2019 Detroit Auto Show: 2020 Lexus RC F revealed

While the new RC F Track Edition is capturing the majority of the spotlight, Lexus has announced small but worthwhile improvements to the regular RC F coupe.

Happily, engineers have attempted to reduce some of the RC F’s substantial bulk, which can be up to 1860kg depending on the variant. New hollow driveshafts, a smaller intake manifold and air-conditioning compressor and the use of aluminium for the toe-control and upper suspension support brackets all shed kilos, though Lexus hasn’t quoted a figure.

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Stiffer rear suspension bushings, steering rack mounts and engine mounts, along with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres developed specifically for the RC F, also aim to improve handling, the changes “specifically designed to reduce understeer, improve overall lateral grip and increase durability under extreme conditions” according to Lexus.

In conjunction with the new rubber, an electronic launch control system drops the claimed 0-100km/h time from 4.5sec (optimistic based on our testing) to “just over four seconds”. The system is operated by holding the brake, pressing the launch control button on the centre console then flooring the accelerator.

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The naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 remains at 351kW/530Nm but there is revised intake routing and the trigger point for the secondary intake opening has been lowered from 3600rpm to 2800rpm for easier access to that V8 roar.

Styling change amount to stacked LED headlights and integrated DRLs, a new lower lip opening at the base of that enormous grille and new taillights with a reshaped bumper. Pricing has not yet been announced, but the updated RC F will reach Australia alongside its Track Edition sibling in May 2019.