2016 Lexus RC F GT Tops C&D Lightning Lap 2016, "Ties" Porsche 918 on VIR

The RC F's circuit sibling happens to top Car and Driver's Lightning Lap 2016 results, with the publication having just released this year's times for its usual Virginia International Raceway adventure - note that the times had leaked, with the 2017 Camaro 1LE's jaw-dropping performance making the headlines.

The Lex managed to go round VIR in 2:43.2, which can be translated in two ways. Since we mentioned this in the title, we'll start with explaining the quotes accompanying the Porsche 918 Spyder comparison.

You see, the RF F GT Concept covered the task just .1 of a second behind the Zuffenhausen halo car: one ill-manifested blink and the times would've interchanged.

And while the gas-electric Porscha was already on the board when the Lexus set wheel on VIR, we must also compare the RC F GT to other cars which entered the 2016 challenge.

With its Yokohama slicks, the 500 atmospheric hp (estimated output) 5.0-liter V8 machine, which had lost 721 lbs of lavish material, managed to outgun the 2016 Dodge Viper ACR (you know, the cult-car-in-the-making), which set a time of 2:44.2. And we can say the same about the Ferrari 488 GTB and its 2:45.1 lap

Don't expect Prancing Horse fanatics to get upset, though, as the future "Speciale" incarnation of the twin-turbo supercar will definitely settle the score. For one thing, there are dents on the Japanese toy's armor - C&D lists the 8-speed slushbox, which has been lifted off the RC F street car, as the weak tech link of the machine.

And, before inviting you to check out the Japanese monster's lap, we have to mention that its track-only or concept status are relative. For one thing, if Lexus, or a third party developer, followed the route paved by Lanzante Motorsport with its streetable McLaren P1 GTR, the RC F GT wouldn't be so road-illegal, would it?