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The Lexus RCF Track Edition is an excellent option to the standard German performance coupes... if only it wasn't so rare.
The Lexus RCF Track Edition is an upscale model for hardcore enthusiasts that are limited in production. It blends the craftsmanship and the luxury of the standard RCF, with upgrades that are usually reserved for exotic supercars. It's the latest milestone for Lexus and its F performance line.
While the RCF line is not the class-leading sports coupe on the market, it still remains highly coveted because it sets a different tone. One of the most obvious and specific objectives for the Track Edition is the aim of weight reduction without compromising the RCF's sense of refinement. These small changes yielded significant results, which we will be discussing.
The styling cue for the RCF Track Edition definitely stands out and screams Lexus no matter which angle you look at it from. You cannot mistake it for something else even at a quick glance, which makes this car unique in its own class.
The RCF Track Edition has a wider front and rear track, it's got a more aggressive front bumper with better aerodynamics, functional air vents, and it also has a carbon fiber front splitter.
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The driving characteristics of the Lexus RCF Track Edition are not as sharp or direct as its German competitors, which also helps set it apart from everything else. The car is very aggressive, and the throttle response is very sensitive, which makes the car behave playfully.
The Lexus definitely loves to slide around the corners, and also major adjustments as a driver should be made. It takes a lot of skill to keep the RCF in control, but once you are able to tame this beast, you will find that it's very rewarding.
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The Lexus RFC in general is a very underrated car. Buyers in this segment usually opt for its German competition like the BMW M4, or the Mercedes C63 AMG coupe, while both the other options are also great choices as they are very capable cars, it also becomes harder to stand out from the crowd and be unique.
The RCF's appeal is usually for the Lexus die hard fans, but it doesn't have to be that way. If you really want to test your driving skills, have more of an opportunity to be unique, and also have a sports coupe that is uber-reliable, then the RCF is the way to go.
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Because of it being a Lexus, with its known reliability, it becomes a great option or an alternative for a daily sports car to own. Owning the Track Edition RCF will make you truly stand out from the crowd.
The driving dynamics of the Track Edition as compared to the regular RCF has huge improvements other than its weight reduction. The throttle response sensitivity has been dialed down a little bit to make it less snappy, the handling has also been improved for better cornering, although this car really loves its slides nonetheless. So better sharpen your skills if you want to truly unleash its full potential
As mentioned, the RCF Track Edition is limited in production, which in turn would add value to your ownership. Specifically, 50 of them were made, so the chances of finding one is like looking for a needle in a haystack.
The RCF certainly has its own appeal, especially to true Lexus enthusiasts. It may not be the most sought after car out there, but the fact that it is underrated already gives it its own charm.
Knowing Lexus, part of their quality control is their reliability. The ISF was actually known to be the more reliable alternative against the BMW M3 or the C63 AMG. A V8 monster that you can daily without breaking a sweat, with a bunch of worries to consider.
Given that it is still a sports car, of course, its wear and tear are still considerably higher than the average car. That reliability of course carries over to their Lexus RCF Track Edition. You can the best version of the RCF, it may be limited production, but it's not limited to certain parts availability. Besides, how often do you get a collector's piece that requires relatively low effort and costs to maintain?
The engine boasts a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated DOHC V8. Power figures are 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. While these aren't crazy numbers and not much was done to increase the numbers of the regular RCF, the Track Edition's goal was not to be the most powerful, but it is meant to be focused on its overall balance, and offer completely different characteristics.
While it remains a high-revving naturally aspirated V8, it truly gives an extra edge against the competitors that are going down the 6-cylinder turbo route.
As obviously seen in every photo, it is covered with carbon fiber straight from the factory. It's got a carbon fiber hood, carbon fiber roof, a carbon fiber rear spoiler, and a carbon fiber front lip.
It's not just to lower the weight, though. All those aero changes has increased the Track Edition's by 58 lbs at 270 km/h. The front splitter is precisely shaped with canards, combined with a rubber underlip spoiler to further smooth the overall airflow beneath the car.
The overall build quality of the Lexus does not disappoint. The sound when closing the doors and trunk is solid, panel gaps are very minimal, and it shows how precisely this has been designed overall.
That is one of the things that Lexus is widely known for. They do not cut corners, even for their entry-level cars. It would be safe to say that the RCF Track Edition has also received that treatment in earning the Lexus badge.
The simplicity of the interior design of the RCF Track Edition is very comforting to look at. It's not overwhelming, even when you sit on it the first time. Everything is straightforward, and the layout is exactly how it should be, with everything positioned just where you think it should be.
Inside you will see a red leather interior, a bolstered sport seat with the F badge embossed, and the attention to detail is shown in the most subtle ways. Physical dials are still available which makes it a lot easier to operate, especially when you are wearing your racing gloves.
Brent Briones is a car enthusiast, car photographer, and car shop owner from the Philippines, and is now a writer for Hotcars.com. He likes to share his knowledge and love for cars.