Nissan recently unveiled their new RC F GT Concept car that will serve as a link between the RC F GT3 racer and the Lexus RC F. The model can be seen when it competes in IMSA’s WeatherTechSportsCar Championship.
The Lexus RC F GT Concept car was created by the Lexus Development Center in Japan, together with the Lexus International Motorsports Group.
Piston Heads revealed that the concept model is not road-ready at the moment, which is set to do demo runs at the Long Beach Grand Prix in mid-April 2016. Many of its hardware and components were taken from the RC F production model by the Lexus Development Center in Japan, so the new model is basically an upgraded version of the original.
“The GT Concept shows the opportunities of the platform and powertrain that underpins our F models. The high-performance RC F coupe and GS F sedan are geared toward enthusiast drivers and make a very strong statement about Lexus’ engineering capabilities,” said Jeff Bracken, group vice president and general manager, Lexus division.
GT Spirit reports that the car’s lightweight characteristic was achieved with the use of composite materials. The car’s weight was dropped by 800lbs or 363 kg, compared to the production Lexus RC F. The road-legal RC F currently weighs 1,740 kg, while the concept unit weighs 1,420 kg. The RC F GT Concept will feature the same naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine as the RC F, connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The engine can produce 467 of horsepower, peaking at around 7,100 rpm.
The RC F GT Concept model also features modified cooling systems, an improved lubrication system and an upgraded performance exhaust system. There were also adjustments made that made the car suitable for the tracks, such as reinforced suspension for added adjustability and strength.
Engineers also made some changes to the software, particularly in the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) control system that will make the car ready for track performance. The springs were made stiffer and better competition dampers were installed. The concept car also reportedly presents the opportunities of the platform and powertrain behind the RC F.
The RC F GT Concept car will be featured at the Long Beach Grand Prix and will be driven by Lexus pro drivers Roger Yasukawa and Scott Pruett. More updates and details on the concept car and whether it will actually be included in future productions are expected soon.
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