Lexus RC F Track Edition 2019 Review

When the Lexus RC coupe range was updated at the end of 2018, there was a glaring omission from the line-up: the hard-charging RC F.

We knew it was coming, of course; Lexus advised the updated RC F would debut in the first half of 2019 alongside its circuit-ready RC F Track Edition.

And now it’s here. Or at least it is in the United States…

Australians will need to wait until May for Lexus’ rival to the BMW M4 to land in local showrooms. If our drive stateside is anything to go by, it’ll be well worth the wait.

The new Lexus RC F and RC F Track Edition represent a sharper, more focussed take on the formula we know and love. The high-revving 5.0-litre V8 and crisp eight-speed transmission – which now includes launch control – are essentially carried-over. But this time they’re packaged with updated suspension components and more rigid engine mounts.

Lexus says it’s about refining the feel of the RC F, while simultaneously enabling that soulful V8 engine to better transit its power. The unit more easily makes its 351kW and 530Nm courtesy of revised intake routing and a lower secondary intake opening trigger (2800 v 3600rpm).

Off-the-mark acceleration improves via a shorter final drive ratio (3.13 v 2.93:1) and the 0-60mph dash now takes 3.96 seconds.

Lexus says its engineers reduced the weight of the RC F via hollow half shaft axles at the rear, a pared-back intake manifold and a smaller air-conditioning compressor. Combined with aluminium toe control and upper support brackets the car is now 80kg lighter.

The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres are bespoke to the RC F. Lexus says the profile shape, tread design and compound aim to reduce understeer and improve lateral grip.

Subtle styling changes bring a more chiselled look to the already sharp RC F. The body is essentially unchanged (this is a facelift, after all) and Lexus has differentiated the front of the 2019 model via stacked LED headlights and a lower spindle grille.

At the back are new tail-lights and a remoulded rear bumper.

For the circuit-ready RC F Track Edition the tailoring extends to improved aerodynamics and increased carbon-fibre accoutrements.

Made from carbon-fibre are the aerodynamic components, bumper reinforcement, rear-seat partition, bonnet and roof skin, all crafted by the same facility that supplied the LFA supercar.

The front splitter and its whisker-like canards boost front-end downforce for improved steering response at high speed, says Lexus. The fixed rear wing (which replaces the active spoiler on the regular RC F) reduces drag while simultaneously adding downforce. Overall there’s a claimed 26kg extra downforce on the new model.

It is, however, still the heaviest car in its competitor set.

While mechanically identical to the standard RC F, the Track Edition also includes a titanium cat-back exhaust, Brembo carbon-ceramic brake rotors, and lightweight 19-inch forged alloy BBS wheels.

Lexus says the latter were crafted to mimic those of its RC F GT3 car. The combination contributes to a 25kg reduction in the front-end’s unsprung mass.

The cabin of the RC F and RC F Track Edition are basically unchanged. The RC F Track Edition, however, is offered with red leather upholstery, Alcanata seat accents and red carbon-fibre door cards.

Four paint colours are offered: White Nova, Sonic Titanium, Graphite Black and Matte Grey, the latter exclusive to the RC F Track Edition.

“The new RC F and the Track Edition, in particular, benefit from constant development since their original launch,” described Lexus International executive vice president, Koji Sato.

“With the latest improvements, these models help further distinguish the F brand by offering fast, durable, highly capable performance cars that rely on a range of technologies to help make their performance accessible to drivers of all skill levels.”

We put the Lexus RC F Track Edition through its paces at California’s historic Willow Springs International Raceway.

The 64-year-old circuit – one of seven at the sprawling 600-acre Willow Springs complex – is among the oldest racetracks in the United States, packing nine fast-flowing bends into its ample 4km length.

It’s a challenging course which Lexus says aims to underscore the differences of its RC F Track Edition. And it does!

Acceleration off the mark is noticeably swifter, though launch control tends to promote excessive wheelspin – it’s one of those jobs that’s better done yourself.

The RC F Track Edition flicks cleanly through its ratios, especially in Sport + mode, to reach racetrack speeds effectively. Downshifts, however, are a tad slow – especially when compared to dual-clutch units offered elsewhere.

The aero and adaptive dampers work cooperatively over choppier parts of the Willow Springs circuit, though varying surfaces mean wheelspin is still possible – even at a pants-soiling 96mph (155km/h).

But despite the RC F Track Edition’s unhinged reactions to a heavy right foot, a more disciplined approach sees wonderfully predictable progress.

Though the Track Edition is more neutral in terms of front-to-rear balance than the ‘gentle understeer’ approach of the regular RC F, it’s still sweetly communicative and accurate to place on the road.

Consistent lap times and corner speeds prove the RC F Track Edition earns its moniker, the mega carbon brakes and mechanical differential by far the biggest differentiator when hauling around a circuit.

This is a car that stops as well as it turns, and one that isn’t unsettled by trail braking deep into corners.

In short, the balance and communication of the RC F’s chassis makes it a serious on-track contender. Everything else is a bonus.

Of the 1000 or so examples that will be produced internationally, which may or may not be a finite number depending whom at Lexus you ask, just “seven to 10” examples of the Lexus RC F Track Edition will make it Down Under.

Either way, it’s a car that collectors will certainly prize. It feels old-school in the most modern way imaginable. It’s easy to steer on the throttle and brilliantly balanced in spite of its weight.

Perhaps most telling is that, irrespective of the variant we sampled, the RC F ended a long day at the track without so much as a sniffle. Not a change of pads. Not a warped rotor. Not a tick or rattle – period.

It speaks volumes of Lexus’ build quality, and places the brand in great stead to expand its F range, if and when that ever happens.