2015 Lexus RC F
Here we go again, folks. Every time a new premium sport coupe or sedan is introduced, the question arises: Does Car X have what it takes to compete with the best from Germany? This answer – no – has become so predictable, it now verges on rhetorical.
Lexus has been down this road before. The first-generation Lexus IS (introduced in the late 1990s), the second-generation IS (2005) and its high-performance variant, the IS F (2008), all fell short.
When introduced, the IS F, a ferocious-looking sedan capable of significant speed, did not match up to the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C 55 AMG in the class. Fast in a straight line? Absolutely. Engaging when turning the wheel? Less so.
Now comes another shot across the bow from the luxury division of Toyota – the RC F, the most potent of three new sport coupes set to hit dealerships in November, the other two being the base RC 350 and the RC 350 F Sport.
The RC F employs a proven formula for sport coupe success: a rigid chassis, a sport-tuned suspension and a healthy V-8 engine that sends more power to the rear wheels than the rear wheels can handle. Driving the car to and around the full track at Monticello Motor Club provided ample time to determine whether this particular Lexus will represent a breakthrough for the brand.
Bottom line: Closer. But not close enough.
On the positive side, the 5.0-litre V-8 nestled under that muscular hood develops a noteworthy 467 horsepower and 389 lb-ft of torque. Rather than bludgeoning the driver with straight-line performance, it makes an honest effort at being a true driver's car with precise steering, crisp handling and genuine fun-to-drive factor.
The rear-wheel drive RC F performed best when equipped with the optional torque vectoring differential (TVD), an electronic system with three driver-selectable settings. In the most aggressive of these settings, the differential applies the brakes to the inside rear wheel to help carve corners more effectively. With the TVD set just right and the traction control switched off, the Lexus proved willing to drift sideways through corners with remarkable predictability. This characteristic, combined with the light-yet-precise steering, made the approach to each corner of the track a pleasure. On the other hand, the suspension system (too much body roll), the brakes (too much fading) and the eight-speed automatic transmission (not racy enough) left me wanting.
Ultimately, there is much to appreciate about the 2015 Lexus RC F, a few significant criticisms and one overarching concern: Pricing for it has yet to be announced. Company representatives indicate that the RC F would start in the low $80,000s – in other words, more than its direct rivals. That would seem to be a brave, but dubious strategy.
The 2015 Lexus RC F
Tech Specs
Type: Luxury sport coupe
Base price: TBD
Engine: 5.0-litre V-8
Transmission/drive: Eight-speed automatic/rear-wheel drive
Fuel economy (litres/100 km): 15.2 city/9.5 highway/ 12.6 combined
Alternatives: Audi RS5, BMW M4, Cadillac CTS-V Coupe, Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG
RATINGS
LOOKS: The RC F is dynamite from every angle and, arguably, the class-leader in terms of sheer style.
INTERIOR: The layout is interesting, but some of the materials used are less than impressive, especially for Lexus.
PERFORMANCE: The engine and handling of the RC F carry the day, over-compensating for the car's weaknesses.
TECHNOLOGY: The instrument panel is engaging and high-tech; the level of
CARGO: There's decent cargo space for a coupe and reasonable back-seat room… but it's still a coupe.
VERDICT 8.5/10
There's much to love here—but how much love depends on the MSRP.
You'll like this car if… You want a high-style, high-performance sport coupe that's not the obvious choice.
The writer was a guest of the auto maker.
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