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(White Plains, NY - September 5, 2014)
1. Lexus Launch The Ultimate High-Performance Luxury Coupe
“The RC F inherits without compromise our policy that F models must be fully capable of running on a circuit as a venue for pursuing driving pleasure freely and safely. F models allow drivers to immerse themselves in pure driving pleasure and also deliver satisfying performance when driving on public roads.” RC F Chief Engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi
The RC F – the second V8 “F series” model from Lexus – adopts the best of the tuning and technology that went into the Lexus LFA supercar in order to create an authentic high-performance coupe that puts a smile on the faces of all of those who drive it, on the road or on the track.
This all-new model is a highly emotive coupe that injects emotional appeal into the Lexus DNA of build quality, refinement and reliability. It also reintroduces the F brand – a nod to Fuji Speedway in Japan, where most of Lexus’ high-speed development takes place – with a fresh interpretation of the three essential characteristics of Lexus F series design:
The 2015 RC F is available in a single model, with an available Performance Package.
2. Lexus and World Firsts
The Lexus RC F introduces world and Lexus “firsts” in technology as well as in production engineering developments. These include:
3. Design and Packaging - Exterior
From every angle, the RC F makes it clear that it’s an authentic performance machine. Developed at the same time as the 2015 Lexus RC coupe, the RC F is lower, wider and longer than its cousin. The RC F shares the same wheelbase as the RC, but rides on wider tires and features body enhancements designed to maximize performance while creating an image befitting a premium sports coupe.
As an example, every exterior styling feature on the RC has a positive aerodynamic benefit.
Like the RC, the RC F presents a low profile and a wide stance. A compact cabin contrasts with boldly protruding fender flares. Body contours are etched with deep, sweeping lines.
The Lexus spindle grille, which forms the fulcrum of the exterior package, is the lowest and widest application yet of this signature design feature, and features the graduated mesh pattern that is a hallmark of F series design.
Cooling ducts within the grille are sandwiched by oil coolers. At the rear of the front fender, a large L-shaped cooling outlet creates a major design expression of dynamism while performing an essential cooling and aerodynamic function.
LED headlights include thermostatically-controlled cooling fans adopted from world endurance championship race car design.
The RC F’s raised hood accommodates and emphasizes its powerful 5.0-liter V8 engine while a meshed scoop provides additional aerodynamics and cooling.
At the rear, a unique four-link active rear wing – adopted from the LFA supercar – maximizes aerodynamic performance at higher speeds, while the bumper corners are sculpted for optimized air flow. Stacked dual exhausts are tuned for maximum sound effect, while 19” forged aluminium wheels are machined into an exclusive design.
Creating the RC F body required advanced press technologies that surpassed conventional production line standards. Rather than change the design to fall within production standards, Lexus implemented the new production technologies required to build the RC F’s distinctive shape.
4. Design and Packaging - Interior
The RC F features a striking, cockpit-like interior that complements its aggressive exterior styling, even as it emphasizes ergonomics and driver dynamics. Several interior components are unique to the RC F – including the meters, steering wheel, seats, ornamentation and pedals.
The primary instrument cluster is adopted from the LFA, with enhancements that make it easier to read with a glance – essential when racing at the track. The Multi-information Display menu includes G-monitor, lap timer, and other useful racing information, in addition to standard Lexus information like audio and navigation.
A three-spoke, small diameter steering wheel – developed after exhaustive testing at race tracks around the world – provides a firm grip for confident driving at speed.
All new high-back seats – exclusive to RC F – are of integrated foaming construction and finished with high-contrast stitching. They offer excellent support during high-G manoeuvres.
Cabin ornamentation includes newly-developed Silver Sterling fibre and Carbon Fibre Trim finishes to give RC F an aggressive and purposeful cockpit appearance.
The RC F introduces upwards facing ambient illumination to create a new feeling of welcome like that found along the pathways of modern homes.
Upon closer inspection, interior details convey dynamic performance and dramatic styling:
5. On Board Technology
The RC continues the Lexus tradition of implementing advanced technology that is intuitive to use.
6. Power Trains
The RC F is built around the most powerful V8 engine in the Lexus line-up – 12 percent more powerful than the IS F engine on which it is based. Engineers designed this 5.0L, 32-valve V8 to deliver the same concept of instantaneous torque that was achieved in the V10 used in the Lexus LFA supercar.
