Objectively speaking, the Lexus RCF is not the best coupe sports car of the leading class. It doesn't have the same clarity as a BMW M4, the same roundness as an Audi RS5, or the same savage speed as a Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe. There isn't even a significant value-for-money advantage to consider because its pricing isn't much different from that of its more competent competitors.

The car was always bullied by its rivals and had the disadvantage of not being good enough in front of them. So, it did what any car would do: go to the gym. With some weight loss in 2019 at the North American International Auto Show, the vehicle was infused with carbon fiber. But did it perform as well? We’ll find out.

The Lexus RCF holds a special place in our hearts because the joy of driving isn't always about raw talent or stats on a spec sheet. There is more to the RC F than that. Its appeal results from a steadily decreasing number of components that, for the time being, truly distinguish it as a unique product in the new vehicle market.

A step into the past

The Lexus RC, or "Radical Coupe" as Lexus calls it, is a two-door coupé variant of the Lexus IS (XE30). A more powerful variant of the RC is the RCF.

The RC Series

• In 2013, at the Tokyo Motor Show, the RC made its debut.
• The first models included RC 350 and RC 300h.
• AWD option was offered for the RC 300h and RC 350.

The first RCF was sold in the US in November 2014 as a car for the 2015 model year.

• The RC had its first makeover in August 2018, and official photos were released before its premiere at the 2018 Paris Motor Show a few weeks later.
• The triple-eye LEDs and the company's 'L' shaped DRLs are combined.

For the US market's 2018 model year, a limited edition RCF was launched to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Lexus F high-performance cars.

• In 2019, The RC F Track Edition, also known as the Performance Package, was presented at the North American International Auto Show.
• The F, which stood for performance, was a more track-focused version of the RC F.
• Its look is comparable to that of the other revised RC models.

Lexus RCF evolution

2015-2019

2020-present

Lexus RCF Trims

The Lexus RCF Fuji Speedway edition, priced at $100,720, has all the options. However, it only comes in one color. It has the same engine specs as the other trims but is limited to 50 units only.

Features:

Additional Packages

Standard comes with the Premium Package for $6,375 or a high-cost Carbon Package for $17,775.

The premium package adds.

• Heated steering wheel
• Parking assist
• A leather interior,
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• A power tilt-and-telescoping steering column
• Nineteen-inch forged alloy wheels
• A rear center console with cupholders.

The carbon package has:

• A carbon-fibre roof
• Front spoiler
• Rear diffuser
• Rear wing
• Black carbon fiber interior trim.

The Track Edition does not offer the Premium or Carbon Packages. However, all of the external panels made of carbon fiber are already included in the Track Edition model.

How improved is the Lexus RCF performance?

The RC F from Lexus is not the quickest vehicle in its class. It already had trouble competing with the BMW M4's previous iteration, and the most recent M4 is even faster. While Lexus claims the ordinary vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, the Track Edition sports a stated speed of 3.96 seconds. The max speed of both is 168 mph. In Competition mode, the new BMW M4 accelerates to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, which is not significantly faster. The M4 Competition requires 3.4 seconds with AWD. However, the Lexus lacks a manual transmission, whereas the standard M4 does. The Lexus does not come in any AWD variations.

Due to the enhancements, the Track Edition now belongs to the elite group of vehicles that can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than four seconds. However, the bragging rights come at a price. Weight continues to reduce the performance of the typical automobile. Even so, the rear-wheel-drive design and engine are rather endearing. Lexus continues to rely on a powerful 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine that produces 472 horsepower for the rear wheels. Peak torque is produced at 4,800 rpm. However, all of the horsepower is only released at 7,100 rpm.

Although forced induction steals an engine's personality, the RCF reminds us of everything that made the pre-turbo era so amazing, including linear power delivery, induction noise, and quick throttle response. The future is turbocharged. As soon as you shift through the gears to chase the V8's redline, you'll forget everything about sprint timings.

Gas Mileage for the Lexus RCF

Although the turbocharger has improved life marginally, high-performance vehicles are rarely economical. Despite this, the Lexus gets 16/24/19 miles per gallon in the city, highway, and combined, comparable with its rivals. This provides the 17.4-gallon tank of the RC F a reasonable, but not great, driving range of roughly 330 miles.

IN CONTRAST, the BMW M4 obtains a comparable 16/23/19 mpg with a smaller turbocharged engine.

