Lexus RC F – A Japanese smoke machine
The Lexus RC F is a Japanese sports coupé with a five-litre V8, rear-wheel drive and a soundtrack that makes it hard to drive gently.
A Japanese answer to BMW M
The Lexus RC F is a Japanese sports coupé with a five-litre V8, rear-wheel drive and a soundtrack that makes it hard to drive gently.
It's no secret that Lexus has been working hard to compete with BMW and their M3 and M4 models. Now they've made another attempt to challenge this classic sports car class from Bavaria. The model is called the RC F. F stands for Fuji Speedway, a historic racing circuit in Japan where the country's first Formula 1 race was held in 1976. But F also stands for Fun.
The Lexus brand was introduced in 1989 by Toyota, which wanted to improve its image with a touch of extra luxury. Right from the start, the new LS 400 model had a V8 engine. In the Lexus RC F, presented in 2013, Lexus truly wants to convey the feeling that your heart beats a little faster when you get behind the wheel. Even the instrument lighting flashes in time with a heartbeat upon startup. It's easy to miss the first time, but at the same time, it’s a nice hint that an adventure begins as soon as the car starts and the 477-horsepower V8 engine comes to life.
From a standstill to 100 km/h takes just 4.5 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 270 km/h, but without the limiter, the car would exceed the 300 mark.
Two personalities in the same car
However, it's not just a thrilling sports car that Lexus has developed with the Lexus RC F. They've also considered the environment to lower consumption when you're not seeking excitement but simply want to travel calmly and sensibly from A to B. In this mode, the engine uses what's called an Atkinson cycle, where the valves are held open longer to reduce consumption. When the car is instead to be pushed to its limits and the revs rise, the engine switches to classic Otto technology, which results in significantly higher fuel consumption.
The car has four different driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport and Sport+. All designed to precisely suit the driver's preferences. In Eco mode, the car becomes silky smooth and discreet. You glide along, barely noticing the engine. The only thing that doesn't really change is the suspension, which remains relatively firm. The instrumentation turns blue and displays information about fuel consumption and other data for optimal Eco driving.
When the RC F shows its true colours
In today's automotive world, it is of course important to be able to compromise to build a car of this character with a clear conscience. Because naturally, you don't buy a Lexus RC F to drive it in Eco mode. With a bonnet and roof in clear-lacquered carbon fibre and a screaming orange colour, it's Sport+ that the car and driver are most comfortable in. Then the car flexes its muscles and is ready for attack.
The soundscape changes throughout the cabin as parts of the engine noise are amplified via the sound system. To put it mildly, it sounds like a proper racing car, and the hair on your arms stands on end. The dashboard simultaneously transforms with a large red rev counter and information about g-forces. There is no doubt what the car’s purpose is now.
The eight-speed gearbox does an impressive job in all situations. It's smooth and harmonious in Eco and Normal modes, but lightning-fast in Sport and Sport+. When downshifting in the latter mode, the car blips the throttle to maintain RPMs, which delivers a lovely thrill every time.
A car that adapts to the driver
To also make the Lexus RC F as user-friendly as possible, it's fitted with an adjustable differential named TVD. Bengt Dahlström, the marketing manager, explains that the RC F and its adjustable differential have been developed so that every driver who gets behind the wheel feels good, whether they're just driving to buy milk or are an enthusiast who wants to push the car hard. This is clearly evident. The RC F can be as docile as can be, and in the next moment transform into a full-blown racing car.
Japanese design with strong character
The Japanese design is clearly different compared to the clean and sometimes a little boringly austere German design. Here, sharp lines and pointed forms meet. Unfortunately, the interior doesn't quite make it all the way, and with about ten different material choices, the overall impression becomes somewhat cluttered. The seating comfort, on the other hand, is faultless, and the Alcantara and leather seats hold the body in place when it starts going fast through the bends. The rear seat, however, is not for fully grown adults and feels more like an excuse for them to be there at all.
Today the Lexus RC F feels almost like a final tribute to the classic large-engined sports coupé. On CarsCollection.com, there are also reports about Ferrari SF90 Stradale and Koenigsegg Gemera, two modern supercars from a completely different generation.
Conclusion
Despite Lexus doing everything to make the Lexus RC F suitable for everyone, it won't appeal to everyone. But if you have a soft spot for its design, you won't be disappointed. The Lexus RC F has exceptionally high competence and, for being as versatile as it is, it actually beats BMW at its own game.
Lexus RC F
Base price From SEK 758,700
Engine: 5-liter V8, 477 hp. Torque 530 Nm
Transmission: Front-wheel drive, 8-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds
Top speed: 270 km/h
Fuel consumption mixed driving according to the manufacturer: 1.08 l/mile
Weight: 1765 kg
Guarantees New car 2 years, carriage damage 3 years, rust protection 12 years
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