Text by Kevin C. Limjoco; Photos by Isabel N. Delos Reyes

TO CELEBRATE a decade of producing successful high-concept and high-performance F models, Lexus created special limited editions of the RC-F coupé and GS-F sedan at 500 units each for the world. We got to test the North American variant, one of 240 for their market, and after a week with it, I can boldly say that I like it even more now than I did before. Though I still prefer the larger cabin and overall avant-garde design of the LC 500, this limited edition RC-F made my emotions soar. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h happens in 4.3 seconds with a top speed of 270 km/h.

The silky smooth 470-bhp RC-F is still fractionally quicker, faster, and more visceral than the current LC 500 which is both larger and heavier. Somehow, the seasoned design looks current again thanks to the unique packaging. The 10th Anniversary edition gets an awesome Matte Nebula Gray paint job (the carbon-fiber bonnet is painted, and it is Lexus’ first use of matte paint on a production model since the LFA went out of production in 2012) that contrasts beautifully and purposefully against the exposed exterior carbon-fiber active rear wing, carbon-fiber roof, polished black finish of the mixed 19-inch 20-spoke forged BBS alloy wheels shod with sticky Michelin Pilot SuperSport 255/35R-19 front and 275/35R-19 rear tires, and the fabulous Brembo six-piston front (clamping on vented and slotted 14.9-inch discs) and rear four-piston aluminum calipers (clamping also on vented and slotted 13.5-inch discs) are painted blue.

That theme (called Fuji Blue) from the brake calipers and “F” badging on the front fenders are then continued and applied gloriously in the cabin. The updated interior uses abundant special Blue Carbon fiber trim that includes a discreet metal model plaque on the driver’s side door panel that complements the further bespoke interior treatment which includes the front sculped bucket seats finished in vivid blue semi-aniline leather with white accents and the F symbol embossed in the integrated head restraints, the gear shift knob, switch surrounds, the steering wheel with a white band at 12 0’clock, instrument panel hood, and matching colored front seat belts.

The updated equipment list goes on to include premium triple-beam LED headlights, a Torque Vectoring Differential together with the TORSEN limited slip differential, Adaptive Variable Suspension, Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, and the incredible 835-watt 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround system combined with the full infotainment suite through a 10.3-inch central display and Remote Touch control.

The Lexus RC-F 10th Anniversary edition model may not be dynamically changed from before as a whole, but the culmination of all the optional and new bits makes it feel and drive way more special than ever.

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