Lexus isn’t usually a company that you hear associated with racing. They’re known more for refined luxury, with the only sporty models coming out of the company in the last decade or so being the LF-A and the IS-F. Of course, this year (and the year before) sees the announcement and launch of the RC F and GS F models, to bolster Lexus’ performance lineup.
The Lexus high powered performance RC F coupe will feature as V8 Supercars’ official Safety Car in 2015 as part of a new partnership between the Japanese luxury marque and V8 Supercars, Australia’s premier motorsport series. A Lexus GS 350 F Sport and an IS 350 F Sport will also be on track as the championship’s official course and medical cars as part of the new agreement.
The RC F, which is equipped with a 5.0-litre V8 that produces 351kW of power and 530Nm of torque, will feature at each of the 15 V8 Supercars Championship events in 2015. The RC F is the latest model to wear the F badge – the high performance vehicle arm of Lexus – and takes the mantle as the brand’s most focused, race-inspired model in Australia. Along with its aggressive, aerodynamic curves, it features racetrack-developed suspension and brakes, and power delivery via an eight-speed Sports Direct Shift transmission and unique torque vectoring differential.
The Lexus GS 350 F Sport course car and IS 350 F Sport medical car boast performance and safety credentials to provide support to V8 Supercars’ intense on-track activities. They both feature a 3.5-litre quad cam V6 that produces 233kW and 378Nm, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with manual control via paddle shifters.
The RC F, GS 350 F Sport and IS 350 F Sport models will commence their association with V8 Supercars at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide from February 26 to March 1.
