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LONDON, England - Automaker Lexus says its focus in designing the new high-performance RC F coupe was “to produce a design that also fully supports the car’s dynamic potential”.
“Few would argue,” Lexus says, “that there’s no mistaking the sense of purpose in the styling. It’s a car that projects its performance qualities in every carefully crafted curve and plane – it doesn’t just look good.”
Lexus South Africa says the RC F will arrive here during the first quarter of 2015.
FUNCTIONAL STYLING
The automaker says the front end is anchored by a new double-spindle effect with a graduated F-motif mesh grille that helps ventilate the five-litre engine while apertures in the outer corners duct air to cool the front brakes.
Above the main grille, the signature three-LED headlight design is underscored by separate LED running lights. Lexus claims the outlets in the top of the bonnet and in the wings behind the front wheels vent air from the engine bay and brake discs.
The smooth flow of vented air over the top and sides of the car contributes to high-speed stability.
The far edges of the front and rear bumpers have been shaped to direct air smoothly along the side of the car, while front and rear wheel spats reduce the amount of air-flow hitting the tyres. Liners in the wheel arches – the design differs, front-rear - reduce air turbulence around the wheels.
The rear lip of the boot incorporates a four-link active rear wing to optimise air-flow and generate downforce for added stability at high speed.
CARBON-FIBRE BITS
The wing is automatically deployed above 80km/h and retracts below 40km/h. Or the driver can deploy it from the cabin at any speed for a dash more flash.
Like the LFA supercar, the RC F Carbon's bonnet, roof and rear wing are made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic which makes the car 10kg lighter.
The underbody has comprehensive aerodynamic measures to smooth and control under-car air flow. Covers for the engine, transmission and centre and rear floor sections have stabilising fins to suppress turbulence and smooth air-flow.
The rising rear floor undercover also has fins.
The RC F is available for order in the UK, starting price the equivalent of R1 084 000 with delivery in February.
