDIM (Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management) integrates the functions of anti-lock braking system (ABS), vehicle stability control (VSC) and traction control (TRC) to ensure active, transparent management of the vehicle’s safety and stability systems in all driving conditions, right up to the extreme limits of performance.
Its capabilities have been extended to include a SPORT mode, a first for Lexus and exclusive to the F-series.
After extensive fine-tuning tests on racing cars, the system also features a new EXPERT mode, activated when the RC F is in SPORT S+ driving mode and the VDIM is disconnected. It then intervenes only to prevent spinning.
By adjusting driving modes and deactivating VSC, this more advanced VDIM system has four operating modes:
NORMAL: for maximum active safety during normal driving.
OFF: in ECO, NORMAL or SPORT mode and with the VSC set to OFF, it deactivates the VDIM completely, allowing the driver to fully express his driving talents.
OFF with EXPERT: in SPORT S+ mode and with VSC deactivated, it gives the driver the same latitude as in OFF mode, but adds extra protection by preventing spinning.
SPORT: in SPORT S+ mode, gives absolute priority to driver action. Adapted to the racetrack, this new mode enhances safety and driving pleasure by adapting the VSC/TRC system programming to these particular conditions.
Lexus has also modified the VDIM to coordinate control systems more closely, allowing it to delegate two braking management functions to the TVD differential: engine torque distribution and yaw moment control.
The VDIM therefore cooperates with the TVD differential to ensure more progressive torque distribution, more linear power delivery and better overall balance in extreme driving conditions.
TORQUE VECTOR DIFFERENTIAL (TVD)
Lexus has achieved a world first by installing a torque vector differential (TVD) with transfer on a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe.
Electronic management and precision electric actuator motors, operating in steps of 1/1000 of a second, ensure that the ideal torque is assigned to each drive wheel.
This torque transfer differential is designed to make the most of the yawing moment when cornering. Whatever engine torque is delivered, it optimizes its distribution between the rear wheels, creating a yawing moment whose axis is the vehicle’s center of gravity.
When fitted with the TVD differential, the RC F receives a final drive unit (FDU) and a TVD ECU, which determines the torque to be transferred and coordinates its action with that of the other systems, including the VDIM.
By helping the RC F to track more precisely into, through and out of bends, this differential significantly enhances traction and control for outstanding handling and performance.
All this, and much more, makes this an exceptional vehicle.
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