Now this is a convenient coincidence. Only yesterday, the discussion around
an LFA
in the PH classifieds centred on Lexus's inability to build on that car's incredible talent. Today Lexus has confirmed an updated
RC F GT Concept
, first shown at Pikes Peak last year. Could this be the truly fantastic fast Lexus that isn't over £300,000?
Just sort it out Lexus. Now
Well, there the slightly sticky issue of it not actually being a road car yet. It's still a racer, doing demo runs this weekend at the Long Beach Grand Prix. But it still borrows a lot - engine, transmission, the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management software - from the road car and was "developed in parallel with the RC F production car by the Lexus Development Center [sic] in Japan". It's not too far removed from
the road car
Lexus is vague on the details that make this car a "further development" from the Pikes Peak version. It's still 400kg lighter, which has to be good news for any road evolution, with the 5.0-litre V8 enhanced with a performance exhaust and uprated cooling. There's also "reinforced" suspension with increased adjustability, implying some stiffer springs and fancy competition dampers. We're told it "shows the opportunities of the platform and powertrain" underpinning the RC F - so how about capitalising on it Lexus?
There's a further incentive now too, with the new Aston Vantage GT8 too. Both V8s, both a bit heavier than they probably should be as standard, and both with competition provenance to build upon. Could make for a couple of fantastic cars. To be continued...