LEXUS RC F

Turbo, V6 AWD Amplify Lexus RC Line

October 6, 2015 by admin Leave a Comment

Apparently, Lexus is listening to its customers. Toyota’s luxury brand, long a leader amongst premium marques, has been playing it relatively safe even as its European rivals continue to push the styling envelope along with a fun driving edge.

Operating within the careful confines of expertly crafted sedans and hybrids hasn’t hurt Lexus’ sales much, but it does mean that enthusiast shoppers haven’t had much to consider, especially amongst coupes. That’s begun to change as the Lexus RC line, including the performance RC F, represent an alternative to the likes of the BMW 4 Series and M4.

Introduced in 2015, the RC Coupe has made a satisfactory initial effort in the compact luxury category. But being “satisfactory” by no means is sufficient, particularly when you want to convince BMW and Mercedes-Benz owners to make the switch.

Second Year Updates

Beginning in 2016, some of the shortfalls inherent in the RC will be satisfied as a turbo four-cylinder engine is added to the product line as well as optional all-wheel drive with the V-6 engine. The only significant discrepancy remaining is a big one, namely a 6-speed manual transmission, and that’s one deficiency that will remain in place for at least another model year.

The new-to-the-RC engine is Lexus’ sole forced induction motor, introduced in 2015 in the all-new Lexus NX, a compact crossover SUV. It has since found its way to two other models: the IS 200t and the GS 200t. Yes, this model is known as the RC 200t.

The twin-scroll turbocharged inline four with an intercooler displaces at two liters and comes paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It makes 241 horsepower and throws down 258 foot-pounds of torque at 1,650 to 4,400 rpm. An F Sport trim level is available and offers optional orange brake calipers and a Limited Slip differential.

A Lexus RC 300 AWD model makes 255 horsepower and 236 foot-pounds of torque, and is powered by a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine. The engine, modified to handle all-wheel drive, comes paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Return of the RC 350

As before, the RC 350 leads the product line and is powered by a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine making 306 horsepower. It comes paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission along with a sports program direct shift to provide effortless acceleration, anticipated torque, and optimized fuel economy.

Like the 200t, a 350 RWD F Sport edition is available; this one comes with a standard adaptive variable transmission and an attainable Lexus Dynamic Handling system, which includes rear-wheel steering.

Pricing to be Announced Later

As important as these changes are for the RC, Lexus has not shared two very important bits of information about the 2016, including its release date and its base price. We do know that the 200t was developed to provide a lower cost gateway to the product line. Thus, a starting price of $39,995 seems reasonable. That’s about $500 more than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe (C250) and $1,500 below the base BMW 4 Series. Incidentally, the comparable Cadillac ATS Coupe is priced from $37,995.

As for the Lexus RC F, it returns for 2016 virtually unchanged, although the optional brake calipers available elsewhere can be had here. The RC F is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter, V-8 engine making 467 horsepower and 389 foot-pounds of torque. It comes paired with a close-ratio, eight-speed automatic transmission.

The RC F sits lower than the RC and is slightly wider and longer too. The sports car has a 0-to-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 171 mph. Auto Trends has reviewed both the RC F and the RC 350. We’ll share a 2016 model when soon after it completes its fleet visit later this year.

Photo copyright Lexus.

Lexus RC F: Manual, Please?

August 3, 2015 by admin 3 Comments

Lexus RC F

Like most of its chief competitors, the Lexus RC F does not offer a manual transmission. Instead, Lexus mates its stout 467-horsepower, V-8 engine to an eight-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting capabilities. No three-pedal workout is available, but you can control the shift points with the auto stick or by means of the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Introduced for the 2015 model year, the rear-wheel drive Lexus RC is composed of RC 350 and RC F editions. Both coupes are based on the IS sedan platform. Auto Trends reviewed the RC 350 earlier this year; that review can be found here.

The Lexus RC F is a 2+2 sport coupe with a mostly useless back seat. If you can maneuver a car seat and position it on the rear seat, then you can bring your baby with you. However, a toddler sitting on a booster seat just might whine and complain about the lack of legroom. Never mind the crying and gnashing of teeth rejoinders from anyone larger than a tot.

