Lexus RC F GT3 Concept set for Geneva debut
Lexus will unveil the RC F GT3 Concept at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, previewing a customer GT3 racer based on the new RC F coupe.
Lexus will reveal its RC F GT3 Concept at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, previewing a GT3-specification customer racer based on the newly launched RC F coupe. The concept signals the brand’s intention to enter the international GT3 racing category, joining rivals such as Bentley and Lamborghini with their own recent GT3 projects.
The RC F GT3 Concept is derived from the road-going RC F coupe, which Lexus positions as its flagship performance model. While the production RC F is powered by a naturally aspirated V8, the GT3 Concept is expected to retain a similar engine configuration, in line with GT3 regulations and the demands of endurance racing. Full technical details are yet to be confirmed, but the car’s development follows the RC F GT500, which is already competing in Japan’s Super GT series.
Lexus’s move into GT3 racing brings the brand into direct competition with established names in customer motorsport. The GT3 category has become the standard for manufacturers seeking to supply privateer teams for series such as the Blancpain Endurance Series and the 24 Hours of Spa. By offering a GT3 car, Lexus aims to expand its motorsport presence beyond the Japanese domestic market.
What to expect from the RC F GT3 Concept
The RC F GT3 Concept will be presented as a prototype, with Lexus expected to announce further technical specifications and customer racing plans at Geneva. The production RC F uses a 5.0-litre V8, and while the GT3 version will be extensively modified for racing, it is likely to share the same basic architecture. The car will be homologated to FIA GT3 standards, enabling it to compete in a wide range of international championships.
The Geneva Motor Show unveiling will allow Lexus to gauge interest from teams and potential customers. The brand’s previous motorsport efforts have focused on Japan, but the GT3 project is designed for international competition. This move follows a wider trend among premium manufacturers, with the GT3 class now featuring entries from Aston Martin, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Porsche, as well as Bentley and Lamborghini.
Next steps after Geneva
Lexus has not yet confirmed a timeline for the RC F GT3’s competitive debut or customer availability. The Geneva show car will serve as a development platform, with further testing and homologation required before the car can race. More information is expected as the project progresses, particularly regarding technical partners and series participation.
For more on the RC F GT3’s Geneva reveal and technical details as they emerge, seeLexus RC F GT3 Concept Revealed at Geneva Show.
