The next car may have motorsports in mind, after a ‘Frankenstein” effort to get the RC F working in FIA GT3 Racing.
Although the Lexus RCF is a fine V8-powered grand touring vehicle, it has never been as powerful as comparable German models. This could change if a replacement is available in the next few decades, however, as Lexus wants to continue the successful sports car-racing venture that began in 2016 with the RC F GT3.
During the Rolex 24 at Daytona last Saturday, Doug Wilson, Toyota Racing Development President and Andrew Gilleland, Lexus GM explained to Motor1.com how the RC F fits in the round hole of GT3 class. This has been a benefit for Lexus as well as Lexus.
Vasser Sullivan Racing’s Lexus RC F GT3.
Wilson stated that it was difficult because of the Frankenstein work done to improve performance. It’s been an impressive feat to work with partners from Europe and Asia to create a race car that is competitive and has won races. We’re looking forward to racing with it and competing for championships. As a result, we are currently working with our Japanese colleagues and partners on the next generation.
Wilson stated that the Lexus RC F was a dynamite sportscar, but he will be honest and admit it is not a GT3 vehicle. The current generation that we are racing is a GT3 version of the car. This is not how you bring a racecar to market. Engineers determine if a race car is going to be on the track before you even put the first line of code down.
It is difficult to predict what this new focus will produce in 2022. It’s hard to predict what the new focus will bring in 2022.
The RC Fs could benefit from a focus on lightness right from the beginning. Products such as the lighter RCF Track Edition or the new Fuji Speedway Edition are examples of this approach. Carbon fiber is used to reduce the curb weight and improve overall performance.
The 2022 Lexus RC F Fuji Speedway Edition.
We can speculate about the future, but it doesn’t look like we’ll have to wait long to see what Lexus does. The FIA homologation charts show that the RC F GT3 can race through 2026. However, Lexus doesn’t want to spend four more years with this car.
Wilson stated, “God save us if [in 2026] we’re still racing that car,” Gilleland quickly intervened and stated that there was no possibility that this would happen. He added, “I can guarantee that that.”
Wilson said, “But we will race in 2026,” Wilson continued.