Lexus this year is celebrating its 30thanniversary. While it all started back in 1989 with the LS Sedan the brand has also had a performance focus over the last 10 years via its F Sport Marque. Now four new additions to the Fuji Speedway inspired range have landed. The RC F, RC F Track edition, LC 500, LC 500h plus the GS F. Chris Bowen attended the local launch.
First up that 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine is a delight, it’s creamy and smooth but also has a serious bark when really wound up. Also, this is certainly a car that doesn’t hang around thanks to outputs of 351kW and 530Nm.
My drive saw me take the descending part of the drive loop into Marysville. With the freedom of a closed road I was able to take the appropriate diving line. But the steep gradient also saw the rather heavy RC F arrive at corners like a bull out of control.
Lacking the RC F’s Track Edition Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes certainly made things just a tad more interesting. But after a just a few corners I was quickly accustomed to the car’s limitations.
The RC F Sport coupe is now fitted with Dynamic-Rear-Steer (DRS) which enhances the already standard adaptive variable suspension. While there’s little doubt the heft of the car holds it back a tad it’s still capable of some very aggressive manoeuvres within reason.
This is a $134,129 car before on-roads, the RC F Track Edition jumps to $165,990 before on roads.
We will jump into all the other models over the course of the year but with around 10,000 sales last year Lexus now has a renewed stable of performance vehicles that could very well see people stray from European brands.
But the real highlight of the day was a ride in the rare as hens teeth Lexus LFA Supercar. Only 500 of this mighty V10 powered weapon exist world wide. Originally priced at $700,000 you’d be hard pressed finding one under a million today.
Source: https://eftm.com/2019/05/lexus-unleash-new-f-sport-performance-range-60415