Interview with RC-F chief engineer (Lexus Europe)
03-08-14, 10:16 AM
#1
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Interview with RC-F chief engineer (Lexus Europe)
Thanks to LexusEnthusiast.com
Click here for full interview:
http://lexusenthusiast.com/
https://www.facebook.com/lexuseurope...type=1&theater
A few highlights:
Abed Haj Yihia: Why is the RC F so heavy? Because of its weight the IS F was beaten in every comparison against the M3.
Well Abed, firstly, a lot of strengthening was required to meet very strict US crash requirements. However, this strength (in the form of extra thick rocker panels and use of body adhesives for the chassis) make the RC F great fun to drive. And it is worth remembering, even the LFA looked a little heavy on paper, but proved to be one of the best cars ever built.
Alexander Traub: Why didn't you use a turbocharged engine for the car?
Yukihiko Yaguchi: As with the LFA V10 supercar, we wanted the driver to have a very close, direct and close relationship with the car. In our view this is only possible with a normally aspirated engine that responds incredibly fast to the driver’s throttle commands.
Ayd T Mkize: How much of the LFA's DNA went into the RC F’s suspension? And how many LFA engineers were involved with the RC F?
Yukihiko Yaguchi: Whilst the LFAs are hand-built supercars, the RC F is based on the GS platform with a shorter wheelbase. Using advanced production technology such as laser screw welding and adhesives, we have made significant improvements to rigidity and safety. And yes, many LFA engineers and technicians were involved in the RC F project team, so plenty of know-how was carried over.
Noel Farrugia: What is the actual bhp? We know it’s more than 450 but how much
more please?
Yukihiko Yaguchi: Well, it is going to be above 450 bhp, (pointing upwards in the air)
Click here for full interview:
http://lexusenthusiast.com/
https://www.facebook.com/lexuseurope...type=1&theater
A few highlights:
Abed Haj Yihia: Why is the RC F so heavy? Because of its weight the IS F was beaten in every comparison against the M3.
Well Abed, firstly, a lot of strengthening was required to meet very strict US crash requirements. However, this strength (in the form of extra thick rocker panels and use of body adhesives for the chassis) make the RC F great fun to drive. And it is worth remembering, even the LFA looked a little heavy on paper, but proved to be one of the best cars ever built.
Alexander Traub: Why didn't you use a turbocharged engine for the car?
Yukihiko Yaguchi: As with the LFA V10 supercar, we wanted the driver to have a very close, direct and close relationship with the car. In our view this is only possible with a normally aspirated engine that responds incredibly fast to the driver’s throttle commands.
Ayd T Mkize: How much of the LFA's DNA went into the RC F’s suspension? And how many LFA engineers were involved with the RC F?
Yukihiko Yaguchi: Whilst the LFAs are hand-built supercars, the RC F is based on the GS platform with a shorter wheelbase. Using advanced production technology such as laser screw welding and adhesives, we have made significant improvements to rigidity and safety. And yes, many LFA engineers and technicians were involved in the RC F project team, so plenty of know-how was carried over.
Noel Farrugia: What is the actual bhp? We know it’s more than 450 but how much
more please?
Yukihiko Yaguchi: Well, it is going to be above 450 bhp, (pointing upwards in the air)
Last edited by 05RollaXRS; 03-08-14 at 10:31 AM.
03-09-14, 10:58 AM
#5
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
If you read closely, he hinted RC-F will be a lot more than 450 HP. I believe that is what pointing upwards with his finger was intended to do.
GS-F is altogether a different story and no one knows anything about the engine it will use.
GS-F is altogether a different story and no one knows anything about the engine it will use.
03-09-14, 04:43 PM
#6
I am hoping for around 480 HP...and to see the spec soon. There are far too many rumors.
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03-12-14, 10:14 AM
#9
03-12-14, 06:51 PM
#10
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
The 5.0 Liter V8 engine was re-worked inside out to sustain the torque curve at higher rpms and keep the torque curve from falling
This illustrates it best where each car has peak horsepower at 7000 rpm. It shows how less torque in car 2 results in less horsepower compared to car 1 at the same rpm point.
Car 1
Torque = 390 ft-lbs@7000 rpm
Car 2
Torque = 300 ft-lbs@7000 rpm
Now it is easy to extrapolate how much horsepower each car is making at 7000 rpm
Car 1
HP=TORQUE X RPM / 5252
HP = 390 x 7000 rpm/5252
HP = 519 HP
Car 2
HP= 300 x 7000 rpm/5252
HP= 400 HP
Last edited by 05RollaXRS; 03-12-14 at 07:00 PM.
03-13-14, 10:11 AM
#13
Just raising the rev limiter automatically does not yield more horsepower. That is ridiculous. If the torque curve is plummeting, so will the horsepower resulting in a shorter powerband. That is why cars have low redline since the torque is already in free fall and internals are not light enough to handle high revs.
The 5.0 Liter V8 engine was re-worked inside out to sustain the torque curve at higher rpms and keep the torque curve from falling
This illustrates it best where each car has peak horsepower at 7000 rpm. It shows how less torque in car 2 results in less horsepower compared to car 1 at the same rpm point.
Car 1
Torque = 390 ft-lbs@7000 rpm
Car 2
Torque = 300 ft-lbs@7000 rpm
Now it is easy to extrapolate how much horsepower each car is making at 7000 rpm
Car 1
HP=TORQUE X RPM / 5252
HP = 390 x 7000 rpm/5252
HP = 519 HP
Car 2
HP= 300 x 7000 rpm/5252
HP= 400 HP
The 5.0 Liter V8 engine was re-worked inside out to sustain the torque curve at higher rpms and keep the torque curve from falling
This illustrates it best where each car has peak horsepower at 7000 rpm. It shows how less torque in car 2 results in less horsepower compared to car 1 at the same rpm point.
Car 1
Torque = 390 ft-lbs@7000 rpm
Car 2
Torque = 300 ft-lbs@7000 rpm
Now it is easy to extrapolate how much horsepower each car is making at 7000 rpm
Car 1
HP=TORQUE X RPM / 5252
HP = 390 x 7000 rpm/5252
HP = 519 HP
Car 2
HP= 300 x 7000 rpm/5252
HP= 400 HP
It does if torque is linear. :P
03-13-14, 12:02 PM
#14
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
03-13-14, 06:43 PM
#15
Many of the critiques leaned towards the F as the winner in performance and overall enjoyment comparisons.
Give the beast it's deserved credit.
