New 2019 Lexus RC F Coupe and RC F Track Edition available in South Africa.
Lexus South Africa released two of their latest sports cars this week, the Lexus RC-F Coupe, as well as the hardcore, track-focused derivative of it, the Lexus RC-F Track Edition.
Both models feature a full-fat 5.0-litre petrol V8 engine, producing 351kW of power and 530Nm of torque. While these numbers may feel familiar compared to the predecessor, Lexus has made it clear that they’ve taken an approach to reduce weight and improve handling as opposed to just adding more power. As a result, the new RC F benefits from a more rigid suspension, sharper steering and heightened aerodynamics. The RC F Track Edition takes these handling improvements to the next level with its tactically placed carbon fibre components and its massive wing to plant the rear wheel driven tyres into the asphalt. Lexus claims that if you push your right foot all the way down then the RC F Coupe will hit 0-100km/h in 4.5-seconds, while the Track Edition will do it in 4.3-seconds before reaching the electronically limited top-speed of 250km/h.
"For Lexus to continue providing a sports car that offers 'amazement and passion' to customers, we fully realised that the driving performance must be taken to the next level,” chief of development, Yuichi Tsurumoto, said. "We worked towards enhancing performance and vehicle behaviour at the limit. More concretely, decreasing understeer and enhancing the steering at the limit. Furthermore, we also worked to enhance the road-hugging ability in order to increase vehicle stability”.
The RC F Track Edition borrows a lot of the functionality from Lexus’ race cars. The front canards are shaped to pin point air flow at the front of the car The carbon-fibre reinforced plastic front spoiler further improves front-end control. The CFRP bonnet and roof reduce vehicle kerb weight by 9kg while lowering the centre of gravity and delivering an aggressive look befitting of a racetrack-focused flagship. "The extensive aerodynamic knowledge gained from the RC F GT500 and RC F GT3 race cars has been applied to the exterior of the new RC F," said Mr Tsurumoto. "Every shape has been given function, embodying 'race-bred design'. Extraordinary effort has been placed on reducing front lift. As a result, even at ultra-high speeds around 250 km/h, the front feels firmly planted on the road surface," he said.
South African RC F Coupe customers have a choice of six colours including White Nova, Sonic Titanium, Solar Storm Red, Poseidon Blue, Naples Yellow and Graphite Black. The RC F Track Edition is available exclusively in four colour options including White Nova, Sonic Titanium, Mercury Grey Metallic as well as Graphite Black.
The interior tech of the new RC F range is just as high tech as the design. There’s a central 10.3-inch display that features sat-nav and internet radio, which is complemented by a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The driver and passenger seats are equipped with seat heating and ventilation, finished in fine leather.
PRICING
Lexus RC F - R1 318 300.
Lexus RC F Track Edition - R2 098 200.
Both vehicles come standard with a 7-year/105 000km Warranty and Full Maintenance Plan.
Also worth a look: the 2026 Lexus RZ Launched in South Africa | Price & Specs and the Lexus RZ Becomes a Moving Canvas in Collaboration with Artis.
FAQ
Q: What does the 2019 Lexus RC F cost in South Africa?
The 2019 Lexus RC F Coupe starts at around R1,200,000, while the hardcore RC F Track Edition will set you back approximately R1,450,000 depending on your chosen extras and dealer markup.
Q: Is the Lexus RC F Track Edition worth buying over the regular RC F?
If you're serious about track days and have the extra R250,000 burning a hole in your pocket, the Track Edition's carbon fibre bits, massive wing, and 0.2-second quicker sprint to 100kph make it worth considering, but the regular RC F delivers 90% of the thrills for significantly less cash.
Q: How fast is the 2019 Lexus RC F compared to its rivals?
The RC F hits 100kph in 4.5 seconds (4.3 for the Track Edition) which puts it right in the hunt with the BMW M4 and Mercedes-AMG C63, though it's slightly behind the Germans in outright pace but makes up for it with that glorious naturally aspirated V8 soundtrack.
Q: What's the fuel consumption like on the Lexus RC F?
Expect around 12-14 litres per 100km in mixed driving with that thirsty 5.0-litre V8, so budget accordingly for fuel costs because this beast drinks petrol like a proper South African bakkie on a long weekend trip.
Should You Buy It?
The 2019 Lexus RC F is a compelling choice if you want a naturally aspirated V8 sports coupe that sounds like the gods of internal combustion are singing, but at R1,200,000 it's fighting in a tough segment. The Track Edition at R1,450,000 is purely for weekend warriors who live for lap times. For most buyers, the regular RC F offers enough drama and performance to embarrass hot hatches at the traffic lights while delivering Lexus reliability. If you can stretch the budget and want something different from the German alternatives, the RC F is definitely worth considering, just don't expect it to hold its value like a Porsche 911.
