Toyota announced this week that their Lexus brand’s RC F coupe would receive a significant performance upgrade for the 2020 model year. Dubbed the “Pinnacle of F” on their website, the updated model will boast “enhanced performance and updated design” in comparison with previous models.
While not a complete redesign, the refreshment is expected to coax some extra performance from the platform via a number of minor alterations. Production standards were improved in order to shave precious pounds from the vehicle’s overall curb weight. The designers correspondingly made minor changes to the chassis in order to take advantage of the reduced weight and improve the car’s general handling characteristics.
A power upgrade to the car’s naturally aspirated 5-liter V8 engine is also planned. Toyota claims a small increase in horsepower (+5 hp) and torque (+6 lb/ft) from previous iterations, bringing those numbers to 472 and 395 respectively. Likewise, the car should feature an improved throttle response thanks to updates within its air-intake system in addition to throttle tuning that is “balanced throughout the pedal stroke for greater predictability and more precise control.”
It was also announced that a limited-production Track Edition of the car will make its debut in 2020. An even lighter, nimbler version of the RC F, the Track Edition will come equipped with: carbon ceramic brake rotors with Brembo calipers, BBS forged alloy wheels, a titanium muffler and exhaust in addition to widespread usage of carbon fiber to accomplish maximum weight-reduction.
The refreshed 2020 RC F will start around $64,000, while the Track Edition is expected to run over $95,000.