It’s the ultra-high-performance derivative of Lexus’s new RC 350 coupe.The RC F’s direct competition is obvious enough: The Audi RS5, the BMW M4 and the Mercedes C63 AMG Coupe (and perhaps soon, a Cadillac ATS V coupe).
The RC F’s springs are firmer than those on an RC 350 with F-Sport upgrade. The adaptive shocks have a higher default dampening rate. The Brembo brakes are larger still, with six-piston aluminum mono-block calipers in front, four-piston in the rear. Michelin Pilot Sports come standard (235/40-19 front, 265/35-19 rear). There’s more driver-selectable adjustment for the eight-speed torque converter automatic (the only choice), the electrically boosted steering and the stability electronics, including all-off.
The F adds a triangular structural brace in the engine compartment and another behind the rear seat (which in turn eliminates the folding rear seat). It has an aluminum hood and bumper beams, a speed-activated rear wing and an optional carbon-fiber wing and roof panel. At 3,958 pounds, its curb weight slots below the all-wheel-drive RS5 and just above the C63. Its power-to-weight ratio is surpassed only by the much lighter M4.
And it looks the part. The F adds big intake grilles at the edges of the RC’s front valance for oil and transmission coolers. It has a vent in the center of its hood, and gill vents at trailing edge of its front fenders. Its exhaust tips are stacked at a 45-degree angle, and it does without the funny strakes at the corners of the RC 350’s rear bumper. The RC F grabs plenty of looks, in “what’s that?” more than “whoh, beauty!” fashion.
This car comes track ready, and as if to prove the point, Lexus will begin building FIA-spec GT-3 race cars for customers this fall. Yet the company insists it wanted more.
“The goal was a track-ready car for any driver, assessable to all skill levels,” say chief engineer Yukihiko Naguchi. “We wanted a car that can captivate experienced enthusiasts and create new ones from novice drivers”
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