TEST DRIVE: Lexus RC F Track Edition

We last reviewed a Lexus RC F in December 2018, and back then the RC F had already been around for a while. It’s still in the Lexus lineup today, but they’ve added a more performance-oriented version of the car since then with the RC F Track Edition.

Mechanically, the RC F Track Edition has minor updates compared to the base model RC F. Other manufacturers will typically bump up the horsepower in more performance-oriented models, but the RC F Track Edition uses the same 5.0-liter normally aspirated V8 as the base RC F, which produces 472 horsepower and 395 foot-pounds of torque.

They also share the same eight-speed automatic transmission, which is the only transmission available.

The Track Edition differs from the base model in other ways than under the hood. The brakes in the Track Edition use carbon ceramic discs that are also larger in the rear (14.9-inch vs. 13.5-inch), which Lexus says results in a 48.5-pound. weight reduction versus the steel brakes.

It also has a titanium exhaust that shaves off 15 pounds., and it’s also fitted with lighter wheels, though they are the same size on both models. Suspension bushings are also stiffer.

The Track Edition also has a racier look than the base model RC F with the liberal use of carbon fiber. The hood, roof, front spoiler, rear diffuser and rear wing of the Track Edition are all made from carbon fiber, and Lexus says the aero additions on the car help to reduce lift and create some downforce.

The carbon fiber bodywork along with the lighter brakes, exhaust and wheels all contribute to a curb weight reduction of 121 pounds compared to the base model RC F (3,781 pounds vs. 3,902 pounds).

Inside the cockpit, the Track Edition is unique with the use of Alcantara with blue accents and blue carbon fiber trim. If you don’t like blue, this is probably not the car for you.

I personally would prefer plain black seats and carbon fiber, but if you buy the Track Edition the blue trim is the only choice. Strangely, the base model has more interior options, including black carbon fiber trim. The Track Edition is also available in only three paint colors. Our test car had Caviar paint.

Behind the wheel, the RC F has an old school vibe. How many cars today have a manual parking brake and a CD player? The RC F does. That old school vibe extends to the driving experience with that normally aspirated V8 under the hood and the rumbling exhaust note.

This car kind of feels like driving a Corvette from a couple generations ago, and it’s appealing in that way.

You also get that muscle car vibe on a twisty back road. The RC F Track Edition is big and still heavy, and it’s more of a point and shoot type of car than one you’re going to attack corners with. It’s still fun to drive on back roads, but it doesn’t have the corner entry grip that other cars in this category do. It may be better in that regard if it had better tires on it.

The Track Edition comes with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, which are great all-around performance tires but don’t have the grip of tires like Michelin’s Pilot Sport Cup 2, which will also fit on the RC F.

The RC F gives drivers a choice of driving modes, with Normal, Sport S and Sport+ options, as well as the ability to customize those settings. The Track Edition seemed at its best on back roads in the Sport S setting, but you can drive it on public roads in the Sport+ mode as well without getting that frantic, edgy feel that other cars get when you dial it up to Sport+.

Overall, the brakes and transmission match up well with the engine, though the manual shifts using the paddles are not as quick as other cars.

One of the most appealing things about the RC F Track Edition is that it has that performance car look and feel but is also surprisingly practical and easy to use as a daily driver.

It’s easy to get in and out of, the seats are comfortable, and the trunk is surprisingly large. The front end never scraped on anything while I drove it, and the suspension is comfortable for highway travel.

The RC F and especially the Track Edition are also exclusive. They were never a big seller to begin with, but with the age of the car and the other competition it’s up against, there aren’t a lot of people buying them these days.

I rarely see an RC F on the road here in the metro New York area, and I’ve never seen a Track Edition. It’s more expensive than cars like the BMW M4 Competition, but you’re not going to drive past too many other RC Fs on the highway.

Perhaps the biggest strike against the RC F Track Edition is the price. At $101,195, it’s around $33,000 more than the base model RC F that has the same engine, and it’s only around two-tenths faster to 60mph (3.96 seconds vs. 4.2).

If you’re a fan of Lexus’ racing program, the Track Edition is the closest you’re going to get in performance and appearance to the RC F GT3 in a road car, but if I were in the market for one, I think I would go with the base model RC F.

With either model, it may be the last chance you’ll get to buy a sports car with a normally aspirated V8.