The FT-1 may be drawing all the gazes at Toyota, but there's one confirmed production prospect nearby that's more than worthy of plentiful attention; the Lexus RC F.
Need more than just a carbon roof?
The Detroit unveiling has brought some additional details to last week's story. The power output still isn't confirmed with Lexus only maintaining it will have 'well in excess of' 450bhp but a torque figure has been finalised. Its 384lb ft peak compares well with the 406lb ft the turbocharged
M3
Top speed will be limited to 168mph (as its 270km/h) and the team are working towards a target kerbweight of less than 1,800kg. Sounds a bit porky in all honesty, especially with the M3 at 1,500kg, but we'll reserve full judgement until the car is in production spec. The unsprung weight is reduced (sounds like it will need plenty of help) with forged aluminium wheels. Three different style of 19-inch rim will be offered, all wrapped in 255/35 (front) and 275/35 (rear) tyres.
The white car also seen here features the lightweight carbon fibre package, which is so lightweight Lexus hasn't yet revealed how much it saves... Still, if BMW is going with carbon roofs, Lexus clearly feels the need to go one step further.
Remember when the IS F was transformed by a mid-life facelift incorporating an LSD? We'll have to hope that happens with the RC as well because there isn't a standard locking diff. Instead Lexus has fitted a 'Torque Vectoring Differential' system with three operating modes. 'Standard' aims to balance agility and stability in normal driving, 'Slalom' aims for nimble responses and 'Track' which offers 'consistent, stable cornering in circuit driving, with optimum driver control'.
Lightweight carbon pack has the answer!
Inside is largely as was expected if you ignore the worryingly large 'thick-grip steering wheel'; who asked for one of those? But the paddles look decent enough and the revcounter moves around the dial display as it does in the LFA dependent on driving mode.
Unfortunately, we're no closer to knowing what the RC F will cost in the UK or when it will get here. Lexus wasn't shy in pricing the IS F close to its rivals back in 2008 so expect the RC F to do similar. With the M4 at £56.635 and the Audi RS5 at £59,350, somewhere around £55K seems likely.