RE: Lexus RC F Track Pack | Driven
Discussion
Having owned my RCF for over a year now I found myself asking why would Lexus make this half baked idea of a track edition of a car that is far too heavy for real trackday use.
It's an excellent road car that is a bit different with a lovely N/A V8 that loves to be revved, setting the simple controls on the autobox to manual/paddleshift fully exploits the engine and in all honesty most owners on the forum drive in this mode.
In auto mode mine will be in 5th gear a couple of hundred metres down the road, which is nice if you want to have a smooth and pleasant long distance drive. it also needs an aftermarket exhaust because the standard exhaust strangles the lovely exhaust note.
My thinking has always been if you like the idea of the RCF but want to go on track as well buy a decent spec later RCF with active suspension and torque vectoring diff for say £45K and then buy yourself a Caterham or like I had a VX220 Turbo with all the goodies even if you budgeted £20K for a trackday car you'd still have £10K left to insure both, buy an aftermarket exhaust for your RCF etc etc.
Of course, if as most people seem to opt for PCP, then my idea is a non starter.
Here's mine with a few extra bits.
I've copied and pasted this from a previous thread on the saloon version the GSF with some extra correct info.
I have the coupe version of this, they are excellent cars. Most owners on the forum select the manual option on the autotbox dial as this really does make the most of a very good N/A 5 litre engine that enjoys and must be revved. Along with a decent aftermarket exhaust which makes the car sound as it should.
I've owned V8 Esprit's various high powered AMG's including the twin turbo V12 CL65 and my switch to an RCF was one that took me some time to consider.
First of all it's a heavy car but if I've ever wanted to go back on track I'll buy another Lotus or VX220 Turbo because on the road the Lexus has two distinct characteristics.
It can do smooth and serene, the later cars have active suspension which has a ride quality equal to my CL65 then at the selection of a few simple dials you can quickly transform the car into a very competent A road blaster.
One of the main attractions to me were the ownership costs compared to my AMG's etc the Lexus is as cheap as chips. There is a very good customer friendly manufacturers warranty for £450 per year, servicing is very low cost too. Main service £500, interim £300 and some people on the forum have been given an LC500 whilst their car was being serviced, I didn't, I got some SUV.
Plus for the first time in my car ownership I went for all the toys active suspension and a torque vectoring diff something I'd never consider in my past cars due to maintenance cost/failure but with the Lexus there is never a problem.
I think the Chris Harris video on the RCF just about sums it up, not much good on track but is a good road car which the more you drive it the more you enjoy it.
As a self confessed serial car changer where I get bored after a year of ownership the Lexus has bucked that trend. I expect I'll replace it with the new Corvette C8 coming out soon until then I'll keep the Lexus
It's an excellent road car that is a bit different with a lovely N/A V8 that loves to be revved, setting the simple controls on the autobox to manual/paddleshift fully exploits the engine and in all honesty most owners on the forum drive in this mode.
In auto mode mine will be in 5th gear a couple of hundred metres down the road, which is nice if you want to have a smooth and pleasant long distance drive. it also needs an aftermarket exhaust because the standard exhaust strangles the lovely exhaust note.
My thinking has always been if you like the idea of the RCF but want to go on track as well buy a decent spec later RCF with active suspension and torque vectoring diff for say £45K and then buy yourself a Caterham or like I had a VX220 Turbo with all the goodies even if you budgeted £20K for a trackday car you'd still have £10K left to insure both, buy an aftermarket exhaust for your RCF etc etc.
Of course, if as most people seem to opt for PCP, then my idea is a non starter.
Here's mine with a few extra bits.
I've copied and pasted this from a previous thread on the saloon version the GSF with some extra correct info.
I have the coupe version of this, they are excellent cars. Most owners on the forum select the manual option on the autotbox dial as this really does make the most of a very good N/A 5 litre engine that enjoys and must be revved. Along with a decent aftermarket exhaust which makes the car sound as it should.
I've owned V8 Esprit's various high powered AMG's including the twin turbo V12 CL65 and my switch to an RCF was one that took me some time to consider.
First of all it's a heavy car but if I've ever wanted to go back on track I'll buy another Lotus or VX220 Turbo because on the road the Lexus has two distinct characteristics.
It can do smooth and serene, the later cars have active suspension which has a ride quality equal to my CL65 then at the selection of a few simple dials you can quickly transform the car into a very competent A road blaster.
One of the main attractions to me were the ownership costs compared to my AMG's etc the Lexus is as cheap as chips. There is a very good customer friendly manufacturers warranty for £450 per year, servicing is very low cost too. Main service £500, interim £300 and some people on the forum have been given an LC500 whilst their car was being serviced, I didn't, I got some SUV.
Plus for the first time in my car ownership I went for all the toys active suspension and a torque vectoring diff something I'd never consider in my past cars due to maintenance cost/failure but with the Lexus there is never a problem.
I think the Chris Harris video on the RCF just about sums it up, not much good on track but is a good road car which the more you drive it the more you enjoy it.
