Lexus will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its high-performance F brand with the launch of two V8-powered limited edition models.
Only 500 10th anniversary special edition models will be built globally, but Lexus New Zealand has confirmed 15 will land in New Zealand - 5 RC F two-door coupes and 10 GS F four-door sports sedans.
“These models are the purest expression of Lexus performance,” said Senior GM of Lexus New Zealand, Paul Carroll. “These limited anniversary edition vehicles celebrate Lexus’ commitment to performance through the F brand, and are built for drivers to immerse themselves in pure driving pleasure and satisfying performance.”
Read more: Lexus F Performance - F is for fun
GS F seadan anniversary edition . Photo / Lexus
Both cars will be powered by the company's 5.0 litre naturally aspirated V8 with forged connecting rods and titanum valves allowing a redline of 7300rpm. The unit is also used in the LC 500 coupe and produces 351kW of power and over 500Nm of torque. The V8 is paird with an eight-speed transmission and driver-selectable electronic features like G sensors and artificial intelligence software for sports driving.
Exclusive to the anniversary models is Nebula Grey matte paint (the first time matte paint has been offered on a Lexus since the LFA supercar), unique gloss black 19-inch alloy wheels, blue Brembo brake callipers with large slotted brake discs and 'F10th Anniversary Limited' metal plaque on the interior trim.
RC F coupe anniversary edition . Photo / Lexus
In the RC F coupe, the front seats are finished in a blue semi-aniline leather with white accents. The same blue leather will be found on the shift knob, steering wheel, front seat belt straps and instrument panel hood. The RC F anniversary edition also includes a unique embossed headlining.
Read more: Lexus IS200t F-Sport road test
For the GS F sedan, the front seats mimic those in the RC F while the rear seats also get blue leather on the side bolsters. Additional blue carbon trim is used on the centre console along with a blue Alcantara dash trim and blue seatbelt straps for the front and outer rear seats. Blue leather trim also features on the steering wheel, console and shift knob. A sunroof is included on the GS F replacing the embossed headliner on the RC F.
The first Lexus F model - which refers to Fuji Speedway, the main testing location for all F model development - debuted in America in early 2007 with the first model, the IS F, a V8 engined version of the IS sedan, making its way to New Zealand dealers in 2008.
The limited edition LFA supercar appeared in 2009, with the RC F following in 2014 and the GS F in 2015. F Sport models are now available across the Lexus range of SUVs, sedans and coupes with both petrol and hybrid electric powertrains.
The RC F coupe and GSF sedan are set to be priced from $177,500 and $178,400 respectively.
Driven will test both 10th anniversary models when they arrive, look out for Driven in the NZ Herald and driven.co.nz for our full road test coming soon