Read “F” as in RC F and that means you’re taking in Lexus’ performance brand. “F” to Lexus is what “M” is to BMW, what “AMG” is to Mercedes-Benz, and what “RS” is to Audi. It is also the performance equivalent of the “V-Series” to Cadillac. But don’t ever confuse “F” with “F Sport” as the latter Lexus appellation is all about the looks, but not the performance. By the way, the “F” stands for Fuji Speedway where Lexus conducts its testing.

Lexus RC F

The luxury sport coupe class is what owners of the Dodge Challenger, Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang might consider when they want the ultimate combination of luxury and performance. Still, all three American mainstream brands can usually excel on the straightaway with the Europeans holding the advantage in handling.

In the Lexus RC F this sport coupe delivers a truly aggressive persona. Chiseled lines, deep scallops, a rakish profile and a dynamic rear fascia amplify this model. The front fascia is dominated by Lexus’ now common spindle grille or hourglass design, offset by sinister headlamps and swoosh daytime running lights. Got Nike?

Some other stand out features on this model include a hood scoop, cooling ducts, an active rear wing, and distinctive stacked tail pipes. Each model is outfitted with 19-inch forged aluminum wheels. Notably, the tire sizes are 255/35R19 in the front and 275/35R19 to the rear.

Lexus RC F

2015 Lexus RC F

View manufacturer details and pricing

Slide behind the steering wheel and you’ll immediately be enveloped in a comfortable, highly supportive sport seat. Indeed, Lexus says they employed special integrated foam construction to ensure that the seat conforms to a person’s body. Not only does it deliver customized support for each person, but it eradicates wrinkles and prevents cover slippage common to such seats.

The rear seat is fixed in place, but it includes a pass through to the trunk for your skis, golf clubs and other long items. Certainly, the extra room is beneficial, as the trunk offers just 10.1 cubic feet of storage space.

An electronic tilt and telescopic steering column moves into place when you start the car. The three-spoke steering wheel is small and raised, similar to what you would find in a race car. Finger rests, thick padding and oversized paddle shifters are notable features here.

Lexus RC F

The instrument panel offers an unusual design with an oversized analog tachometer centered within. To the left is the digital driver’s information center. To the right is an analog speedometer. A sport instrument hood covered in felt-like stitched material tops the panel.

The top of the dashboard is even, but just below that the lines are interrupted as the instrument hood gives way to the center stack. The color display resides at the top of the stack and occupies a recessed compartment. Operation of the screen is by means of a control pad located just below the transmission shifter. That pad works much like a mouse. Some may find it distracting, but I’ve gotten used to it and have learned how best to keep my eyes on the road by making darting glances as I harmonize the cursor with the intended command.

Below the color display are vents with an analog clock centered between them. Climate control switches, a CD player, and a micro SD card for controlling the navigation system are below that. Seat warming and cooling switches, the transmission stick and Lexus’ “vehicle dynamic integrated management” (VDIM) system follow. The armrest doubles as a deep storage compartment with two USB ports, an auxiliary input port and a 12-volt outlet present.

Lexus RC F

VDIM allows the driver to choose one of four drive modes: normal, eco, sport and sport+ (S+) modes. Choose S+ and you’ll enjoy the best of the driving attributes offered by this model. S+ automatically turns on the active sound control (ASC) system, what retunes the exhaust, intake and mechanical sounds inside the vehicle. In effect it transforms a rather sedate coupe into a sound beast, with notes heretofore muted now allowed to blast forth. Take note of the transmutation from low and deep tones under 3,000 RPM to vigorous bellowing notes as the tachometer passes 6,000 RPM.

Switch the gear shifter to “M” for the manual and the coupe’s behavior immediately changes. You get eight forward gears to work with and full torque-converter lockup is apparent from the second gear on. Rapid up shifts are possible and the transmission’s throttle blipping control matches the engine speed with each gear.

The RC F’s start/stop button is at the two o’clock position to the right of the steering wheel where the instrument hood intersects with the center stack. Press the aluminum-pedaled brake and the start button and the RC F comes to life. No huge roar from the exhaust, but enough of a welcoming note to say that this is no ordinary RC.

Lexus RC F

So what exactly gives the RC F the kick you desire? Well, the engine of course. But the experience is immediately tempered by a lack of a manual transmission, a deficiency found in competing Mercedes-Benz and Audi models, but not in the BMW M4. And as of 2016, not in the Jaguar F-TYPE.

I do realize that the take rate on such transmissions is much smaller these days, but to be taken seriously in this business, you need to offer one. The German makes have years of lead time on Lexus when it comes to performance cars and AMG shoppers may be more willing to forgive Mercedes-Benz for that slight even if they remain deeply disappointed just the same. Lexus needs the added credential and offering a slush box only is a problem waiting for a remedy.

