Limited edition Lexus announced

Lexus is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its high-performance F badged models with limited editions of the V8 engined GS F and RC F - destined to arrive in New Zealand in October.

Just 500 of these special edition models have been manufactured globally and Lexus New Zealand has been fortunate to secure 5 RC F coupes and 10 GS F sports sedans for the local market.

The two cars feature an eight-speed sport direct shift transmission that offers a wide range of electronic features, including G sensors and artificial intelligence software for sports driving.

Few engines can match a naturally aspirated V8 when it comes to delivering seamless power from idle to redline.

The 5.0-litre V8 in the GS F and RC F is engineered for low weight and high strength with forged connecting rods and titanium valves that allow a 7,300 rpm redline.

Lexus meticulously tested the torque vectoring differential system at the Nürburgring and Japan’s Fuji Speedway to fine-tune its operation.

The Lexus F symbol is derived from the name and design of Japan’s Fuji Speedway, the home of Lexus performance vehicle development. It represents the first letter of the famed track’s name and depicts the first corner of Fuji Speedway, commonly known as 27R.

It was first used as an internal code for the original LS 400 sedan in 1989 and Lexus subsequently trademarked the emblem in 2006.

The first production F badged car was the IS F, a V8 engined version of the IS sedan range, available in New Zealand in 2008. The limited edition LFA supercar appeared in 2009, with the RC F following in 2014 and the GS F in 2015.

The limited edition anniversary models are priced at:

5.0-litre V8 RC F Coupe anniversary edition $177,500

5.0-litre V8 GS F Sedan anniversary edition $178,400