Lexus has just unveiled the
2020 Lexus RC F only hours before the opening of the Detroit Auto Show. The revamped RC F features
redesigned headlights with stacked LEDs and integrated DRLs, a revised grille
with a lower lip opening that stretches across the bottom, a reshaped rear
bumper and new taillights.
In addition to the cleaner exterior look, the 2020
RC F has a retuned suspension, with new steering rack mounts and stiffer
bushings at the rear. It also has more rigid engine mounts as well, in addition
to a weight reduction obtained by installing hollow half shafts at the rear, a
smaller air conditioning compressor and aluminum toe control brackets and upper
suspension support brackets.
Thanks to a revised intake routing and lower rpm
trigger point for the secondary intake opening, the naturally aspirated
5.0-liter V8 has gained an extra 5 hp and 8 Nm of
torque. Thus, it now puts out 472 hp and 536 Nm,
and is mated to the same eight-speed automatic transmission, which has a higher
final drive ratio. Standard electronic launch control and specially designed
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires round up the list of upgrades.
Lexus also launched a new Track Edition that was
developed with input from the brand’s racing teams in IMSA and Super GT. The
limited production model has a carbon fiber front splitter, a fixed rear wing
that replaces the active spoiler that reduces drag and adds 26.3 kg of
additional downforce, and more weight reduction thanks to a carbon fiber roof,
hood, bumper reinforcement and partition behind the rear seats.
The standard titanium muffler and tailpipes contribute
to the overall weight reduction of 80 kg compared to the previous RC
F, while Brembo carbon ceramic brake rotors provide stopping power. While it boasts an enhanced
soundtrack, the RC F Track Edition uses the same V8 as the 2020 RC F and naught
to 0-96 km/h takes 3.96 seconds with the Launch Control engaged.
Clients will be able to order it in a couple of
exclusive colors, named Ultra White and Nebula Gray, and it comes with 19-inch
BBS forged alloy wheels and a red leather interior with Alcantara seats and
carbon trim on the doors and dashboard as standard.
Production of both the RC F and RC F Track Edition
will kick off in the second quarter of the year, and pricing will be announced
close to their on-sale dates.