As a self confessed serial car changer where I get bored after a year of ownership the Lexus has bucked that trend. I expect I'll replace it with the new Corvette C8 coming out soon until then I'll keep the Lexus
Edited by BIRMA on Sunday 24th November 11:00
Edited by BIRMA on Sunday 24th November 11:04
Had a look at a new one last week, they are a lovely bit of kit. Build quality is fantastic. They are heavy and the engine being aspirated means it isn't going to be quite as ballistic as an M4 or C63 but it's still very fast by any measure. If you appreciate quality, individuality and tactility over out right performance then I think the RC has them licked. Throw in vastly better reliability and these look a great long term proposition. A 15k mile example on Autotrader is down to £30k, I think they will bottom out about 15-20k. Look at ISFs they are now far more sort after than M3s and AMGs of the same period as people have faith in their reliability.
ZX10R NIN said:
It's not slow 4.3 for a N/A V8 is far from slow the 6.2 in the C63 would do it in 4.4 secs & no one ever complained about that cars pace.
There was a few reviews for the older one and it didn't do the 0-60mph times claimed. The 0-100mph was barely under 12 seconds mark and the quarter mile was in the 13s.
The M135i was in the high 12s for the quarter mile and in the high 10s for 0-100mph.
It’s an M5 sized car with a NA V8 - at least 150kg over a DCT M3 V8, for example. Also the reviews seem to imply that it doesn’t have much grunt below 4k rpm. Whereas the S65 has a flatter torque curve (individual throttle bodies, variable exhaust and intake valve timing, the Lexus makes do with a variable inlet manifold and single VVT. Mind you I’d be happy with this level of performance just to hear the V8 burble on a daily drive.
For the weight that this is I think that the 0 to 60 in 4.3 seconds is very respectable for a NA engine for sure. My manual E92 M3(it was lighter but still heavy at 1650kg) with 420bhp only managed 4.8 seconds to 60.
If you want serious performance though then the general rule is to avoid a NA engine, and you are better off going for a car with turbos for me. I'm a big fan of this though for sure.
If you want serious performance though then the general rule is to avoid a NA engine, and you are better off going for a car with turbos for me. I'm a big fan of this though for sure.
As per there appears to be a lot of crap written here from people who haven’t driven such a car and form all their opinions from 0-60 times?
I own an M4 and my FIL owns an RCF (which I have done 3000miles in!)
RCF slow? Sorry, but it’s bulls
t. It’s not going to win a drag race against an RS3 - but on the tarmac once moving it creeps past a 6.2 C63 which is so highly revered? There are also many video reviews online where the gulf between it and the M4 are considerably smaller than the numbers suggest!
M4 vs RCF. Now this is really hard...
M4 gets lot of attention, but from boy racers constantly trying to race you, or terrified grannies crying at the terrible bangs coming out the back. The RCF however creates intrigue and a bit more respect with its quirky styling and V8 rumble...
The M4 sledgehammers each gear into your back and makes you feel like a race driver, as it’s ultimately quicker and the sharper tool. BUT, take the RCF’s V8 from 30-110mph in 3rd gear and you’ll be giggling at the sound as the revs appear to never end!! Admittedly the M4 will be down the road, as the RCF lacks the low down grunt of the turbo 6 in the M4 - but stick them in the right gear at the right speed and on the road you won’t separate them.
Quality. Whilst many people with cheaper automobiles think my M4 is lovely inside, I think it feels like a 20k 1 series interior scaled to 110%, with a patch of leather and an M badge. The RCF whilst unique has a build that feels a class above, it wraps around you and feels considerably more “special”.
If I could mix and match I’d have, the angry front of the M4 with the quirky back of the Jap. The punch of the German with the soundtrack of the RCF going through the M DCT box when ”on it” - but the Jap slushbox when in town! The interior from the Lexus, but with the infotainment system from the BMW!
But then come ownership, it’s all Lexus! Warranty runs out? No worries, renew for £1000pa but have your money back if you don’t use it!!! Car needs a service, no worries sir we’ll pick your car up tomorrow and leave you an LC500 with full tank for the day.
BMW? Sorry sir, our £10 a day 120d isn’t available for at least 3 weeks...
Both great cars and both win in their own way on the day. But please stop comparing cars by straight line performance and test track reviews.
I own an M4 and my FIL owns an RCF (which I have done 3000miles in!)
RCF slow? Sorry, but it’s bulls
t. It’s not going to win a drag race against an RS3 - but on the tarmac once moving it creeps past a 6.2 C63 which is so highly revered? There are also many video reviews online where the gulf between it and the M4 are considerably smaller than the numbers suggest! M4 vs RCF. Now this is really hard...
M4 gets lot of attention, but from boy racers constantly trying to race you, or terrified grannies crying at the terrible bangs coming out the back. The RCF however creates intrigue and a bit more respect with its quirky styling and V8 rumble...