Yet, the RC F performs admirably and is up to the task. Lexus says the luxury coupe can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds and that’s a noteworthy number. The naturally aspirated V-8 delivers ample punch when you need it, what should satisfy the majority of people.

Lexus RC F

On the straightaway, the RC F rockets and delivers an excellent kick when passing on the highway. You’ll hit 90 mph without much effort and that’s a danger when Smokey is on the hunt to fill his monthly ticket quota.

Take the RC F on curvilinear roads and you will see what this luxury coupe is made of. On the one hand, you won’t be thrown out of your seat. On the other hand, this Lexus handles every twist and turn with precision. And you won’t have to fight with the steering wheel to maintain control.

Power through the curves seems to fall just short, coming in below Lexus’ competitors. You can’t help but feel that this model’s two-ton weight presents a disadvantage, although body roll and turn ins are not the issue. Push the steering to the limits and the system pushes you back, unless you disengage traction control and operate the RC F in S+ mode. Make no mistake about it: the safety overrides are at the ready and for the driving enthusiast they subtract vigor.

Lexus quality, including fit and finish, the materials used and the layout are beyond reproach. The RC F is a masterpiece, as the interior is exquisite with carbon fiber, leather and soft touch materials used throughout the cabin. The price is competitive and the long-term value of the RC F is also something to consider.

Lexus RC F

2015 Lexus RC F

Sticker price from $62,400
Price as tested: $66,100
Seats 4 occupants
5.0-liter 32-valve V-8 gasoline engine
467 horsepower @ 7,100 RPM
389 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,800 to 5,600 RPM
3.70 inches bore by 3.52 inches stroke
Engine compression ratio: 12.3-to-1
8-speed automatic transmission
Wheelbase: 107.5 inches
Length: 185.2 inches
Width: 80 inches
Height: 54.7 inches
Passenger volume: 79.4 cubic feet
Storage volume: 10.1 cubic feet
Towing capacity: NR
EPA: 16 mpg city, 25 mpg highway
Premium grade gasoline required
Fuel tank: 17.4 gallons
Curb weight: From 3,958 pounds
IIHS safety rating: Top Safety Pick+
Limited vehicle warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: 6 years/70,000 miles
Corrosion warranty: 5 years/unlimited miles
Vehicle assembly: Aichi, Japan

2015 Lexus RC F photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

See Also — Luxury Performance Sedan: Lexus GS F

Natty Sport Coupe: Lexus RC 350

April 17, 2015 by admin 1 Comment

Lexus brings to the world an affordable sport coupe that isn’t a convertible. The RC is derived from three Lexus models, but has a unique undercarriage. The question not asked is this one — will we see more performance models from Toyota’s premier brand?

2015 Lexus RC 350

I am a habitual visitor to area “Cars and Coffee” events, taking in the beautiful conveyances and showing off my weekly drivers, especially if that car pegs the hotness level. Fortunately, I have had no shortage of outstanding rides, what typically leads to conversations with attendees about the car on hand as well as other makes and models.

Indeed, one such recent discussion centered on Lexus, Toyota’s premier marque. Each time I mentioned the word “Lexus” a handful of wisenheimers responded with “Toyota,” underscoring their “inability” to distinguish top-shelf and ordinary brands.

And who can blame them? Lexus certainly does have some stand out models, but the emblem tends toward the more conservative side of the business. The smarty pants among them know that the Lexus ES350 is similar to the Toyota Avalon, itself a stretched version of the Camry. And the CT Hybrid just does not “eat asphalt” as Lexus’ marketers claim. Look at the GS and LS sedans and you get a better picture of Lexus possibilities.

Clearly, Lexus may be a strong contender for luxury marque sales leadership, but the brand has long lacked the excitement quotient of its many competitors, including Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Cadillac.

2015 Lexus RC 350

Stepping Out in a Fresh Direction

Change is in the air and evidence is finally on the ground. That manifestation comes to us in the body of the Lexus RC, a natty coupe that saves the day or at least bolsters the Lexus marque.

The RC is the latest Lexus that isn’t a hybrid or a utility vehicle, a 2+2 coupe that has been long in coming and has some catching up to do.

