Lexus to Compete in 2015 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with All-New RC F GT Concept

Lexus to Compete in 2015 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with All-New RC F GT Concept

Read More
  • V8 Powered, Production Car-based Coupe to be Driven by Justin Bell
  • RC F GT Program to Serve as Key Developmental Tool for F brand Engineering 

TORRANCE, Calif. (June 22, 2015) – On June 28th, Lexus will compete in the Time Attack class of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The luxury automaker will be campaigning the all-new RC F GT Concept, a vehicle that builds upon the legacy of the IS F CCS-R vehicles that last competed at Pikes Peak in 2013. This historic event, now in its 93rd running, is a race against the clock that tests man and machine with the changing elements, altitude, and a treacherous 12.42 mile, 156 turn course that winds up the peak from 9,390 feet up to the 14,115 foot summit.

The new Lexus will be piloted up the mountain by British driving ace, FIA GT world champion, 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, and automotive media personality Justin Bell. “With very little time behind the wheel, the RC F GT Concept has already proven fast and easy to drive, very much like the production models, actually. We expect the race car will only pick up pace as we engage more testing, tuning, and data acquisition on the mountain”, said Bell. A seasoned driver in a wide range of vehicles, Bell will bring his vast experience and knowledge to bear on the development side of the RC F GT Concept.

Serving as much more than a mere competition vehicle, the new RC F GT Concept represents  a pivotal piece of the Lexus F brand motorsports effort along with the forthcoming global GT3 program. Much like the IS F CCS-R vehicles whose efforts in motorsports helped develop key components such as the engine and transmission for the 2015 RC F, the new GT Concept program will continue to elaborate on the F brand’s performance mission, allowing Lexus engineers to experiment with prototype components, tuning ideas, settings, and software development.  

A focused race car involving a high level of composite materials, the RCF GT Concept weighs about 800 lbs. less (3130 lbs.) than the street version, while retaining the same engine and transmission as the production RC F, though states of tune are adjusted for the competition environment. With RC F GT Concept, engineers can test the engine, transmission and chassis components in various conditions, experimenting with different tuning ideas, settings and software.
 
“The continued evolution of the F brand remains a top priority for Lexus, and motorsports provide us an outstanding opportunity to develop more than concepts and components for F brand products. Our niche line of high performance products are geared toward enthusiast drivers, and also make a very strong statement about Lexus’ engineering capabilities. Competition efforts like Pikes Peak help nurture a performance engineering culture and ideology that will have the greatest influence of future F brand products”, said Jeff Bracken group Vice President and General Manager Lexus division.    
 
RC F GT Concept 

Curb weight 3130 lbs. (1420 kgs.)
Engine displacement 5.0 Liter
Horsepower/torque 467+ Hp at 7100 rpm/ 390+ lbs.-ft at 4800 rpm
Transmission 8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
Wheelbase 107.4 inches (2730 mm)
Overall Length 189.2 inches (4805 mm)
Overall Width 77.8 inches (1915 mm)
Overall Height 53.4 (1357 mm)
Weight Reduction Carbon fiber construction of: hood, roof, trunk lid, door panels, front and rear over fenders, front canards, rear spoiler, interior trim and dashboard. Polycarbonate window.
Tires Yokohama ADVAN Neova AD08R 265/40R18
Yokohama ADVAN A005 280/680R18

 
           

###

Lexus launched in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since that time, Lexus has expanded its line-up to meet the needs of global luxury customers. Lexus is now going beyond its reputation for high quality vehicles with the integration of innovative technology, emotional exterior and interior designs, and engaging driving dynamics and performance.  With six models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers eight F SPORT models and one F performance model.  In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 235 dealers who are committed to exemplary customer service.

Moe Durand                                       
310-468-1601                        
[email protected]

Note to Editors: Lexus product information and images are available online via our news media web site http://LexusNewsroom.com.

www.facebook.com/lexus
www.twitter.com/lexus
www.youtube.com/LexusVehicles
https://plus.google.com/+Lexus/posts
www.instagram.com/lexususa
 

Tags

Related Images

Add to Cart

2015 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb - Lexus RC F GT Concept 001

2015 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb - Lexus RC F GT Concept 002

2015 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb - Lexus RC F GT Concept 003

2015 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb - Lexus RC F GT Concept - Justin Bell

Email Sign Up

Enter your email address below to sign up for email alerts.

*Indicates Required