Exterior of the Lexus RCF

The Lexus RCF is attractive despite age, thanks to its massive spindle grille and crisp lines. Both variants have 19-inch wheels, lighted door handles, and LED headlights.

The stacked quad-exit tailpipes at the rear provide a fantastic V8 burble.

The top, hood, and fixed rear wing are just a few carbon fiber body elements that distinguish the Track Edition. Additionally, it boasts distinctive, extremely light BBS alloy wheels.

Interior of the Lexus RCF

From behind the wheel, the latest-generation Lexus RCF sports car is a picture of sophistication and style, but it isn't very racy if that's what you're into.

The tachometer, positioned in the middle of the cabin, is the sole genuine performance indicator.

Although Lexus offers some Circuit Red inlays, that is about as racy as it gets. Normally, this would be a little disappointing, but I believe it is a fantastic representation of the dual spirit of the Lexus RC F.

An interior that complements the dazzling appearance is included in the Track Edition. Blue carbon fiber and black Alcantara give the inside a welcome boost. Push-button ignition, dual-zone temperature control, and power-adjustable front seats are all standard features with the RC F.

Practicality with a Lexus RCF coupe

The 2+2 seating configuration is standard on the Lexus RCF coupe. The back bench's center seat is lifted to give rear passengers a more body-hugging seating posture.

Although baggage space isn't a major selling element in the 2-door coupe market, Lexus trails behind its key competitors in this area. Even though the RC F's trunk only has 10.1 cubic feet of room, the load area is broad and level.

Infotainment for the Lexus RCF

Both Lexus RCF variants include a split-screen eight-inch monitor with excellent quality. There is a navigation-equipped 10.3-inch infotainment screen available. The infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The base sound system has ten speakers, but a Mark Levinson sound system with 17 speakers is also an option.

Attributes for the Lexus RCF

Pros

✔ Naturally aspirated V8 engine

✔ The best-sounding V8 in the market

✔ Comfortability

✔ Lower cost of entry than competitors

✔ Excellent build quality

Cons

✖ Weight is still quite heavy.

✖ Needs improvement in its technological features.

✖ It can feel cumbersome and a little unsophisticated.

✖ Infotainment is still outdated.

How safe is the Lexus RCF?

Pedestrian detection and pre-collision warning, pedestrian detection in low lighting and daytime bicyclist detection, left turn vehicle intersection support, steering assist with lane departure alert, high-tech beams, improved all-speed dynamic radar cruise control, enhanced lane tracing assist, and road sign assist are all included in the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 suite, which is standard on the Lexus RCF.

Recently added features include rear cross-traffic warning and blind-spot monitoring.

What do the experts say about the Lexus RCF?

“Most of the Lexus’s main rivals are from Germany, yet the class is not quite as clear-cut as it was at the time of the RC F’s launch back in 2014.”-evo

“The RC F has a smooth ride, but it can't change the fundamental problem with this car: its heavy mass. Beyond that, the RC F is also the oldest car in its segment, and it shows in terms of performance and technology. It's a sporty coupe but underperforms compared to its peers.”-Edmunds.

Verdict:

Lexus has always been the luxury car brand with a smooth drive and interior so lush you’d want to sleep in it. One day, they came up with the LFA, which I think, and most people think, is the best car ever made.

The Lexus RC F, a high-performance RC model, has quirks, features, and a bigger V8. It may as well be the only good-sounding naturally aspirated V8 in the market, but the times have changed, and everything accounts for the numbers.

Jeremy Clarkson, on the release of RCF, said

“The LFA was so good that the people who built the car forgot how to build one like it again.”

I think this quote explains everything.

FAQS

Is the Lexus RC F worth considering for buyers seeking a unique sports car experience?

Yes, the Lexus RC F is worth considering if you appreciate the sound and character of a naturally aspirated V8 engine and want a sports car that stands out from the crowd. While it may not be the fastest, it offers a unique driving experience.

How does RC differ from RC F?

The Lexus RC F is a high-performance coupe sports car offered by Lexus. It's a Lexus RC variant known for its powerful V8 engine and sporty design.

What is the price of RC F?

The base RC F costs $68,195; anyone wanting an RC F will be pleased with the base model, which is sold with an appealing range of standard equipment.

The racier Fuji Speedway Edition model now comes with updated Hitachi shocks and can be painted in a new color called Incognito. It’s priced at $100,720