By Derek Price
Automotive Writer
The Germans long ago perfected the art of selling hyper-fast, hyper-profitable versions of their ordinary cars to an audience of speed-hungry enthusiasts.
Now Lexus is putting a uniquely Japanese spin on this formula with a wild, head-turning performance machine called the RC F.
Unlike the masterful BMW M cars and the monster-powered Mercedes-Benz AMGs, which look relatively subdued next to the RC F, Lexus let its designers go crazy with this car.
You could zoom in and take a photo of any singular element — the headlights, the taillights, the side mirrors, the door handles — and end up with a print that would look at home in a modern art gallery because every detail is sculpted to the extreme. It’s an eye-catching departure for the normally conservative Lexus brand.
A special high-performance version of the new RC, called the RC F, gets loud body styling to go with its 467-horsepower performance.
Underneath all the zig-zagged bodywork is another surprise: a real-life V8 engine, not a turbocharged/supercharged/hot-rodded V6 like so many other cars of this caliber are turning to.There’s a meanness and a heaviness to this engine that few cars can match, making it feel like you’re driving an angry rhinoceros when you step on the gas pedal and unleash all 467 horsepower in a screaming, stomping fit.And the sound — oh, the sweet, wonderful sound.The RC F makes a deep but subdued rumble at low RPMs, making it sound more like a traditional luxury car than a sports coupe. But it shows its demonic side as you wind it closer to a 7,300-RPM redline, where it releases a thrilling throaty, tenor wail.The electronics on this car are almost as impressive as the engine. You can drive politely in the normal driving mode around town, then kick it into Sport-Plus mode when you really want to have some fun. It changes the exhaust sound, the shift points, the steering and the handling to be ready for the racetrack, so it’s super loud and super aggressive.The seats are firm with lots of side support, so it’s definitely not your grandma’s comfy Lexus. But the highway ride is reasonable enough that it could easily suffice for your daily commute, not just for weekends and track days.Another plus on the inside: It has the best digital graphics suite I’ve seen on any car, making it easy to figure out the myriad options and settings to suit the driver’s preferences.
For a racy option, Lexus offers red leather seats in the RC F. It’s the most aggressive, exotic-looking Lexus for sale today.
The new rotary selector for the infotainment system is light years ahead of the old cursor-pointer thing some other Lexus cars have experimented with.Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a spare tire. You just get a can of Fix-a-Flat-style foam, as I discovered after a blowout on Interstate 30, which means there’s a very good chance you’ll get to experience the prompt, courteous response from Lexus roadside assistance service someday.Pricing starts at $62,400.
2015 Lexus RC F ($62,400). Options: 19-inch wheels ($1,500), leather seats ($800), navigation package ($2,840), special paint ($595), premium package ($4,400), moonroof ($1,100). Price as tested (including $925 destination charge): $74,560
Wheelbase: 107.5 in.
Length: 185.2 in.
Width: 81.5 in.
Height: 54.7 in.
Engine: 5.0-liter V8 (467 hp, 389 lbs.-ft. torque)
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Estimated Mileage: 16 city, 25 highway
RATINGS
Style: 10
Performance: 10
Price: 9
Handling: 10
Ride: 6
Comfort: 5
Quality: 9
Overall: 10
Video Review:
2015 Lexus RC F
bit.ly/2015rcf
Why buy it?
It’s an absolute blast to drive and looks original and aggressive. It’s Lexus’ answer to the BMW M and Mercedes AMG models, but with its own distinct look and feel.