Experiencing the Controlled Chaos of a Lexus RC F Pro-Drift Car (Fridays are for F Presented by Continental ExtremeContact DWS^{06 Plus})

Drifting is a chance to push the Lexus RC F to its limits; and we get an opportunity to see the car (literally) handle it with grace under pressure. 

While drifting has become an established motorsport over the years, it just isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. However, occasionally you come across a performance so good that it could make anyone a fan. At its best, drifting is a thrill to watch–and hear, and smell. And it hard to get better than a really great car skillfully driven to command a course with smoky, sideways precision. Lexus is solid choice for a drift machine, especially the RC F featured here.

Together this combo of car, driver, rubber, and road makes synergy look oh-so-good; and a little jaw-dropping. This week our Fridays Are For F feature will focus on the powerful Lexus RC F driven by pro-racer Andy Gray for Formula Drift Japan.

The Machine 

Gray started racing this particular Lexus RC F in 2020. As a 4-time champion in Formula Drift Japan, Gray is especially fond of Lexus and it is apparent in how he drives it. In a video last year with Formula Drift Japan, Gray gave a tour of his custom build RC F.

With a large aero kit that includes a lot of carbon fiber and a big rear wing, this is one slick ride. The front grille features the intake, and a look at its unmistakable turbo power.

The GT-inspired design was meant to emulate the essence of a race car, both in its style and intent. And so to enhance its intent, it is packing a 3.6L 2JZ VVti with turbocharger. Using E85 fuel, it can reach about 980 hp. Lots of of carbon fiber helps keep the RC F and nimble. It also has a new angle kit made specific for the RC F.

The Performance 

Recently, the RC F took the track for Powervehicles at Sona circuit for Round 3 of Power Drift. And it was simply amazing. The superior steering of the Lexus RC F cannot be denied.

If that doesn’t knock your socks off, check out Gray doing a tandem drift. As a drift car not only is the Lexus RC F an excellent choice for its weight, center of gravity, and drift modifications; the responsive handling and braking are inherent to the car.

 

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A post shared by Andy Gray , FD Japan (@powervehicles100)

Yes, Lexus is a luxury ride that offers a fulfilling performance. But when it comes to the F performance, Lexus also shows how well it can push its limitations and add some adrenaline to the road.

Photos: Lexus; Formula Drift; Powervehicles; Andy Gray 

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S.J. Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.