Lexus, 2,755 lbs, 540 horsepower, and others due for Geneva
Living somewhere between the RC 350 and the RC F Coupe, evidently, is the RC 350 F Sport. In a recent bid by automakers to blur the line between the hot model and the standard model, Lexus has offered up a version of the RC 350 with some styling cues and performance upgrades. Headlining changes include the option of the Lexus Dynamic Handling system and Adaptive Variable Suspension; the former is self explanatory and the latter describes the addition of rear wheel steering that works with the variable ratio electric power steering up front. Power comes from a 306 horsepower V6 with 227 ft lbs of torque plugged into an 8 speed automatic.
Inside there’s red stitching exclusive to the F-sport, a special leather-wrapped steering wheel and 19 inch F-Sport specific wheels on the outside. This all sounds very exciting from an automaker which formerly marketed to the Metamucil and beige crowd, but the next item on the menu is even more compelling: the 2015 RC F GT3 Racing Concept. Loaded up with a 540 horsepower V8, an over the top spoiler on the rear deck and a weight of just 2,755 lbs, this move is a bold one on Lexus’ part. Expect to see this one at the 24 hours of Nurburgring starting in 2015. Feel free to check out both press releases after the jump.
-By: Sawyer Sutton
Lexus RC F GT3 Racing Concept Rumbles the 2014 Geneva Motor Show With its Debut
- Modified RC F V8 With More Than 540 Horsepower
- Meets Group GT3 International Racing Standards
- Lexus to Supply GT3 Vehicles to Racing Teams in 2015
February 28, 2014GENEVA – Feb. 28, 2014 – Racing fans around the world will feel the adrenaline when Lexus debuts the RC F GT3 racing concept at the 84th Geneva International Motor Show.The RC F GT3 concept, based on the recently revealed RC F performance coupe, was developed to meet Group GT3 international racing standards. It weighs 2,755.8 lbs. and comes with a modified version of the base RC F’s V8 engine, producing a maximum output exceeding 540 horsepower.
Lexus will supply GT3-compliant*1 vehicles to racing teams starting in 2015, with vehicle testing to start this year. GT3 cars can enter many races globally, such as the 24 Hours of Nürburgring endurance race in Germany and the Super Taikyu Endurance and Super GT series in Japan.
The RC F GT3 concept will be on display in Geneva, Switzerland March 4 -16, 2014 at Palexpo’s hall 4, stand number 4211.
Look for the checkered flag to drop soon!
Lexus RC F GT3 Concept Specifications
Length 4,705 mm/ 185.2 in Width 2,000 mm/78.7 in Height 1,270 mm/50 in Weight 1,250 kg/2,755.8 lbs Wheelbase 2,730 mm/107.5 in Engine V8 gasoline engine Horsepower 540+ hp (397kw)
*1Certified by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile)It’s a Trifecta! – F SPORT Completes All-New Lexus RC Coupe Line-up
- RC 350 F SPORT joins RC 350 and RC F for 2015 Model Year
- Adaptive Variable Suspension Adjusts Damping to Help Maximize Agility
- 19-Inch Alloy Wheels Complement More Aggressive Exterior and Interior Design Features
February 28, 2014GENEVA – Feb. 28, 2014 – And F SPORT makes three. Driving enthusiasts, get ready for more Lexus RC options from which to choose. When the all-new model launches in the U.S. this fall the 2015 Lexus RC 350 F SPORT will join the recently introduced RC 350 sport coupe and RC F performance model.The RC 350 F SPORT will make its world debut at the 2014 Geneva International Motor Show.
The RC is a stand-alone model rather than a two-door derivative of a sedan although it is built on the GS sedan platform. It has the same width as GS and a shorter wheelbase than the IS sedan to help achieve spirited handling and agility.The RC 350 F SPORT, based on the RC 350, will feature exclusive design elements and enhanced driving performance.
The F SPORT’s dynamic upgrades include Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and the available Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) system. These features provide drivers with an even more rewarding and engaging driving experience.
Design
Readily identified by a model-specific “F” mesh design, the RC 350 F SPORT features a further evolution of the Lexus spindle grille.The unique 19-inch F SPORT mesh alloy wheels feature machine-finish and dark metallic paint.
The RC 350 F SPORT also inherits a descendant of the innovative LFA driver’s meter with a moving center ring, and an F SPORT perforated leather steering wheel and shift knob. The interior design is completed by Silver Performance trim, an F SPORT-exclusive Rioja Red interior and seats with unique contrast stitching.
Driving Dynamics
Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) is part of the F SPORT package. In response to driving operation, vehicle body motion and road surface conditions, AVS automatically and independently adjusts the performance of the damping at all four wheels. When the vehicle’s SPORT+ drive mode is selected, AVS changes to allow the driver to feel improved body control and precise responses to steering input.The suspension enhancements of the RC 350 F SPORT are complimented by the available four-wheel steering benefits of the Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) system. This leading edge platform technology offers the integration of Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) and Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS).
Monitoring vehicle speed, steering direction and driver inputs, the system calculates the optimum angle for all four wheels. Using VGRS in the front and DRS in the rear, the system can independently manage both front and rear wheel steering angles to help improve turn-in response, rear grip, vehicle control and overall agility when cornering.
The LDH system monitors vehicle speed and yaw rate, steering angle and speed, and lateral G to calculate the required rear wheel steering input up to a maximum rear wheel angle of 2.0 degrees. The front and rear wheels turn in opposite directions at lower speeds, and in the same direction at higher speeds.
Lexus will introduce the RC 350 F SPORT at a press conference on March 4, at 8:45 a.m. Central European Time at Palexpo’s hall 4, stand number 4211.
Specifications
RC 350 F SPORT Length 184.8 in. Height / mm 54.9 in. Width / mm 72.4 in. Wheelbase / mm 107.5 in. Seating capacity persons 4 Driven wheels Rear-wheel drive Engine type 2GR-FSE Cylinders V6 Horsepower 306 hp @ 6,400 rpm Torque 277 lb.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm Transmission 8AT Suspension Front: Double Wishbone
Rear: Multilink