Lexus RC F GT3 Racing Concept is green-flag ready

Tue, 04 Mar 2014

Lexus is hardly the first brand that comes to mind when comes to motorsports. In fact, it's not even the first Japanese brand. But Toyota's premium marque is showing new signs of understanding that it will need to at least pay racing further lip service if it wants to be viewed as a more emotionally connected brand with the wherewithal to challenge the Germans on every level.

Lexus has already made it clear it wants to race its RC F coupe, and at least philosophically, the new model certainly strikes us as a more appropriate racecar conversion than the SC 430 that preceded it. This just-unveiled RC F GT3 Racing Concept looks properly menacing sitting on the carpet at the Geneva Motor Show, and it while it's officially labeled as a concept, it's a model Lexus promises will be made available to racing teams in 2015.

Designed run in Group GT3 events, this 2,756-pound coupe has a front-mounted V8 derived from the production RC F tuned to deliver over 540 horsepower. Lexus' plan is to commit to a season's worth of testing this year before building them to order, and we expect to see them in the Japan's Super GT and Super Taikyu Endurance series, along with endurance events like the 24 hours of Nürburgring.

Lexus RC F GT3 Racing Concept Rumbles the 2014 Geneva Motor Show With its Debut

- Modified RC F V8 With More Than 540 Horsepower
- Meets Group GT3 International Racing Standards
- Lexus to Supply GT3 Vehicles to Racing Teams in 2015

GENEVA - Feb. 28, 2014 – Racing fans around the world will feel the adrenaline when Lexus debuts the RC F GT3 racing concept at the 84th Geneva International Motor Show.

The RC F GT3 concept, based on the recently revealed RC F performance coupe, was developed to meet Group GT3 international racing standards. It weighs 2,755.8 lbs. and comes with a modified version of the base RC F's V8 engine, producing a maximum output exceeding 540 horsepower.

Lexus will supply GT3-compliant*1 vehicles to racing teams starting in 2015, with vehicle testing to start this year. GT3 cars can enter many races globally, such as the 24 Hours of Nürburgring endurance race in Germany and the Super Taikyu Endurance and Super GT series in Japan.

The RC F GT3 concept will be on display in Geneva, Switzerland March 4 -16, 2014 at Palexpo's hall 4, stand number 4211.

Look for the checkered flag to drop soon!

Lexus RC F GT3 Concept Specifications
Length 4,705 mm/ 185.2 in
Width 2,000 mm/78.7 in
Height 1,270 mm/50 in
Weight 1,250 kg/2,755.8 lbs
Wheelbase 2,730 mm/107.5 in
Engine V8 gasoline engine
Horsepower 540+ hp (397kw)

*1Certified by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile)

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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 five models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers six F SPORT models and two F models, including the LFA supercar, for top-of-the-line performance. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 233 dealers who are committed to exemplary customer service.

By Chris Paukert