Lexus unveiled a high-performance version of its new RC coupe, dubbed the RC F , on Tuesday at the NAIAS International Auto Show, exactly 25 years after the first-ever Lexus, the LS 400 , debuted in Detroit in 1989.
“I built the RC F for the enjoyment of all enthusiasts, regardless of their driving skill level,” comments Yukihiko Yaguchi , Chief Designer of the Lexus RC F. “There's a myth that racing cars are difficult to drive. In fact, it's easy in the right hands because these cars are built with the skills of the person behind the wheel in mind. It is the same with the RC F. The on-board electronics can be instantly reconfigured to ensure the appropriate level of performance and safety. But even in a basic setting, it's something amazing.”
For now, the most powerful Lexus F V8 model to date is powered by a 5.0-liter 32-valve unit capable of producing over 450 horsepower and delivering torque in excess of 520 Nm. The cylinder heads and all moving components have been completely redesigned to deliver higher peak power at higher revs than before. The RC F is the first to be powered by a high-performance Lexus engine that uses the Atkinson cycle at steady speed for lower fuel consumption and then switches to the Otto cycle at higher revs to achieve impressive performance levels.
The power unit, developed exclusively for the RC F , has been specially designed to, in conjunction with the transmission and exhaust system, convey the most intense driver involvement . The uniquely tuned eight-speed transmission with SPDS (Sports Direct Shift) improves linear response to the instructions from the gas pedal, allowing the driver to more precisely regulate power and torque transfer. The new intake and exhaust sound regulation system contributes to an even more intense involvement of the driver, when it produces deep tones up to 3000 rpm, which gradually transition into a pleasant higher-frequency backdrop with a rapid increase in rpm up to over 6000 rpm during sharp acceleration.
The Lexus RC F is the world's first front-engine, rear-wheel-drive car to use a TVD (Torque Vectoring Differential), which aims to further enhance driving pleasure with a higher level of usability, aided by improved traction and traction. The TVD differential works in three operating modes: STANDARD – balances agile driving performance with driving stability at high speeds, SLALOM – emphasis on the car's immediate response to instructions from the steering wheel, and TRACK – consistent and stable behavior when passing corners on circuits, with optimal control from the side driver – the newly tuned VDIM stabilization system is supplemented with a gravity acceleration sensor in the vertical direction, thus ensuring an even higher level of driving stability.
The basis of the new RC F's exceptional mechanical grip is a very stiff body , which uses door sills with a large cross-section and highly stiff lower struts at the front of the car. A variety of specialized Lexus production methods , such as metal bonding, laser joining or a higher number of spot laser welds, also contributed to further improvement of rigidity. Wider tires and wheels ensure better grip. The RC F uses independent coil-spring suspension front and rear, including monotube gas shocks and ball-joint stabilizer bars. The use of 19" forged aluminum alloy wheels contributed to the reduction of unsprung weight, thanks to which the total weight of the wheel assembly was reduced while increasing rigidity.
Similar to the Lexus LFA supercar , an active wing has been incorporated into the boot lid to increase downforce at speeds above 80 km/h. The wing only completes a comprehensive package of measures to improve the aerodynamics and driving stability of the RC F, which also includes careful tuning of the flat lower part of the body, air ducts behind the front bumper and mudguards modeled on racing specials, or the strategic placement of aerodynamic stabilization ribs.
The Lexus RC F is instantly recognizable for its predatory appearance, which accentuates the stylish design of the new RC coupe from which it is based. It boasts its own version of Lexus' signature spindle-shaped grille, which dominates the front of the car and uses an elaborate " F " motif incorporated into the grid beneath the Lexus logo. The fact that the front part of the hood is set higher than in the case of the RC also contributes to the optical ferocity, and thus helps to shape the dynamic extended profile that belongs to the F version. This striking profile is further enhanced by three versions of 19″ 10-spoke forged aluminum alloy wheels, one of which is hand-polished by the Lexus manufacturing masters.
In terms of design, the RC F model was inspired by the Lexus LFA supercar , especially with the use of key aerodynamic elements and air ducts. Air ducts on the hood, similar to those on the LFA model, work in tandem with the front cooling ducts, contributing to better engine cooling and overall stability of the car . Viewed from the side, the air vents behind the front fenders are impressive, helping to cool the engine and brakes; they follow the widened sills of the body, and together they form a dynamically rendered " L " symbol. A total of four trapezoidal exhaust tips , always placed in pairs above each other, contribute to the overall aggressive and straddled stance of the RC F. The weight of the new RC F has been significantly reduced thanks to the use of a comprehensive package of carbon fiber parts , based on the experience Lexus has gained in the development of the LFA and the limited edition IS F CCS-R racing car. Carbon fiber parts include the roof, hood and active rear wing.
The interior of the RC F is focused on the needs of the driver and includes a number of specially designed components such as the indicators in front of the driver, steering wheel, seats, pedals and trim elements. Owners can therefore look forward to a top level of comfort and support, as well as high-quality ergonomics, which are the hallmarks of the sporty Lexus F model. The all-new RC F instrument panel, used exclusively on F-version cars, is a further development of the central indicator from the LFA model , which switches depending on the driving mode. The design, inspired by the devices in airplane cockpits, makes it possible to provide a wide range of information in a clear and concise form, where the driver can find the required data with just a blink of an eye .
A large central tachometer that changes its appearance depending on the driving mode, a digital and analog speed indicator, a differential torque distribution monitor, an indicator of lateral acceleration forces, oil and coolant temperature indicators, distance traveled indicators and even a stopwatch are used to convey information. The maximum ergonomics of the interface between the driver and the car is a key attribute of all Lexus F sports models.
For the first time, the RC F model uses a steering wheel with a thick rim of an elliptical cross-section ( new for the Lexus brand ), offering better control over the car during sporty driving. The optimal location, shape and function of the manual shift levers on the steering wheel also contribute to quick and precise gear changes during sporty driving. The all-new, long-backed seats were designed to resemble tight-fitting sportswear. They use the so-called integrated foam construction of the Lexus car company, which ensures high comfort, but at the same time great support, as all displacements between the seat upholstery and their filling have been eliminated.
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Source: Lexus