All-new cylinder heads and lighter moving parts have increased the maximum power of the Atkinson cycle power plant to a peak 467 HP with maximum revolutions increased from 6800 to 7,100 RPM. The compression ratio has been raised to 12.3:1 to boost torque across the entire revolution range.
The majority of the engine parts are new – including the intake manifold and throttle body, intake and exhaust valve train, motor-driven Variable Valve Timing (VVT-iE), cylinder heads and cylinder head cover, the D4-S dual injection system, spark plugs, pistons and piston rings, connecting rods, crankshaft, exhaust manifold, oil pan, alternator clutch system, and more.
This new engine is matched to a uniquely-tuned eight-speed Sports Direct Shift transmission a more linear response to accelerator pedal operation.
The transmission features sequential shift operation and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and operates in four driver-selectable Drive Modes: NORMAL, SPORT S, SPORT S+, and M
The engine and transmission cooling systems have been redesigned to increase track-day suitability.
7. Driving Dynamics
The RC F was designed for optimum grip and handling agility – to achieve a clear design concept: “Blast through S-bends under any conditions”.
All aspects of the vehicle contribute to this goal – from the vehicle’s footprint and body rigidity, to aerodynamics, suspension hardware, brakes, the calibration of the electric power steering, and chassis electronics. The RC F was then tested and proven on world-class race tracks, including the Nüburgring Nordschleife.
The RC F is the world’s first vehicle available with a Torque Vectoring Differential – an electronic system that optimizes torque transfer to each rear wheel regardless of whether the accelerator is pressed.
A new EXPERT mode in the Sports VDIM – exclusive to Lexus F series models – operates when the VDIM is turned off. EXPERT mode engages only to prevent the vehicle from going into a spin. The Sport VDIM employs technology from the LFA supercar to offer greater potential for track-day use.
Other dynamic handling technologies include an active rear wing, a vertical G-sensor for the antilock braking system, and more.
The chassis is designed to minimize roll and support higher cornering speeds and enhanced cornering effectiveness, so less steering input is required. A large footprint compared to its compact body size, plus a low profile, contribute to agility and grip.
Compared to the RC, fully 70 percent of the RC F’s suspension hardware is unique. The RC F has an all-coil suspension with double wishbones at the front and mulit-link at the rear. New components include springs, dampers, stabilizer bars, suspension bushings and bound stoppers.
The RC F features electronic power-assisted rack and pinion steering, tuned to achieve excellent dynamic performance and steering feel.
Massive brakes – larger than used on the IS F – are fitted with BREMBO callipers, rotors and pads, and supported by a new brake booster and master cylinder design to enhance response and shorten pedal stroke.
The RC F rides on 19” forged aluminium wheels with 255/35 R19 front and 275/35 R19 rear tires. Compared to the IS F, these tires deliver increased grip, while high camber angles and toe-angle rigidity further improve cornering power.
8. Safety
The Lexus RC F maintains the Lexus reputation for building vehicles that maximize safety for the driver, occupants and other users of the road.
Safety starts with a high-strength body structure, and the Lexus RC F maximizes frontal and side collision protection measures with high-tensile strength steel enhanced by body adhesives, laser-screw welding and additional spot welds.
Every Lexus RC F has eight SRS airbags, including a dual-stage driver’s airbag, dual-stage and dual-chamber front passenger airbag, driver's and passenger’s knee airbags, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain-shield airbags. The big side-curtain airbag has been adopted for increased side-collision compatibility.
All RC F models are equipped with a Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system with Sport Mode tailored to the RC F’s performance characteristics, plus active safety systems including: Vehicle Stability Control; Traction Control; and Antilock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist.
Other standard safety systems include Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, a back-up camera in the navigation display, the Lexus Pre-Collision System, Automatic High Beam, and Lane Departure Alert system.
About Lexus Canada
Lexus Canada is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Lexus luxury cars and sport utility vehicles through a sales and service network of 38 dealerships across Canada. With 15 Lexus models on the road today, five of them being hybrids, Lexus has the largest luxury hybrid lineup; allowing guests a choice in a large range of luxury vehicle segments. In the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS), Lexus was the highest ranking nameplate in the industry.
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