[soarer]

Torque Vectoring Differential

Generally, the math is pretty simple--the smaller the print, the worse the news. Of course, sometimes the less-than-cool stipulations are just buried in the middle of 1000 pages of terms and conditions. Like how iTunes can legally harvest your organs.

But the small print in the new RC F brochure actually contains some good news! When I first drove the RC F at the Monticello Motor Club back in August we were told that the torque vectoring differential would only be available as a part of an option package. And on the website, that's how it looks. The TVD is included in the Performance Package, along with a carbon fiber roof rear and rear wing, and comes on top of the Premium Package, which adds amenities like heated and cooled seats, parking assist and rain-sensing wipers.

Beneath the all the package info, however, is the Individual Options list. Here's the breakdown:

Premium Triple-Beam LED headlamps
Leather interior trim
Intuitive Parking Assist
Pre-Collision System18 with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with sliding sunshade
Torque Vectoring Differential (limited time)

The Performance Package isn't going to be available until at least January, but if you're looking to get your RC F--with the trick differential--in time for Christmas, and can live without the carbon roof and spoiler, you might be able to save some cash. After the PP is available, I'd imagine the TVD won't be available on its own. I've attached a link to download the PDF below. Take a look at it and let me know if you find any more interesting info!

 

[Lex Luther]

I didn't know what torque vectoring differential was so I looked it up. Here is what wikipedia says.

Torque vectoring is a new technology employed in automobile differentials. A differential transfers engine torque to the wheels. Torque vectoring technology provides the differential with the ability to vary the power to each wheel. This method of power transfer has recently become popular in all-wheel drive vehicles.[1] Some newer front-wheel drive vehicles also have a basic torque vectoring differential. As technology in the automotive industry improves, more vehicles are equipped with torque vectoring differentials

Sounds like a pretty cool feature to me. I wonder how much you actually feel it while driving.

 

[spoonful]

Would be nice if they keep the TVD as standalone even after the Performance pack comes out. But you know what would be really stellar, is if Lexus offered Torque vectoring on the AWD RC350...

 

[Ross]

Yeah that would be really awesome, what do you think are the chances of them doing that?

 

[Lex Luther]

Well its becoming more popular on AWD vehicles so I would say that there is a good chance that could happen.

 

[soarer]

It's also a step up when going AWD, and with seeing how the RC isn't as much of a true sports car as many thought it would be, this would at least be something that helps it out a bit, something lexus should look into doing.
This is only the beginning, so for all we know there could be a very good chance of it happening.