Lexus has announced U.S. pricing for both the
refreshed 2020 RC F as well as the new 2020 RC F Track Edition. While the standard 2020 Lexus RC
F starts at US$ 64,750, the Track Edition version costs a whopping US$ 96,650 (prices
not including destination charge). That’s makes it US$ 31,900 more expensive than
the car on which it is based. The big question is obviously if the Track
Edition is worth paying so much more over what the standard car costs.
We can’t answer that question until we get to drive
it, but we can tell you what additional features the RC F Track Edition brings
compared to the base RC F. As the name suggests, the limited production model tries to lure
track driving enthusiasts with performance upgrades “typically reserved for
exotic sports cars,” according to Lexus. Those include standard Brembo carbon
ceramic brake rotors and six-piston Brembo calipers contributing to a 22 kg total reduction in unsprung weight compared to the steel
rotors.
Lexus engineers saved additional weight by switching
to a set of ultra-lightweight 19-inch BBS forged alloy wheels. Featuring a
design inspired by the RC F GT3 race car, each wheel is 0.68 kg lighter than the standard RC F wheel.
Further weight savings were accomplished by fitting
standard titanium muffler and connector pipes to shed 6.8 kg from the
rear of the car. But the most obvious changes are related to the extensive use
of carbon fiber. All Track Edition models feature a standard carbon fiber roof
and hood, as well as a carbon fiber partition behind the rear seats.
Significant modifications were made in the area of
aerodynamics as well, with the 2020 RC F Track Edition adding a carbon fiber
front splitter and carbon fiber fixed rear wing. All in all, the Track Edition
weighs 80 kg less than the previous RC F. All of these changes
combined, as well as the standard Launch Control system and the 472 hp 5.0-liter
naturally aspirated V8, allow the RC F Track Edition to sprint from 0 to 96 km/h in 3.96 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 270 km/h.
The interior sees its fair share of upgrades too,
featuring standard Circuit Red leather seats with Alcantara accents, soft
Alcantara trim on the center console and armrests, red carbon trim on the doors
and dashboard, and red carpeting.