As we’ve seen over the few years, Lexus isn’t really one for change. After all, some of their more extensive SUV models are hitting well past the decade mark in terms of their developmental age. And like Toyota in the same regards, some of these aging products start to rely on special editions to keep their spirts alive. So, as such, their starting to age, muscle sports coupe, RC F is next in line to see some special treatment.

Noted as the RC F Fuji Speedway Edition, we’ve discovered this isn’t just an ordinary special edition that swaps out some rims and adds a fancy interior. Considering this special edition carries a $30,000 premium over the base $65,975 RC F, the Fuji Speedway Edition gets a few tricks up sleeve. Taking it back to its original roots where the “F” took Lexus to a new performance level, only 60 RC F Fuji Speedway Editions will be built. This makes it one of the rarest Lexus’ on the road.

With the RC F already being a heavy car, Lexus stripped away some of the heavy bits and added in things like a carbon fiber hood and roof. They replaced the motorized speed activated spoiler for a fixed carbon fiber spoiler and nicked some of the comfort creature features like ventilated/heated seats, blind-spot monitoring and memory seat controls – all in the effort to save a few pounds.

Those few pounds however account for over 250lbs of extra fat and the Lexus RC F dropped it without breaking a sweat. Its new leaner, lighter chassis leaves us in a crude awakening as we activate its “launch” button and opened the taps of its 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V-8, discovering its nearly half a second quicker to 60-mph than before. Continuing its charmful V-8 sound of 472-horsepower pipped through its titanium quad exhaust, the RC F feels like it’s always in a hurry to get where it needs to go. But with great power, comes great responsibilities as the Fuji Speedway is equipped with performance ceramic brakes that’ll be sure to relocate your wrinkles when going into a corner.

Unfortunately, for us, but probably luckily for Lexus, we didn’t have a race track at our disposal to see just how well this special edition is at cutting corners like it is at cutting carbs. But when we find ourselves on a road that happens to get twisty… well we can’t help if we mysteriously entered Sport + mode and lite up the dash like a Japanese anime episode as the rev limiter reaches its max 7300 rpm. Checking the right boxes of enjoyment, Lexus made improvements to both the steering and suspension giving a livelier, responsive approach. While the suspension is stiffer, it isn’t uncomfortable, even in its harshest of Sport models.

Inside, Lexus snazz’d up the joint with an exclusive red suede and red leather combo. A bit overwhelming at first but easily forgiven with its comforting, body snugging race car inspired seats. While Lexus did ditch some of the comfort creature features, everything is still very Lexus-like inside. Rich leather and materials fill the cabin. There is tons of tech with the 10.25-inch wide screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and obnoxious to use touch pad. It even comes standardly equipped with all the safety crash avoidance hardware like lane departure warning with assist, forward collision warning with assist, adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams.

$100,000 is quite a hefty price considering the LC 500 V-8 is in the same price range. However with the significantly improved chassis work and weight savings to make this one of the most aggressive RC F on and off the race track, who can put a price on blissful entertainment. 

VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS

Vehicle: 2021 Lexus RC F Fuji Speedway Edition
Base Price: $98,225
As-Tested Price: $102,510

PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 5.0-liter V-8
HP | Torque: 472-HP |395 lb-ft of Torque
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
MPG: 16 | 24| 19 (City | Highway | Combined)
As-Tested MPG: 16.8-MPG (City)
(Highway MPG testing temporarily suspended due to increased fuel prices)
Fuel Range: 260 miles
0-60 MPH: ±4.0 seconds