Johannesburg - Japan’s rival to the BMW M4 and Mercedes-AMG C63 is now available to order in South Africa, ahead of its imminent local launch.
The hardcore Lexus RC F carries a price tag of R1 318 300 (see pricing versus rivals below), while the even harder-edged Track Edition is yours for R2 098 200.
Unlike the M4, the RC F has resisted the downsizing, turbocharging route, and is instead powered by a normally aspirated 5-litre V8 that produces a thundering 351kW at 7100rpm and 520Nm from 4800 revs.
Power goes to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox and at coastal climes (with Launch Control activated) the RC F should sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 270km/h, according to claims. Being normally aspirated, you are going to lose some of that potency at Reef altitudes, however.
While the Track Edition comes at a huge premium over the ‘standard’ spec, it does come with a raft of weight-saving measures, including carbon fibre and CFRP body panels, as well as ceramic brake discs, while aerodynamics are enhanced through a fixed carbon rear wing that adds up to 26kg of extra downforce, and a unique front lower spoiler.