2019 Lexus RC F 10th Anniversary Edition Review: One of the Rarest Lexus Cars You’ll Ever See

OVERVIEW

Lexus is commemorating a decade of their “F” performance vehicles with this special-run 2019 Lexus RC F 10th Anniversary Edition. Lexus limited the production of this version of the RC F to 240 vehicles in the U.S. Its exotic appearance is instantly recognizable by the Matte Nebula Gray painted exterior – the first use of matte paint on a production model since the Lexus LFA ceased production in 2012. In contrast to the flat gray paint are the gloss black 19-inch BBS forged alloy wheels and the blue Brembo brake calipers.

Moving to the inside of the 2019 Lexus RC F 10th Anniversary Edition, you’re immediately greeted by a Fuji Blue interior trim. The seats, steering wheel, front seat belts, instrument panel cover, shifter and center console – all awash in blue. A white marker band appears at the top of the steering wheel as driver’s reference point during spirited maneuvers. A white stripe and stitching also appears on the comfortable and supportive seats. Topping off the interior are blue carbon fiber trim accents on the doors and center console.

THE LOOK

The 2019 Lexus RC F takes on a lower stance and is slightly wider than the base RC coupe. The wheels and tires are wider as well. Leading it all off is the spindle grille executed in a black mesh with the “F” motif repeated in the pattern, flanked by the standard LED headlamps and separate L-themed daytime running lamps.

Available Premium Triple Beam LED headlamps offer the RC F a distinctive light signature. The rear combination lamps feature a Lexus L-shape theme. Finally, finishing up aft are the RC F’s stacked dual exhaust outlets.

TECHNOLOGY RULES

In the 2019 Lexus RC F, a unique TFT display tachometer dominates the instrument cluster — but it’s not always a tachometer. The meter display changes according to driving mode (Eco, Normal/Custom, Sport S and Sport S+). The panel offers other systems for enthusiast drivers, including a lap timer function, G-force display, and a torque distribution
display for cars equipped with the Torque Vectoring Differential. Additionally, this in-dash display offers multimedia integration, allowing the occupants to view incoming calls, current song titles and more at a glance.

All the features of the Lexus Safety System+ come standard. That includes the Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Intelligent High
Beam and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The 2019 Lexus RC F has
eight airbags, including a dual-stage driver’s airbag, dual-stage and dual -chamber front passenger airbag, driver’s and passenger’s knee airbags, front-seat side airbags and first and second row side curtain airbags.

PERFORMANCE

The 2019 Lexus RC F’s motive force is provided by a 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8 engine. That sends 467 horsepower and 389 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels through a Torsen Limited Slip Differential. Gear changes are made by an electronically-controlled 8-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters.

The 2019 Lexus RC F 10th Anniversary Edition not only looks special. It also delivers the goods with its performance. That large V8 emits a thunderous rumble through its trademarked stacked dual exhaust tips. On top of that, the Active Sound Control electronically boosts cabin sound through the car’s speakers. Some may not care for an augmented engine note. To that I respond, “What better music can there be?”

The automatic gearbox delivers rapid, smooth shifts for pleasing linear acceleration. That’s thanks to Lexus’ G Force Artificial Intelligence Shift control, which selects the most appropriate gear for sporty driving scenarios by monitoring a number of vehicle sensors. The system also blips the throttle in downshift deceleration, matching engine revs for smooth transitions.

HANDLING

Lexus developed the RC F’s handling characteristics on the world’s most demanding race circuits. That includes Fuji Speedway in Japan and, naturally, Germany’s Nürburgring circuit. Engineers also created a special chassis for the RC F, beginning with the ultra-high-rigidity RC platform. On top of that, they included a strut tower brace and a substantial V-shaped rear-partition brace. A cowl brace connects the front pillar section and apron member, enhancing steering response and roll feel. Rear suspension member mounts were strengthened to ensure maximum traction.

Lexus’ Vehicle Integrated Dynamics Management (VDIM) system integrates the ABS, stability control and traction control functions. Ultimately, that provides more proactive, seamless control the car’s performance. There are two flavors for VDIM: Sport and Expert. Sport mode gives priority to driver control. Sport mode offers greater enjoyment for track driving, applying optimum VSC/TRAC mapping. Expert mode goes one further by turning the traction control off, but still using VSC to control the engine and brakes to assist the driver.

TFLCAR’S TAKE

The 2019 Lexus RC F 10th Anniversary Edition not only presents a striking visual image. It delivers a remarkable level of sporty performance. You also get a fair amount of equipment for the money, considering the car’s uniqueness and impressive feature content. And it’s comfortable, to boot.

2019 Lexus RC F 10th Anniversary Edition Photo Gallery (Photos: Lexus)

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SPECIFICATIONS: 2019 Lexus RC F 10th Anniversary Edition

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