Founded less than 30 years ago as of 2017, Lexus has come a long way in the luxury market, now offering quite a few models that can give production from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi a run for their money. The Japanese company has been growing so fast it's already celebrating a full decade since it launched its first performance-oriented vehicle wearing the now familiar "F" badge. To mark the anniversary, Lexus launched two limited-edition models at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, one of which is the RC F Limited Edition.

While the name might not be very inspiring, this RC F has plenty of new features to brag about. From a wide array of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic body elements to an exclusive upholstery layout and upgraded suspension, the limited-edition coupe proves that the RC F has yet to reach its full potential. Unfortunately, this beefed-up two-door won't make it to the United States, but you'll have to keep on reading to learn more about that.

Read more about the Lexus RC F limited edition.

2017 Lexus RC F Limited Edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 Lexus RC F Limited Edition
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 467
  • Torque: 389
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

What makes the Lexus RC F limited edition special

- CFRP body parts - Upgraded splitter and diffuser - Matte grey paint - Heat Blue upholstery - White contrast stitching - CFRP trim inside the cabin - Performance shock absorbers - Titanium mufflers - Limited to only 50 units

While exterior modifications are far from radical, the special-edition RC F stands out thanks to a range of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) elements. Up front, we can see the lightweight material at each corner of the bumper, in the form of race-inspired winglets. Adding to the fact that they are made from CFRP, these elements aren't fitted on the standard RC F either, so it's more than just a material upgrade. The engine hood is also made from CFRP, which should translate into significant weight loss. The fact that it has a transparent finish that shows the carbon layer makes it that much better.

More CFRP goodness is visible on the sides, where Lexus replaced both the side skirts and the front fender intake covers with this material. Just like the hood, it has a glossy transparent finish. The standard model has these elements painted in the same color as the body, so they don't stand out as much. Around back, both the diffuser and the lower bumper now feature CFRP elements. What's more, the diffuser has a redesigned center section with three small fins. The spoiler was seen on the standard model.

To top things off, Lexus painted the car in matte grey for a nice contrast with the glossy CFRP elements.

Inside, the limited-edition is pretty much standard business, but Lexus did introduce a new, exclusive color. Called Heat Blue, this light blue color adorns the steering wheel, the seats, the gear shift knob, and the side panels of the center console. There's blue leather atop the instrument cluster hood too, as well as blue stitching in the door panels, The steering wheel, the dashboard, the seats, and the shifter have contrasting white stitching. Finally, there's carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic trim on the door panels and atop the glove compartment door.

Lexus mentioned no upgrades under the hood, so it's safe to assume that it features the same 5.0-liter V-8 as the regular model. The naturally aspirated unit cranks out 467 horsepower and 389 pound-feet of torque and pushes the coupe from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Top speed is limited to 170 mph. However, the limited-edition RC F gained lightweight titanium mufflers and performance shock absorbers. So, while it might not be quicker in a straight line, it will provide improved steering stability, which means it should be a bit quicker on the race track.

Production is limited to only 50 units, all of which will be sold in Japan. Pricing information is not available as of this writing.

References

Lexus RC

Read our full review on the 2017 Lexus RC F.

Read our full review on the 2017 Lexus RC.

Read more Tokyo Motor Show news.