New Lexus RC F Coupe launched in Qatar

The new Lexus RC F Coupe has an all-new 5.0-litre 32-valve V8 engine.

Abdullah Abdulghani and Bros (AAB) Co has unveiled in Qatar the new Lexus RC F Coupe - the most powerful V8 performance car ever developed by the brand. RC stands for Radical Coupe.

“The RC F is built to enable drivers of all skill levels to enjoy fun-to-drive performance,” said Lexus RC F chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi, in a statement released yesterday.

Takayuki Yoshitsugu, chief representative, Middle East and North Africa Representative Office, Toyota Motor Corporation, said the new Lexus RC F coupe has been designed for optimum high-speed stability to support outstanding performance.

“With its superb styling, unprecedented power and handling capabilities, the RC F coupe opens up a new era of Lexus with a car which is distinguished by the purity of its design which connects on visual and visceral levels.

“The RC F will now become the new F image leader following in the footsteps of the legendary LFA supercar developed by Lexus and it will do so through the emotional design of the coupe body and also through the authenticity of its performance.”

Based on the RC coupe that debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in November last year, the RC F is the world’s first front-engine, rear-wheel-drive car (FR) to make use of a Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD) for guaranteed levels of extraordinary handling and performance.

Power is transferred through a newly calibrated eight-speed transmission. It has wider wheels and tyres, an active rear wing, air scoops, cooling ducts and carbon fibre components all of which integrate to deliver the best from Lexus in terms of functional beauty’.

The Lexus RC F was designed for optimum grip and handling agility, taking full advantage of FR vehicle characteristics. The new sports coupe offers reduced roll, higher cornering speeds and enhanced cornering effectiveness, so less steering input is required.

The RC F has an all-new 5.0-litre 32-valve V8 engine that provides maximum power at higher engine revolutions than previously possible. The engine is Lexus’ most powerful V8 engine, with 12% more power than the IS F engine on which it is based.  All-new cylinder heads and lighter moving parts have increased the maximum power of the engine by 54hp to 471hp, with maximum revolutions increased from 6800 to 7300rpm. The compression ratio has been raised to 12.3:1, to boost torque across the entire revolution range.

For the first time in a Lexus performance engine, the RC F uses the Atkinson cycle at cruising speeds for enhanced fuel economy. The inlet valves are held open longer than normal to allow a reverse flow of intake air into the intake manifold, thereby decreasing pumping loss and increasing thermal efficiency. A uniquely tuned 8-speed Sports Direct Shift transmission improves linear response to accelerator-pedal operation, letting the driver feel more immersed in the torque and power as it is applied.

The RC F also has an option of a TVD, the world’s first torque-transfer type torque-vectoring system for a front-engine/rear-drive vehicle. The electronically controlled Lexus TVD optimally distributes torque to each rear wheel regardless of whether the accelerator is pressed or not.

The Lexus TVD is unique in using precisely controlled multi-plate clutches rather than the vehicle’s brakes to vector torque. It comes in three operating modes: Standard - for a balance of nimble performance and stability; Slalom - for emphasis on nimble steering response; and Track - to help with consistent stability, ensuring the vehicle stays on the intended cornering line as the driver accelerates. The Lexus RC F also has a Torsen Limited Slip Differential (LSD) as standard equipment. The Torsen LSD offers high levels of traction performance, handling and driving stability.

The RC F has a Lexus-first new mode with its Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) system.  VDIM with sport mode is exclusive to F models and the newly added EXPERT mode in VDIM OFF mode operates to prevent the vehicle going into a spin. EXPERT extends the control parameters to deliver a high performance level suited to the RC F.

The new mode is intended to allow the driver to fully exercise their individual driving skills and control the vehicle in a similar fashion to driving in VDIM OFF mode, while adding the extra layer of protection of spin prevention. Before being adopted on RC F, the new VDIM technology was refined through repeated testing on race cars.

The RC F’s highly rigid body with large cross-section rocker panels and a very stiff front lower brace forms the foundation for the vehicle’s superb grip. Specialised Lexus manufacturing techniques are used, including body adhesives, laser-screw welding, laser brazing and multi-spot welding. Grip is further enhanced through use of a wider tire and wheel assembly.

The RC F has front and rear coil-spring independent suspension, with monotube gas-filled shock absorbers and ball-jointed stabiliser bars. Unsprung weight is reduced by the adoption of new 19-inch forged aluminium wheels – available in three variants - which minimise tire/wheel assembly mass and maximise rigidity.

The Lexus RC F is lower, wider and longer than the RC coupe with which it was simultaneously developed while sharing the same wheelbase. It stands on wider tires and its body enhancements are all linked to functional performance while creating an image befitting a premium sports coupe.

The vehicle takes design cues from the Lexus LFA supercar, especially in essential air cooling and aerodynamics. An active rear wing deploys from the deck at 80 km/h and retracts at less than 40 km/h to enhance the coupe’s lines at standstill.

The RC F debuts a Lexus-first elliptical cross-section thick-grip steering wheel for greater control during performance driving. The seats have been purpose-designed for track driving. The Lexus AA80 transmission control program has four driver-selectable modes – NORMAL, SPORT S, SPORT S+, and M mode, which has full torque-converter lock-up from second to eighth gears for ‘clutchless’ manual shifting.

The RC F has eight airbags. Additional safety features include remote anti-theft alarm system, front and rear parking sensors, child seat anchors, engine immobiliser, stability and traction control, Blind Spot Monitor and the Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

The vehicle’s Pre-Collision System is engineered to detect an imminent frontal collision and automatically prepares the emergency braking assist to help provide increased braking pressure the moment the driver steps on the brake pedal. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control senses the speed of the vehicle in front, with the throttle automatically reduced and the brakes applied should the coupe get too close.