The Lexus RC has been around since 2014 and the Japanese luxury firm finally designed a track-prepped version. It's called the RC F Track Edition and it's more than an accessories package. But is it really a track-ready sports car, a coupe that can give the likes of the BMW M4 GTS a run for its money? Let's find out in the quick comparo below.

Before we begin, it's important to point out that the Track Edition benefits from all the updates that Lexus just rolled out for the RC F. It features stiffer bushings for the rear suspension and steering rack mounts, more rigid engine mounts, a higher final drive ratio for improved off-the-line sprints, launch control, and stickier Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.

Is it Aggressive Enough Design-Wise?

Definitely! Just like the M4 GTS, the RC F Track Edition looks like a beefed-up coupe. It has a sportier front splitter with canards, a fixed wing, and 19-inch BBS wheels. The massive grille and the swept-back headlamps help too, as they give the RC F a more exotic look compared to the M4 GTS.

Is it Notably Lighter?

Hell yeah! Thanks to the carbon-fiber front splitter, rear wing, roof, and partition behind the rear seats, as well as the lighter wheels and brakes, the Track Edition benefits from a 176-pound decrease compared to the regular RC F. This brings total weight down to almost 1,500 pounds. Granted, it's still some 50 pounds heavier than the M4 GTS, but it's pretty close.

Is it Exciting Inside the Cabin?

It's definitely more exciting than the M4 GTS, as it comes with red leather upholstery as standard. The Bimmer is mostly black, which is pretty boring, even though it's similar to racing configurations. The Track Edition also features Alcantara inserts on the seats, and red fiber-carbon trim on the doors and the dashboard.

Is it More Powerful?

The Track Edition isn't more powerful than the standard RC F. It features the same naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 under the hood and benefits from the mild five-horsepower and six-pound-foot upgrade for 2020. Total output sits at 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of twist.

But even though it's not more powerful, it's more aerodynamic thanks to the revised front and rear ends. The new splitter increases downforce, while the new rear wing reduces drag and adds more downforce.

How does it compare to the M4 GTS? Well, it's a tad inferior. The GTS is rated at 493 horsepower and 443 pound-feet, so the Lexus falls behind by 21 horses and 48 pound-feet. It makes sense though, as the Bimmer features a twin-turbocharged engine.

Is it Quicker?

It's indeed quicker than the standard model. While the RC F needs 4.3 seconds to hit 60 mph, the Track Edition touches the benchmark in 3.96 ticks. Yes, that's just a trick allowing Lexus to claim a sub-four-second time, but you can't argue numbers. It's not quicker than the M4 GTS though, which hits 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. The Track Edition is as quick as the regular M4 though, if you consider this an achievement.

It boasts a superior top speed though. While the M4 GTS is stuck with the standard 155 mph, the RC F Track Edition accelerates up to 168 mph.

Is it Worth it Then?

Well, if you don't care about getting to 60 mph a couple of tenths slower and you're a fan of naturally aspirated V-8s, it's definitely worth it. It also has the more exotic design and it should be quite capable on the track since it was designed with help from Lexus' race team in international competition. Another advantage is that you can no longer buy the M4 GTS new.

Further Reading

The Lexus RC F Track Edition Lives Up To Its Name

Read our full review on the 2016 BMW M4 GTS.

Read our full speculative review on the 2020 Lexus RC.

Read our full review on the 2015 Lexus RC F

Read our full speculative review on the 2019 Lexus RC F Sport.

Read our full speculative review on the 2020 Lexus RC F GT.