Lexus puts more performance into 2020 RC F and RC F Track Edition

(April 5, 2019) PLANO, Texas — For the 2020 model year, the Lexus RC F coupe is lighter, more capable and more eye catching than ever before. A wide range of enhancements expands its performance envelope while updates to the overall design further refine the appearance of the broad-shouldered coupe. New to the lineup for 2020, the Lexus RC F Track Edition is a limited production model for hardcore enthusiasts.

It blends the luxury and craftsmanship of the standard RC F with performance upgrades typically reserved for exotic sports cars. It’s the latest milestone for the F performance brand that will continue to evolve as an important pillar of the overall strategy at Lexus.
 
“The new RCF and the Track Edition, in particular, benefit from constant development since their original launch. With the latest enhancements, these models help further distinguish the F brand by offering fast, durable, highly capable performance cars that rely on a range of technologies to help make their performance accessible to drivers of all skill levels,” said Koji Sato, Executive Vice President, Lexus International.


2020 Lexus RC F coupe

The 2020 Lexus RC F coupe incorporates a wide range of changes that result in improved performance and a more refined appearance. Although not a full redesign, the engineers for the RC F seized the opportunity to expand its performance envelope without sacrificing day-to-day drivability. At the same time, the design team incorporated elements from both the RC F GT3 and RC F GT500 race cars to improve the RC F’s aerodynamics and resculpt its aggressive lines.
 
Boasting one of the last naturally aspirated V8s available in a luxury coupe, the RC F has a unique sound and feel that few of its competitors can replicate. Now rated at 472 horsepower (+5) at 7,100 rpm and 395 pound-feet of torque (+6) at 4,800 rpm, the 5.0-liter V8 is a core element of the RC F’s personality. With that in mind, the engineering team focused on small, yet meaningful changes that add character and refinement without detracting from the visceral connection to the high revving V8.
 
To enhance throttle response, a redesigned airbox employs three notable changes compared to the previous RC F. One upgrade is the installation of aero stabilization fins inside the main piping to reduce friction induction pressure loss that can result in less accurate readings by the mass air flow sensor.

These small fins help to reduce the boundary layer that forms when fast moving air is moving through the inside of the air cleaner duct. By reducing the boundary layer, the fins effectively increase the volume of the intake path and reduce velocity changes that can cause less accurate sensor readings.


2020 Lexus RC F Track Edition

A new design for the hydrocarbon filter that resides in the airbox is another update to the RC F’s intake system. Smaller and less restrictive than before, the updated HC filer further contributes to smoother airflow throughout the system. Yet another change is the point at which the secondary port on the air intake opens. In the previous RC F, it didn’t open until the engine hit 3,600 rpm, but in the 2020 model, the threshold has been reduced to 2,800 rpm for enhanced engine sound and better low-speed drivability.
 
In addition to refining the precision of the throttle response, further attention was dedicated to the programming of throttle curve itself which is now more linear than the previous model. The first-generation RC F had throttle tuning that was designed to deliver a quick response from a short pedal stroke to emphasize its powerful feel. For the 2020 RC F, the throttle tuning is more balanced throughout the pedal stroke for greater predictability and more precise control.
 
For the ultimate in standing start acceleration, the RC F now includes electronic launch control as standard that deliver an estimated 0-to-60 mph time of just 4.2 seconds. With a push of the button on the console, the system automatically adjusts the traction and throttle control for maximum acceleration from a stop. All the driver has to do is press and hold the brake pedal, engage the system, floor the accelerator to bring up the engine speed and release the brake.
 
To capitalize on the reduced weight of the new vehicle, the engineers also retuned the chassis with very precise changes that work together to give the car a more responsive feel. One example is the revised steering rack mounting bushings. In a typical high g load cornering situation, deflection of these bushings has the potential to throw off the toe settings of the front wheels and cause understeer.

To reduce this effect, the engineers have increased the bushing stiffness by 150% compared to the previous RC F, a change that improves both the initial steering response and overall road feel.
 
A similar change was instituted at the rear of the car through the use of stiffer subframe bushings to reduce deflection under high g loads that can alter the camber angle of the rear wheels and produce understeer. Greater control of the rear wheel toe angles is achieved with a new aluminum bracket that takes the place of the previous steel part while shedding 500g of weight. Careful attention was paid to the aluminum part’s diecast construction to give the bracket added stiffness despite its lighter weight.
 
Although it’s not part of the suspension, the rear engine mount was also redesigned to eliminate any sensation that the engine is “lagging behind” the chassis during aggressive changes in direction. The new mount actually reduces the stiffness of the rubber itself, but increases the overall control through the use of a wider, more stable design.
 
All 2020 RC F models connect to the road through Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires sized 255/35R19 in front and 275/35R19 in the rear. They are some of the most sophisticated performance tires ever produced by Michelin, and in this case, they are specifically tuned for the RC F to increase overall grip and reduce understeer. Compared to the standard Pilot Sport 4 S tires, the RC F’s design is differentiated by a revised shoulder profile, extended bead and trapezoidal shape. The grooves in the tire also have a different shape, depth and location compared to the off-the-shelf Pilot Sport 4 S. Another departure for the RC F spec tire is an increased level of dry grip thanks to revised silica content levels at the outside edges of the tread.