LEXUS RC F
CONTENTS
- INTRODUCTION
RC F – the all-new high performance coupe by Lexus
Yukihiko Yaguchi, Lexus F Chief Engineer
- EXTERIOR DESIGN AND PACKAGING
Dimensions and styling
Platform
Aerodynamic grip
Carbon fibre reinforced plastics package
Wheels and tyres
Lights
- INTERIOR DESIGN AND PACKAGING
Cockpit-like interior
High-support seats
Ambient illumination
Instrumentation
Steering wheel
- ON-BOARD TECHNOLOGY
Touchpad-operated Remote Touch Interface
Active Sound Control
Premium audio systems
Climate control
- DRIVING DYNAMICS
Footprint
Torsen limited-slip differential
Torque-vectoring differential
Evolved VDIM Sport mode
New suspension hardware
New brake package
- LEXUS’S MOST POWERFUL V8 ENGINE
Outline
High performance and fuel efficiency
Eight-speed SPDS transmission
- SAFETY
Body structure
Passive safety
Pre-collision systems
Active safety
Electronic active safety features
- UK MODEL RANGE
- TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS
- INTRODUCTION
The new Lexus RC F coupe has been designed to deliver optimum high speed stability to support the performance of the most powerful V8 engine Lexus has ever developed.
The 5.0-litre unit develops 471bhp (351kW) at 7,100rpm and 530Nm of torque from 4,800 to 5,600rpm, driving through a close-ratio eight-speed Sports Direct Shift transmission. A torque-vectoring differential is available to enhance power delivery, a world-first feature on a front engine/rear-wheel drive vehicle.
The RC F follows the IS F as Lexus’s second-generation V8 F model, developed with the intention of evoking the best tuning and technology from the flagship V10 LFA supercar.
F – Representing Fuji Speedway, where Lexus undertakes much of its high-speed development work – has come to represent the pinnacle of the brand’s sports engineering. It adds extra depth to the entire model range through key elements that define driving pleasure: responsiveness, great acceleration and a stirring engine sound. The RC F is intended to deliver great driving rewards both on the open road and the track.
The RC F displays powerful design features, both cosmetic and dynamic, that distinguish it from the RC coupe on which it’s based. In line with its greater horsepower, it features a more comprehensive aerodynamic package, including an active rear wing, purpose-designed braking and suspension systems, wider wheels and tyres and styling that is both functional and exciting.
An electronically enhanced driveline based on Lexus’s Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) allows amateur drivers to get closer to the limits previously only attainable by trained professionals. At the same time, the co-ordinated systems provide even greater levels of safety on the road.
“There is no greater emotional attachment than that afforded by a coupe in which the purity of design connects on visual and visceral levels,” said Mark Templin, Lexus International Executive Vice President. “RC F will be a contemporary hero vehicle in the Lexus range, standing alongside the LFA as the embodiment of the enjoyment of sports motoring.”
YUKIHIKO YAGUCHI, DEDICATED LEXUS F CHIEF ENGINEER
Lexus RC F Chief Engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi is a Lexus veteran of 29 years, having worked with the brand since its inception. One of the leaders of the development team for the Lexus F concept, he previously directed development of the IS F sports saloon and its circuit-exclusive racing version, the IS F CCS-R.
Yaguchi-san has dual responsibilities, for the Lexus F customer motorsports programme, and for Lexus’s sports vehicle management division (of which he is also chief engineer).
He joined Lexus in 1985, four years before the launch of the first Lexus LS 400 and has worked principally for the brand ever since, in such diverse roles as performance co-ordination, brand strategy and management planning.
A member of the original Lexus Planning Division, he was directly responsible for the development of the F brand strategy and concept planning of the IS F. The IS F earned global acclaim and underwent annual improvements to secure higher levels of performance.
“Customers spreading the word about the F drew in people from rival brands and helped close the sporty image gap between Lexus and those brands. It ushered in a new era for Lexus,” said Yaguchi-san.
The F reputation was further enhanced by the limited edition LFA supercar. With that model no longer in production, the RC F will assume its place as the new Lexus flagship, thanks to its emotive coupe design and authentic high performance.
“The RC F inherits without compromise our policy that F models must be fully capable of running on a circuit, delivering unrestricted and safe, ultimate driving pleasure,” said Yaguchi-san. “However, the RC F is also designed so that drivers of all skill levels can enjoy its fun-to-drive quality. F models must be able to provide strong performance and pure driving pleasure on the public road as well as the race track.
“Only the most basic parameters were carried forward from the IS F. The V8 remains at 5.0-litres, but essentially it is new. So is the drivetrain, the suspension and even the platform on which the RC F is built.”
