Hardcore Lexus RC-F GT due next year
Hands up who likes the sound of track-focused naturally aspirated V8 coupe?
Lexus is putting the finishing touches to a harder and more focused version of its RC-F coupe which looks set to arrive on roads next year. Caught here on camera during testing, the rear-wing-wielding V8 model, set to be named the RC-F GT, will straddle the gap between the regular car and the racing version, making it an indirect rival to the BMW M4 CS and similarly focused alternatives.
Lexus's RC-F GT has been a long time coming because the idea was first teased with a concept way back in 2016 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. That one-off remains our best glimpse of what's to come; it was 360kg lighter than the standard car and retained the same naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine to send 477hp to the rear wheels through a tweaked eight-speed automatic gearbox.
No performance statistics were offered, but such a drastic weight loss in the 1765kg production model would surely shave at least half a second from the RC-F's already prompt 4.5-second 0-62mph time. The focus, though, is likely to be on maximising its dynamic performance. To ensure this, much of GT concept's adjustable suspension and geometry setup was taken from the racing model. Our spy pictures suggest the finished model will also receive new bodywork, including that rear wing, to suit.
Arriving as the new top model in a facelifted range, the RC-F GT and siblings are expected to be the last naturally-aspirated V8s to survive in this segment. All its rivals have reverted to forced induction, and it's likely that the model's successor will have to make use of some sort of efficiency boosting tech in order to keep up. This should, at least, make the instantaneous throttle response of the RC-F GT even more rewarding.
Better yet it has an N\A V8 and it will have the good old Lexus reliability plus decent customer service. If they made this in a manual, this could actually be the perfect performance saloon.
A cooking E46 coupe was over 1400kg. I think you may have unrealistic expectations.
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1400kg would make it about the same weight as an Evora or Boxster and ~100kg lighter than a basic 911 Carrera. That'd be damned impressive for a big saloon-derived coupe with a V8 and an 8-speed automatic gearbox!i quite like the looks of them personally though
Lexus obviously have listened.
Just like they listened when Jeremy asked for a smaller cheaper LFA - they developed the LC500.
i quite like the looks of them personally though
Lexus obviously have listened.
Just like they listened when Jeremy asked for a smaller cheaper LFA - they developed the LC500.
As soon as they bring out a nice blue in the LC I’m getting one whatever man maths it takes! The previous limited was a lovely shade but long ago sold out. Current limited is crap yellow but they haven’t rotated a lighter blue back into the ‘normal’ palette yet.
Sadly an LC F would be unjustifiable for me!
I can't imagine that the level of loss achieved by the concept could be replicated without either losing items that would be deemed necessary for a production version or implementing techniques and materials that would overstep the limits of what would be permissable to keep it affordable. Unless they don't mind it being non profitable as the LFA was?
How much did the M3 GTS lose, around 75Kg?
If they shed that amount of weight how weight inefficient would the original design then have been? It’s a big car, so wouldn’t expect any figure below 1600kg.
Chris Harris makes me laugh. JC makes me laugh. They both disliked the RC-F, but loved the GS-F. I've driven GS-Fs and own an RC-F. If you like the one you like the other. You'd be hard pushed to separate the differences from behind the wheel.
Biggest issue with the RC-F was Lexus' mis-marketing. The RC-F was not meant for the track - it's more of a GT car. In the the hands of the average driver it's a much easier car to drive than an M4. Much more forgiving and less spiky.
A cooking E46 coupe was over 1400kg. I think you may have unrealistic expectations.
I can't imagine that the level of loss achieved by the concept could be replicated without either losing items that would be deemed necessary for a production version or implementing techniques and materials that would overstep the limits of what would be permissable to keep it affordable. Unless they don't mind it being non profitable as the LFA was?
How much did the M3 GTS lose, around 75Kg?
That being said, I think the weight loss for the concept (or whatever) was because it was basically a racecar, so, as you rightfully say, I really doubt a GT production version would be anywhere near the 300 kg weight loss. Just look at what other manufacturers achieve with carbon this and that at a price tag that is difficult to swallow (looking at you M3/4 CS) there is IMO no way Lexus could hope to achieve something similar.
I think the RC-F would be lucky to loose 75kgs without an exponential price increase. But here's to hoping Lexus can market this better to suit the Gt moniker and get some weight off, a minor facelift inside and out and give the outgoing NA V8 a nice final hoorah!
Regards
The one thing that lets down the BMW is the terrible noise of the engine and although I love the pop, pop of the exhaust, even I admit it is all a little childish. I had the old Lexus ISF and that car not only was bullet proof it sounded like a proper sporty car.
If the car above ever existed at a competitive price I will buy one new!
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