The
Lexus RC F GT3 signals an ambitious foray into the world of sports cas racing
for Lexus engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi and Yukihiko Yaguchi explains how, and why has
a lot to be proud of. A chief engineer at Lexus, Yaguchi is the man behind the
RC F GT3, a heavily modified version of the RC F, Lexus’s new high-performance
coupe.
He’s
proud of the car, which will soon sit at the pinnacle of Lexus’s performance-oriented
range. He’s proud that Lexus has become one of the few Japanese manufacturers
to develop a vehicle compliant with the strict parameters of GT3, a grand
touring motor-sport category that abides by regulations set by the FIA
(Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile), the world’s governing body for
auto racing events. And he’s proud that his car is being so widely
acknowledged.
The
RC F GT3 is the latest model in the Lexus F range, a division of cars largely
associated with performance, precision and progressive technology. The range
includes the widely lauded Lexus LFA, a two-seat coupe that has competed in
various endurance races.
“The
history of the F range actually began with the IS F in 2007,” explains Yaguchi.
“Since then we’ve launched several game-changing models – both concept cars and
production vehicles – but this sports car definitely represents a highlight.”
When the RC F GT3 Concept was unveiled at the 2014 Geneva International Motor
Show, in March, it generated a wealth of justified hype, and plenty of
headlines. It made clear Lexus’s ambition to make its presence felt on the
racetrack, where previously it had little bearing, and it proved Japan’s
ability to manufacture, from start to finish, a world-class sports car.
“We’re
now in the process of fine-tuning the vehicle,” says Yaguchi. “Once it’s done,
we’ll start supplying the cars to racing teams to race in the 2015 season. GT3
cars can enter countless races around the world, including the 24-hour race at
Nürburgring, in Germany, and the United SportsCar Championship (USCC) in the
US. It’s great that many racing fans will get to see our product in action.”
Like
the Lexus RC F, the most powerful V8 performance model the brand has yet
developed, the RC F GT3 is full of engineering features aimed at extracting the
best out of its 540-plus horsepower engine. The car will be an asset to any
race team. Its purpose-built front fenders and front-end underbody treatment
have been designed to minimize drag.
Its
rear spoiler stands tall and wide to provide the car with enough downforce to
improve stability (and therefore increase its speed) around bends. And “Lexus’s
latest carbon fiber technology has been applied wherever appropriate,” says
Yaguchi, “to keep the car’s weight to a minimum.” He continues: “With attention
to detail in mind, we’ve fine-tuned everything from the car’s agility and
handling response to the mechanics of its onboard devices. We have here a very
serious racing car. But at the same time, drivers of all skill levels would be
able to enjoy driving it on circuits around the world.”
Source: https://www.lexus-int.com
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