Touchdown for Lexus’ fiercest RC duo

Taking after the LS aesthetically, the RC’s exterior differences consist of a new Spindle Grille, updated LED headlights with the now trademark integrated L-shaped daytime running LEDs, a new carbon lip spoiler, restyled F sport bodykit, a redesigned rear bumper, new taillight clusters and newly designed 19-inch alloy wheels.

The Track Edition, which Lexus claims has been developed from its racing exploits in the US IMSA series and Super GT in Japan, receives an more extreme bodykit complete with a carbon fibre rear wing claimed to produce 26 kg of downforce, lightweight 19-inch BBS forged alloy wheels, a carbon fibre front splitter, bonnet and roof, as well as a titanium exhaust.

Underneath their respective skins, both models receive aluminium suspension brackets and mounts to save weight, while the F comes with a new rear suspension and manifold, a smaller air-conditioning compressor to cut weight and hollow rear half shafts, while the Track trims a further 82 kg off of the kerb weight and also adds Brembo ceramic brakes.

Less extensive, the normally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 has had its power output increased by four kilowatts for a total of 352 kW, though torque stays unchanged at 535 Nm.

As before, drive is routed to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox with Lexus claiming a top speed of 270 km/h and 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds for the F, while the Track has the same top speed but with the benchmark sprint taking 3.9 seconds. A Launch Control function is standard on both models.

Standard on both models is a seven year/105 000 km maintenance plan with the RC F retailing for R1 318 300 and the RC F Track for R2 098 200.

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