The Lexus RC F Track Edition is track-prepped version of the company's compact coupe. It was unveiled at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show alongside the updated RC F, so it benefits form all the add-ons introduced with the facelift.

Although it doesn't feature a more powerful engine, the Track Edition is more dynamic thanks to a handful of aerodynamic tweaks and weight-saving measures. Lexus promises quicker lap times in this vehicle, which is aimed at German track cars such as the BMW M4 GTS. Spotted testing since early 2018, this coupe was originally believed to feature a "GT" badge, but Lexus eventually went with Track Edition. Despite the name that suggests a special-edition model, the Track Edition is a proper upgrade that sets it apart from the standard RC F. Let's find out more about it below.

2020 Lexus RC F Track Edition Exterior

As suggested by the test cars we spotted back in 2018; the Track Edition is heavily based on the RC F GT Concept from 2016. The beefed-up coupe also benefits from the mid-cycle upgrade that Lexus launched in early 2019, starting with the new, more aggressive headlamp design with stacked LED lights and integrated daytime running lights. There's also a new lower lip opening in the reshaped grille, new taillights, and a reshaped rear bumper.

Moving to what makes the Track Edition stand out, it features a unique front spoiler with canards mounted onto the sides. Both are made from carbon fiber, so not only they save weight, but also increase downforce for better grip and more precise steering. Onto the sides, we can notice a set of 19-inch BBS wheels based on those of the RC F GT3 race car.

Around back, Lexus replaced the RC F's standard active spoiler with a motorsport-type fixed wing. Also made from carbon-fiber, it reduces drag while adding downforce. A carbon-fiber roof rounds off the exterior and keeps the coupe weight down.

Sadly, Lexus offers only to paint options for this car: Ultra White and Matte Nebula Gray. The latter is exclusive to the Track Edition, but it's a bit disappointing that the coupe isn't available in livelier colors.

2020 Lexus RC F Track Edition Interior

The facelift didn't bring many changes to the RC F's interior, but you get a few extras in the Track Edition. For starters, this coupe comes standard with leather upholstery in red. This is a cool departure from the performance car market trends that usually include all-black interiors. Yes, they're sporty but boring as hell.

The seats also feature Alcantara inserts, while the dashboard and the door panels have red carbon-fiber trim. There's also a carbon-fiber partition behind the rear seats, added specifically to lower the coupe's curb weight. Apart from that, you'll find every single feature offered in the regular RC F in the Track Edition model as well.

2020 Lexus RC F Track Edition Drivetrain

Unlike the BMW M4 GTS, the RC F Track Edition didn't get a more powerful engine. Lexus made a small upgrade to the 5.0-liter V-8 for the facelift, and the Track Edition borrowed the exact same engine. Specifically, the unit now delivers 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, a mild five-horsepower and six-pound-foot increase over the old V-8. That's notably below the M4 GTS' 493-horsepower and 443-pound-foot rating, but at least you get a naturally aspirated V-8, a rare feature among modern sports cars.

The Track Edition also benefits from the many upgrades the Lexus prepared for the standard RC F. The list includes an eight-speed automatic transmission with a higher final drive ratio for improved off-the-line response and a launch control feature for maximum acceleration from a standing start. It also rides on new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires with increased grip.

Lexus also replaced the solid half shafts with hollow ones, added a pared down intake manifold and aluminum toe control brackets for the upper suspension. Both reduce weight compared to the old model. The RC F also has stiffer bushings for the rear suspension arms and more rigid engine mounts.

On top of that, the Track Package adds titanium mufflers and tailpipes and carbon-ceramic Brembo brake rotors. Not only they enhance performance, but also help reduce weight by 176 pounds compared to the standard RC F. The Track Edition is still some 50 pounds heavier than the M4 GTS, but the difference isn't very noticeable.

So is it quicker? Yes. While the regular RC F needs around 4.3 seconds to hit 60 mph, the Track Edition gets there in 3.96 seconds. However, that's still two tenths slower than the M4 GTS. The Track Edition's top speed is superior to the Bimmer at 168 mph though. The M4 GTS is restricted to 155 mph.

2020 Lexus RC F Track Edition specifications

2020 Lexus RC F Track Edition Prices

The RC F GT will obviously cost more than the RC F, but it remains to be seen how big the premium will be. It obviously depends on how much Lexus will ask for the facelifted RC F, but I'm guessing the Track Edition will fetch at least $80,000 before options.

2020 Lexus RC F Track Edition Competition

BMW M4 GTS

There aren't many competitors to talk about in this niche. While Mercedes-Benz offers a very powerful version of the AMG C63 in the S model, it's not exactly a track car since it lacks a rear wing, carbon-fiber body panels, and specific aero devices. This leaves us only with the M4 GTS, which is very close to a GT3-spec car thanks to its massive front splitter, big rear wing, and motorsport-style diffuser. The GTS is also around 200 pounds lighter than the regular M4, and on top of various lightweight components, it also comes with a rear-seat delete. The juice comes from the twin-turbo, 3.0-liter inline-six in the M4, but output has been increased to 493 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. That’s an extra 68 horses and 37 pound-feet of twist over the standard M4.

Coupled with the new aerodynamics and the lighter weight, the extra oomph pushes the M4 GTS from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, two tenths quicker than the regular M4 with the automatic transmission. Speaking of which, the GTS also features a seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox. The M4 GTS is not just quick in a straight line. In 2015, it lapped the Nurburgring in 7:28 minutes, which makes quicker than supercars like the Porsche Carrera GT, McLaren MP4-12C, and the Ferrari 458 Italia. But there are a couple of issues with this car. For starters, it's no longer available. BMW built only 700 units, of which just 300 were sold in the U.S. Second, it was priced from a whopping $134,200, which makes them pretty expensive on the used car market too.

Read our full review of the BMW M4 GTS.

Conclusion

The RC F Track Edition is definitely late to the party. Lexus should have built a more potent version of the RC F years ago, but it's better late than never I guess. Granted, the RC F Track Edition is not a car that Lexus cannot survive without. It competes in a very, very small niche that doesn't even include vehicles that are in dealerships right now. With the BMW M4 GTS discontinued and Mercedes-Benz and Audi not yet offering similar cars, the RC F Track Edition is pretty much on its own in this segment. But that could be a big advantage. With the Germans absent from this niche, Lexus could take all the glory and make serious profits with the RC F Track Edition. The fact that it's also naturally aspirated is yet another big advantage, although performance car fans may go with turbocharged models from the competition once they become available.

Further reading

Read our review on the 2016 Lexus RC F GT Concept.

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.