Lexus RC F

The aggressive new Lexus RC F coupe has been designed for optimum high speed stability to support the most powerful V8 performance car ever developed by Lexus.
The 5.0-litre V8 develops 351kW (477PS) of power at 7100rpm and 530Nm of torque from 4800–5600rpm, driving through a close-ratio eight-speed sports direct shift with the option of a world-first application of a torque vectoring differential for front-engine/rear-drive vehicle to enhance power delivery.
It is the second generation V8 F model from Lexus, intended to evoke the best of tuning and technology from the flagship V10 LFA supercar (of which just 500 were manufactured).
‘F’ – for ‘Fuji Speedway” where much of Lexus’ high speed development occurs – has become its pinnacle sports brand, adding greater depth to the entire model range on three elements of “Fun”: response, continuous acceleration feeling, and sound that engages with and excites the driver.
RC F is intended to bring great driving pleasure to owners on road and track.
Resolutely powerful design interpretations – both cosmetic and dynamic – distinguish RC F from the RC on which it is based.
To complement its higher horsepower delivery RC F has a far more comprehensive aerodynamic package, including an active rear wing, a purpose-designed brake and suspension system, wider wheels and tyres and unique styling which is functional as well as startling.
An electronically enhanced driveline based on Lexus’ Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) enable amateur drivers to get closer to limits previously attainable only by trained professionals. The same systems generate even greater levels of safety on the open road.

DIMENSIONS AND STYLING
RC F is 4705mm long, 1390mm tall and 1845mm wide. Compared to RC, RC F is 5mm wider thanks to its distinctive flared and laser-brazed wheel arches, 10mm longer due to the packaging of its rear aerodynamic devices and 5mm lower. Both models share the same wheelbase – 2730mm.
Every styling design feature of the RC F has a positive aerodynamic benefit.
The Lexus signature spindle grille flows to a unique aerodynamic treatment across the hood and features a graduated mesh pattern.
Cooling ducts within the RC F grille are sandwiched by oil coolers. At the rear of the front wing, a large L-shaped cooling outlet creates a major design expression of dynamism while performing an essential cooling and aerodynamic function.
RC F’s hood is raised to accommodate and emphasise the V8 engine and a meshed scoop in its centre provides additional aerodynamics, and cooling. A continuous flow from the hood and front wing through to the belt line emphasises the crouching nature of the design and contributes to air flow.
Aerodynamic spats and aids along the entire length of the RC F also contribute to the wide and low stance.
The rear bumper corners have been maximised for air flow, contributing to the effect of the F four-link active rear wing (unique for RC F) – a technology inherited from LFA. Fins at the bottom edge of the rear bumper direct airflow from under the car.
RC F has stacked dual exhausts, tuned for maximum sound effect.
A carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) kit, developed for the LFA and IS F CCS-R race car, adds an aggressive dimension while saving weight.


PLATFORM
Top-level body rigidity was a priority in RC F, in order to provide a stable platform for the suspension and to optimise agility. The new coupe makes maximum use of all the knowledge and features Lexus has acquired in rigid body design and manufacture.
RC F adds unique fit-for-purpose suspension, brakes steering, wheels and a unique Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD), which is an industry-first application in a front-engine/rear-drive vehicle.
As well as RC, the rocker cross-section of RC F is almost double that of IS. Building on these oversized rocker panels as the main element, the design also incorporates a highly rigid front lower brace to connect the right and left sides of the underbody. The effect is to improve steering response and roll feel.
RC F has adopted several additional floor, engine compartment and rear partition braces and the number of front brace coupling points has been increased.
Rear suspension member mounts have been strengthened to ensure maximum traction.
In addition to the strong framework developed exclusively for the coupe, the RC F makes maximum body use of every measure Lexus had previously developed for increased body rigidity, including body adhesives, full-scale adoption of laser screw welding and structural adhesive and additional spot welding.
High-rigidity structural adhesive is used to secure the front and rear windscreens to make them part of the torsional structure of the car.
Vehicle weight has been minimised by adopting high-tensile steel sheet and aluminium in key areas of the body. The hood inner and outer and the bumper reinforce are aluminium, with the option of a carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) on hood, roof and rear spoiler. While adding to the aggressive stance of RC F, this CFRP kit also achieves about 10kg weight reduction.
AERODYNAMIC GRIP
Lexus RC F has a four-link active rear wing, a flow-down from LFA. The active rear wing is part of a comprehensive strategy to optimise aerodynamic grip and hence controllability at higher speeds.
The wing activates from the RC F’s trunk lid at approximately 80km/h to increase down force as vehicle speed rises. As the vehicle’s speed drops below approximately 40km/h it retracts to enhance the appearance of the coupe’s styling.
However, when the drive-mode select is in Eco mode, the wing will not deploy until the vehicle speed reaches approximately 130km/h to save fuel. Alternatively, the driver can control rear wing deployment from the cockpit, according to personal preference.
The shape of the trunk backward has been sharpened, to smooth airflow from the roof when the wing is not deployed.
Controllability at highway speeds and for track use was a key aim for the RC F. The aerodynamic design leverages the concept of aerodynamic handling stability, using the flow of air over and under the body and, among many details, a shark-fin shaped antenna.
The shape of the body itself, the introduction of ducts, and aero stabilizing fins on the front bumper, help achieve excellent stability. Aero stabilising fins have been strategically placed on the tip of the door-frame molding and the rear combination lamps.
Lexus has also carefully tuned the vehicle’s flat underbody, with aerodynamic undercover and effectively placed aero stabilizing fins. Special attention was paid to controlling air flow to the front brakes, and the design of the outlet ducts at the rear of the front bumper and front wings.
The air outlets on the hood top and wing sides vent air from the engine compartment and help smooth the air flow towards the rear of the vehicle.
RC F has wheel spats front and rear, to reduce airflow hitting the tyres and hence enhance aerodynamics.
Front wing liners are designed to help direct airflow along the tyres, in the same direction as the wheel rotation. The rear wing liner has a bead to direct airflow generated