Core values of "LEXUS F"
The RC F GT3, a car born of the Lexus commitment
to bring unparalleled experiences of excitement and fulfillment
From the beginning, development of the LEXUS RC F proceeded toward
the vision of offering a machine that could open the door to serious participation in motor sports.
Then, a new vision emerged, one of taking the unique character of the resulting RC F
and honing its potential as a full-fledged racecar to the very limits.
It was this ambitious dream that gave birth to the LEXUS RC F GT3.
MADE IN TSUNASHIMA
An uncompromising fusion of knowhow gained in GT500 racing
and the proud Lexus commitment to the highest levels of quality
The work of assembling the RC F GT3 takes place at the adjoining factory of the headquarters of Toyota Customizing and Development, Co., Ltd., located in Tsunashima, Yokohama. The location is known for being a hub of motorsports R&D, which was formerly known as the "Tsunashima Works."It is a place that boasts a proud history, having given birth to a number of exceptional machines that competed in a variety of races, from the Group C car that raced in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and up to the GT500 class SUPER GT machines currently in use. It is this accumulated knowhow in the construction of racecars, combining with the unwavering commitment of Lexus to the highest levels of quality, which continues to push the potential of the RC F GT3 to the limit.
Succeeding in the design and manufacture in Japan of a racing car enjoyed by customers around the world
With the RC F GT3, a point was made of both designing and manufacturing the car domestically in Japan. When considering production costs, it can be considered practical to develop a car overseas, but even if it is a racecar, Lexus wants every vehicle it delivers to its customers to be ones that meet the most stringent Lexus quality standards. The only way that this could be ensured was in an environment where a developmental idea could be carried to completion all the way from its initial concept to design and manufacturing.
The superb craftsmanship and knowhow that the engineers and mechanics working on the RC F GT3 have acquired through its development is sure to be passed on to the younger generation, inheritors of the future of Lexus--and from there, to be the driving force behind the inspiration and joy that Lexus cars of the future will bring, whether they be production models or racecars.
The race arena continues to provide new areas to refine the unyielding quality that Lexus strives for
The RC F GT3 is a production-car-based GT3 category race machine. Its construction begins with the removal of parts pertaining to features for comfort, like the airbag and the rear seat. Carbon parts are used for the reduction of weight, and roll bars provide the greatest possible reinforcement. Such measures have helped keep the total machine weight to a low 500 kg.
While preserving some stock parts, such as in the cylinder block, the 2UR-GSE engine is bored-out to a displacement of 5,400 cc to deliver horsepower exceeding 500PS and make it a true racing engine. In particular, with a focus of achieving maximum yield in the high-rev range, the choice was made to replace the variable-valve timing mechanism with 8 throttle bodies is representative of the changes made to achieve a massive improvement in engine performance.
Exacting design and skills of master craftsmanship
make possible this precision machine, safe, fast and built to win
Three of four skilled mechanics are devoted to construction of the body, while two more build the engine, and between two and four concentrate on the final assembly of the RC F GT3. Only the best mechanics are chosen for constructing the RC F GT3 with the utmost precision and care. Their exceptional knowledge and skills extend to all facets of the process. It is the same finely-honed skills of such master craftspeople that produces the signature experiences of excitement and fulfillment offered by every Lexus car, including our racecars.
Based on the policy of the GT3 car regulation to compete in races with globally standardized parts, components and products, even the GT3 cars' parts and components are regulated with the use of serial numbers. Despite being a car purely for racing that is constructed of precision parts, another special characteristic of the RC F GT3 is that it is designed to be serviceable with standard tools and to have an overall robustness so that it can be used for racing in a variety of environments around the world.
User's Voice
K-tunes Racing LM corsa
Crew chief: Shin-ichiro Higashi
Mechanic: Mitsuhiro Morotomi
Team mechanics of the #96 K-tunes RC F GT3 team competing in the SUPER GT GT300 class were asked their feelings about the RC F GT3 in use and as a machine
Compared to the GT3 car by a foreign maker that we used until 2016, the RC F GT3 has excellent overall precision that makes us feel how it was certainly designed for speed throughout, right down to the finest details. Places that can be tuned are all managed with shims, which increases the set-up range makes replication easier and reduces the chance of service mistakes. That is an important factor.
Also, the switch panel in the interior is free of any unnecessary switches and smartly arranged by color, which makes for smoother communication with the drivers about operation. And, as for the exterior with its cool spindle grill is another thing we like.
Engineering garnered at the racetrack
is alive in the Lexus cars everyone drives
Because Lexus is such an emotional brand, motor sports is an important stage for us. And, because the cars of the FIA GT3 category are based on production models, the races they compete in provide the ultimate stage for customers who love motor sports to enjoy. To be found there is all kinds of sport driving knowhow. And there are also all kinds of hints to be found there about the driving performance of cars. All of this makes cars more exciting. That is why Lexus will continue to develop and race the RC F GT3, with the ultimate aim of bringing to our customers surprising discoveries and excitement that exceeds their expectations.
* Photo shows the 2017 model RC F GT3 and the European market spec RC F
* Some specifications of the European market model RC F are different from the Japanese market RC F