2015 Lexus RC F

Lexus recently introduced the new RC sports coupe, and the RC F is the most powerful Lexus 5.0-L performance car they have ever developed.
2015 Lexus RC F
2015 Lexus RC F (Courtesy of Lexus)
11/10/2014
Updated:
11/10/2014

Lexus recently introduced the new RC sports coupe, and the RC F is the most powerful Lexus 5.0-L performance car they have ever developed.

The DOHC 32-valve delivers a spine-jolting 467 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 389 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800-5,600 rpm. The RC F will go 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds while delivering manufacturer’s estimated fuel economy of 16/25/19, city/highway/combined. The close-ratio, eight-speed sport program, direct shift, and available Torque Vectoring Differential makes for a smooth transition through the gears.

RC F is the first Lexus I ever drove that seems acclimated for the racetrack. In fact, the “F” stands for Fuji Speedway. I can assure that what holds for the track holds doubly for the roadway concerning performance and fulfillment of expectations.

The body is rigid. The brakes, tires, and all systems were developed so average drivers like myself get close to the limits previously attained by trained professionals. Even an old car guy like myself managed to get the F Sport to a speed well over the century mark on the back straightway at the NOLA Motorsports Park located a short distance from downtown New Orleans.

The best RC F feature for me was the grille. It looks menacing. Much like a disgruntled Halloween pumpkin that had recently been turned down for the lead in the movie Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Look closely at the grille, you'll see the “F” motif repeated on the mesh patterns below the Lexus emblem on the grille supplying air to oil coolers. 

At the rear of the front fender, a large L-shaped cooling outlet provides essential cooling to enhance performance.

Engineers have raised the hood in the center to accommodate and emphasize the V8, and also put a masked vent in the center that supports aerodynamics and cooling.

The RC F has something that amazes me. The technology is adopted from the Lexus LFA—the second super sedan after the IS F developed by Lexus. With technological smarts, a wing deploys from the RC F trunk lid at a vehicle speed of approximately 50 mph to increase downforce as the vehicle speed rises. As the vehicle’s speed drops below approximately 25 mph, the wing retracts. Alternatively, the driver can control rear wing deployment from the cockpit.

The RC F uses aerodynamics to support high-speed stability. The coupe design allows the air to flow smoothly, adding aerodynamics to the undercover and aero stabilizing fins. 

The rear combination headlamps show the distinct Lexus L-shape motif. It is not the regular type of simply embedded motif, but a graphic element within the lamp unit. The surface is raised to create the three-dimensional “L” effect.

Then there is the sound blasting from the RC F’s quad stacked tailpipe that turns all heads. Folks hear you long before you get there, all the more appreciative upon your arrival, but disappointed as you cruise away.

All this sports beauty sits on a 107.5 inch wheelbase that is slightly lower, wider, and longer than the RC. The new Lexus RC F will start at approximately $62,000 and should be showing up at dealers soon.

For the cabin, Lexus turned to its LFA super car’s unique components for the RC F including the gauges, steering wheel, sports seats, and trim pedals. You get three choices of smooth leather seats: Circuit Red, Stratus Gray, and Black. All chaperoned by black carbon fiber finishers. The cockpit is intensive in status, but cool in looks.

The analog speedometer sits just to the right of the longer tachometer. This evokes class to an already classy sports car. When the door opens, the speedometer illuminates as a welcoming jester. As you sit down and the door closes, the speedometer flashes in a way that signals your heart to start beating faster. All in preparation for a magnificent ride.

The tachometer is the center gauge in the display. But it does more than hold a position. The meter display changes according to driving mode (Eco, Normal, Sport, and Sport S+). When you slip this baby into Sport S+ be sure to have a nitroglycerin tablet ready to slip under your tongue to stabilize your heart.

Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected].

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