- EXTERIOR DESIGN AND PACKAGING
The RC F is 4,705mm long, 1,390mm high and 1,845mm wide. Compared to the RC, it is 5mm wider, thanks to its distinctive flared, laser-brazed wheelarches, 10mm longer, due to the packaging of its rear aerodynamics features, and 5mm lower. Both models share the same 2,730mm wheelbase.
Every external styling feature has a positive aerodynamic benefit. The Lexus signature spindle grille features a graduated mesh pattern and flows to a unique aerodynamic treatment across the bonnet. Cooling ducts within the grille are sandwiched by oil coolers. Just rear of the front wings, large L-shaped outlets create a major design feature while at the same time performing essential cooling and aerodynamic functions.
The bonnet is raised to accommodate the V8 engine and accentuate its presence. A meshed centre scoop provides additional aerodynamics and cooling. The design produces a continuous flowing line from the bonnet and front wings through to the belt line, emphasising the design’s crouching look and contributing to a smooth airflow. Aerodynamic spats and aids along the entire length of the car also lend emphasis to the low and wide stance.
The corners of the rear bumper have been optimised for airflow too, contributing to the effect of the four-link active rear wing (a feature unique to the model) – a technology inherited from the LFA. Fins located on the bottom edge of the rear bumper direct the flow of air from beneath the car.
The RC F has stacked dual exhausts, tuned for maximum sound effect.
The RC F Carbon model benefits from Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic bodywork elements, including the roof, bonnet and rear wing, carrying forward materials technology developed for the LFA and IS F CCS-R that delivers both visual impact and vehicle weight savings.
PLATFORM
High-level body rigidity was a priority for RC F in order to secure a stable platform for the suspension and secure the best possible vehicle agility. The new coupe makes maximum use of the technical know-how and features Lexus has accrued in rigid body design and manufacturing.
RC F benefits from bespoke suspension, brakes, steering, wheels and an optional torque-vectoring differential, a world-first application in a front engine/rear-wheel drive vehicle.
The cross-section of the rocker panel is almost double that of both the RC and the IS F. Building on these over-size elements, the design also features a highly rigid front lower brace connecting the right and left sides of the underbody, with effect of improving steering response and roll feel.
Several additional floor, engine compartment and rear partition braces are used and the number of brace coupling points has been increased. The rear suspension member mounts have been strengthened to help secure maximum traction.
As well as the strong framework that has been developed exclusively for the RC F, the coupe makes maximum use of existing Lexus body rigidity measures, including body adhesives, full-scale adoption of laser screw welding and structural adhesive, and additional spot welding.
A high-rigidity structural adhesive is used to secure the front and rear screens so that they become part of the car’s torsional structure.
Vehicle weight has been kept down by using high-tensile sheet steel and aluminium in key areas of the body. Aluminium is used for the bonnet and bumper reinforcement, with CFRP featured for the bonnet, roof and rear spoiler on the RC F Carbon model. The CFRP elements deliver a weight saving of about 10kg.
AERODYNAMIC GRIP
The Lexus RC F has a four-link active rear wing, a flow-down feature from the LFA. It forms part of a comprehensive strategy to achieve the best aerodynamic grip and, hence, superior vehicle control at high speeds.
The wing deploys from the bootlid at about 50mph, increasing downforce as vehicle speed rises. When the speed drops below about 25mph, the wing retracts, restoring the coupe’s sleek styling.
When the Drive Mode Select system is in Eco mode, the wing will not activate until vehicle speed reaches about 80mph, to save fuel. The driver can also control wing deployment from the cockpit, according to personal preference.
The rearward shape of the boot has been sharpened, to smooth airflow from the roof when the wing is not in use.
Controllability, both at highway speeds and in track use, was a priority. The aerodynamic design leverages the concept of aerodynamic handling stability, using the flow of air over and under the body together with a number of details, including the use of a shark’s fin antenna.
The shape of the body itself, the introduction of ducts and the use of aero-stabilising fins on the front bumper, help achieve excellent stability. Special attention was paid to controlling airflow to the front brakes and the design of the outlet ducts aft of the front bumper and front wings. The air outlets on the bonnet and wings vent air from the engine compartment and help smooth the airflow to the rear of the vehicle.
Front and rear wheel spats enhance the aerodynamics by reducing the flow of air hitting the tyres. Front wing liners are used to help direct airflow along the tyres, in the same direction as the wheel rotation. The rear wing liner features a bead to direct the airflow generated.
WHEELS AND TYRES
The RC F runs on 19-inch forged aluminium wheels to achieve optimum rigidity and minimum weight.
Two designs are featured: the RC F uses rims with five pairs of double thin spokes, each with a machined finish; the RC F Carbon has wheels with twin sets of 10 spokes, the inner series set 30 degrees ahead of the outer;
Wide tyres provide excellent grip, handling stability and driving confidence, on city streets, open roads and under high loads and G-forces encountered on race circuits.
