Lexus will once again compete in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this June 28th, having missed the event last year.
The brand made its first appearance at the annual hill climb with the introduction of its IS-F CCS-R concept car in 2012 and returned again with that car in 2013, driven by professional driver Ken Gushi.
The all-new RC F GT Concept is said to build upon the legacy of the IS F CCS-R. Le Mans-winning British driver, Justin Bell will pilot the new Lexus up the mountain's 20-km (12.42 mile), 156 turn course, which winds from the 2,862-metre (9,390-foot) level up to the 4,302-metre (14,115 foot) summit.
This will be the 93rd running of the historic Pike's peak event, which is a race against the clock that tests man and machine in the face of changing elements, altitude, and surfaces on the edge of a treacherous cliff.
“With very little time behind the wheel, the RC F GT Concept has already proven fast and easy to drive," said Bell. "We expect the race car will only pick up pace as we engage more testing, tuning, and data acquisition on the mountain.”
Toyota says that, more than just a 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 earlier IS F CCS-R vehicles, which helped develop key components such as the engine and transmission for the 2015 RC F production car, the new GT Concept program is intended to help further development of the F brand’s performance mission.
With it, engineers can experiment with prototype engine, transmission and chassis components in various conditions, experimenting with different tuning ideas, settings and software. It retains the same basic engine and transmission as the production RC F, although their states of tune have been modified for competition.
As a focused race car, the RCF GT Concept employs a high level of composite materials to minimize its weight. At just 1420 kg (3130 lb), it is about s about 363 kg (800 lb) lighter than the street version.
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RC F GT Concept Specifications:
|
Curb weight |
3130 lbs. (1420 kg) |
|
Engine displacement |
5.0 Liter |
|
Power/torque |
467 hp at 7100 rpm/ 390 lb-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 fibre 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 |