The M4 sledgehammers each gear into your back and makes you feel like a race driver, as it’s ultimately quicker and the sharper tool. BUT, take the RCF’s V8 from 30-110mph in 3rd gear and you’ll be giggling at the sound as the revs appear to never end!! Admittedly the M4 will be down the road, as the RCF lacks the low down grunt of the turbo 6 in the M4 - but stick them in the right gear at the right speed and on the road you won’t separate them.
Quality. Whilst many people with cheaper automobiles think my M4 is lovely inside, I think it feels like a 20k 1 series interior scaled to 110%, with a patch of leather and an M badge. The RCF whilst unique has a build that feels a class above, it wraps around you and feels considerably more “special”.
If I could mix and match I’d have, the angry front of the M4 with the quirky back of the Jap. The punch of the German with the soundtrack of the RCF going through the M DCT box when ”on it” - but the Jap slushbox when in town! The interior from the Lexus, but with the infotainment system from the BMW!
But then come ownership, it’s all Lexus! Warranty runs out? No worries, renew for £1000pa but have your money back if you don’t use it!!! Car needs a service, no worries sir we’ll pick your car up tomorrow and leave you an LC500 with full tank for the day.
BMW? Sorry sir, our £10 a day 120d isn’t available for at least 3 weeks...
Both great cars and both win in their own way on the day. But please stop comparing cars by straight line performance and test track reviews.
SidewaysSi said:
saxy said:
Slower around the track than a Supra which is half the price. Nope
Agree. Personally I would go for an Audi S3 instead.Chronic understeer rolling into sloppy oversteer on lift of the Crossclimates is a whoot and a half. And not even beyond 50mph in late November!
russy01 said:
Both great cars and both win in their own way on the day. But please stop comparing cars by straight line performance and test track reviews.
Its got a track pack - why wouldn't you do test track and performance comparisons?Lexus RCF should really focus on the NA V8 sound, feel and handling on the public road - and of course the quality, reliability and customer service - though my local bmw stealer garage did lend me a new G20 3 series last service and did its level best to keep me on the road during the EGR chaos.
Lexus RCF Track Pack won't really compete with the latest forthcoming M3/4 competition.
I'd probably buy this s/h - once its down by 50% - if I can live with that front-end - otherwise a s/h M5 V8 f90 would be my preference
tjlees said:
Its got a track pack - why wouldn't you do test track and performance comparisons?
Ok, I’ll take my M4 Competition Pack to a race competition next week 
My point is that rating cars (when you haven’t driven them) purely by 0-60 times is nonsense - when in most cases said cars can’t match said claims on the road anyway.
But that’s enough of that..
yonex said:
TyrannosauRoss Lex said:
PH - E39 is the best car ever with the perfect amount of performance for a sports saloon
Also PH - this Lexus is too slow.
Also PH - this Lexus is too slow.
Luke. said:
Would love to know more about this too. And couldn't find much on Google.
My personal experience of the warranty is as follows, you get what they call 2 for 1 on the warranty which costs £900 for the RCF so in effect £450 a year for the two year period.Whether it's because the cars so rarely go wrong and the warranty hardly has to pay out I'm not sure, but the only case I have know of so far is an owner who had some corrosion on his brake callipers and Lexus just replaced them all under warranty.
Having owned cars that are nearly £2000 a year for the manufacturers warranty and know first hand they are less than satisfactory when there is a problem. When my car is old enough to require the Lexus warranty I'll willingly part with £900. I still stand by my statement in my previous post they are, in relative terms as cheap as chips to run, except for petrol obviously.
Just to add Lexus should have called this edition the 'Sport Pack' model makes more sense in my opinion. Over in the USA where the RCF is very popular there have been reports of dealers trying to sell the 'Track Edition' for $50,000 over list. I very much doubt it sold but you never know.
Edited by BIRMA on Tuesday 26th November 11:11
BIRMA said:
My personal experience of the warranty is as follows, you get what they call 2 for 1 on the warranty which costs £900 for the RCF so in effect £450 a year for the two year period.
Whether it's because the cars so rarely go wrong and the warranty hardly has to pay out I'm not sure, but the only case I have know of so far is an owner who had some corrosion on his brake callipers and Lexus just replaced them all under warranty.
Having owned cars that are nearly £2000 a year for the manufacturers warranty and know first hand they are less than satisfactory when there is a problem. When my car is old enough to require the Lexus warranty I'll willingly part with £900. I still stand by my statement in my previous post they are, in relative terms as cheap as chips to run, except for petrol obviously.
Sounds brilliant. And one of reason's the RC-F is top of my very short short list. Thanks for the reply.Whether it's because the cars so rarely go wrong and the warranty hardly has to pay out I'm not sure, but the only case I have know of so far is an owner who had some corrosion on his brake callipers and Lexus just replaced them all under warranty.
Having owned cars that are nearly £2000 a year for the manufacturers warranty and know first hand they are less than satisfactory when there is a problem. When my car is old enough to require the Lexus warranty I'll willingly part with £900. I still stand by my statement in my previous post they are, in relative terms as cheap as chips to run, except for petrol obviously.
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