Different size tyres are used at the front and rear, respectively 255/35R19 and 275/35R19. A weight-saving tyre repair kit is provided as standard.
LIGHTS
The RC F’s LED headlamps provide outstanding night-time vision, the signature three-lamp design emulating the Lexus L-motif.
Because the LED lamps generate heat, a thermostatically controlled cooling fan is located behind each headlamp assembly, a technical solution taken directly from World Endurance Championship sportscar design.
The lenses and multi-LED lamps are used for both high and low beam. Thin LED daytime running lights are arranged in the L-motif and integrated into the inner part of the front grille and the turn indicators.
The rear combination lamps use multiple LEDs that form the L-motif while using a minimum amount of energy. The multi-layering of 24 LEDs on each side achieves the same performance as 50 LEDs set in a line.
- INTERIOR DESIGN AND PACKAGING
The RC F’s striking, cockpit-like interior is fully in keeping with the exterior styling, designed with an emphasis on ergonomics and driver support. Elements unique to the model include the meters, steering wheel, seats, ornamentation and pedals.
The primary instrument gauge has been developed from that featured in the LFA, but with extra enhancements. All essential information can be viewed at a glance, a prime requirement in track driving.
HIGHLY SUPPORTIVE SEATS
The new, high-back, bolstered seats have been purpose-designed for track driving, providing excellent support for the back in mid-G cornering and additional shoulder support when encountering high G-forces.
Polyurethane has been used to provide pelvic support and a special cushion stabiliser spring gives support to the hips. The cushion’s side cross-section angle holds the driver’s leg in place, when pushing down on the foot brace.
The seats are filled with an upholstery-integrated foam, which allows them to mould to the shape of the driver’s torso. This breakthrough technique means the material does not have to be stretched as tightly. Filling the seat with foam in a single process also eliminates shrinkage and prevents slippage.
The seats effectively disperse body pressure, meaning they are comfortable as well as highly supportive. Foam is applied in three sections – shoulder, lumbar and hip – each intended to mould to the body form. The stitching process allows the seat to change shape to integrate with the lines of the driver’s body.
The thin seatback, incorporating an air conditioning unit, allows for better comfort in the rear seats and is in line with the principles of race seat design.
Generous seat adjustment is vital. The cushion can be raised through 16mm and slide-adjusted through260mm. The seatback can be reclined up to 42 degrees.
The rear seats have fixed high headrests and feature the same stitching pattern as the front seats to conform to the body shape of the occupants.
Easy access to the rear is provided thanks to a dual manual-electric folding mechanism; a memory function returns the front seat to its pre-set position after use.
AMBIENT ILLUMINATION
Lexus is introducing an entirely new interior ambient illumination package in the RC F and RC. A Lexus-first, the up-lighting creates a strong cabin presence and ensures lighting is reduced to an appropriate level during night driving.
INSTRUMENTATION
The RC F’s analogue speedometer has a built-in welcome sequence: when the driver climbs into the seat and shuts the door, the meter pulses with light like a heartbeat, giving a sense of the vehicle waiting in anticipation of the engine being started.
The location of the information display and the size of the graphic fonts and indicators have been determined precisely so that required data can be communicated to the driver quickly and clearly.
The meter display changes so the driver can instantly be informed about any driving situation. The large centre meter’s content changes according to the Drive Mode Select operation mode – Eco, Normal, Sport S and Sport S+.
The instrumentation includes a finely crafted analogue clock, finished with an exclusive dark metallic face to express the car’s essential sporting character. The three-dimensional scale marks mean the time can be clearly read from any angle.
STEERING WHEEL
The RC F provides a low driver’s seat hip point and a raised steering wheel angle to create a linear driving position. The small, 370mm diameter three-spoke steering wheel was developed after exhaustive testing at race tracks around the world. The design is exclusive to the RC F.
Its suitability for track driving is evidenced in the provision of finger rests, a thick cross-section profile and easy access to the large paddle shift.
- ON-BOARD TECHNOLOGY
Lexus has developed a new version of its Remote Touch Interface, as part of its design of the cockpit centre console’s operation zone. It has been made easier to use with a new touchpad control that smartphone users in particular will find simple to operate, including flick and pinch commands.
The driver can use the Remote Touch Interface to select the audio, navigation or vehicle system information displayed on the centre screen, without having to take their eyes off the road.
The intuitive system is easy to use. Moving a finger over the touchpad surface moves the cursor; pressing down or double-tapping on it enters a selection. A feedback function vibrates the surface of the pad when the cursor moves over an icon on the navigation screen, which means the driver is aware of the cursor’s movement without having to look at the display.
The advanced system supports convenient, customised pinch-in and out and flick commands when using the navigation map function.