The catching up will come in familiarizing people with the product. To that end, a 2015 Lexus RC 350 was a recent weekly driver. Happily, its moves Lexus in a fresh direction. But it does so with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that is very familiar throughout Toyotadom.

And yet, familiarity isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In the Lexus RC, the V-6 has been tuned to make 306 horsepower, corresponding nicely with the more “common” sport coupes people consider, such as the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and the Dodge Challenger. Furthermore, it is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting capabilities. Put this transmission in sport mode and work the paddle shifters and you will take in at least some of the hands-on driving that is important in this class. Sadly, there is no manual transmission option.

You can choose an all-wheel drive variant too, one with a bias to the rear wheels. You will pay more for that option, but receive two fewer gears in the transmission — Lexus only offers a six-speed automatic with the AWD RC.

2015 Lexus RC 350

Related to the RC F

Before we move on, allow me to clarify one point about the RC 350: it is not the RC F. The RC F is the RC 350 on steroids, powered by a 467-horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8 engine. You get many of the enhancements you’d expect in this segment, including a limited-slip differential, independent front and rear suspensions with stabilizer bars, Brembo brakes, and a sport-tuned suspension. Consider the “F” Lexus’ response to BMW’s M Series and to Mercedes-AMG. Is it there yet? You be the judge.

So back to the model at hand — props to Lexus’ designers with developing a body style that is fetching. From the aggressive grille all the way to the dual exhaust ports, this Lexus screams performance. To be sure, I have grown accustomed to the front lighting arrangement too, what includes a wrap around tear drop headlamp assembly underscored by Lexus LED daytime running lights. I still think those lights bear an uncanny resemblance to Nike, but Lexus would beg to differ.

Stand out features for this model includes a flowing roof line, distinguishing profile characteristics — especially at the rocker panels and a notched rear deck. Likewise, flair, drama and not a little personality add to the visual appeal — essentials for a coupe in this segment.

2015 Lexus RC 350

View manufacturer details and pricing

2015 Lexus RC 350

Pricing for the RC 350 begins at $42,790 and the F Sport trim package adds $5,085 to the sticker. For that price premium you gain embellishments, technologies and panache, including 19-inch wheels with a distinctive 10 twin-spoke layout, a patterned mesh grille with an “F” insignia, and three exclusive colors.

Inside, this model is marked by heated and cooled front seats, generously bolstered and wonderfully supportive. Lexus does not pretend that the back seat is much more than an afterthought as it places the emphasis on driver and front passenger comfort. Besides the consistent support offered in a variety of driving conditions, the front seats are elegant with a flow stitch design.

Other standout cabin features are composed of metal driver pedals including a foot rest, a tachometer-dominated instrument panel with a large tach centering the unit surrounded by analog and digital displays, and a center console punctuated by a color display screen. An analog clock, switches and buttons for climate control and the audio system follow. Between the seats is the transmission shifter, the driver mode knob and the Lexus scratch pad.

That scratch pad works the color display and it is a smartly conceived design. You can keep maintain locked eyes on the road and with flicks of your index finger control the audio system, navigation and other features. It does take some getting used to, but since you are already familiar with a computer mouse, this arrangement is a solid one.

2015 Lexus RC 350

On the Road Again

Take to the road and the V-6 moves with confidence down the straightaway. It is a naturally aspirated engine and well suited for this car.

Where the Lexus RC shines is in the place where you hope all sport coupes thrive — on back, twisty roads. Indeed, with sport or manual mode in place, you can enjoy clutchless shifting from gears two through eight. Sport mode gives you more dynamic acceleration control and the transmission automatically downshifts when employing hard braking, especially as you pull through a corner. The F Sport adds a Sport+ mode that optimizes the suspension system and improves handling.

Lexus engineered the RC to include rear wheel steering. The way that this works is that at low speeds the rear wheels turn just slightly in the opposite direction of the front wheels. The result is twofold: a smaller turning radius and faster cornering responses. Think “track time” for considering where this advantage is most noticeable and appreciated.

The Lexus Parts Bin

2015 Lexus RC 350 While driving the Lexus RC a couple of recurring thoughts kept coming to mind:

First, this vehicle seems familiar. And that isn’t something Lexus has tried to hide. Indeed, the marque reached into its product portfolio to assemble this sport coupe. Certainly, the chassis is unique, but the front end is based on the midsize GS sedan, the rear of the platform was ported from the IS sedan and the centerpiece comes from the IS convertible. That assemblage happens to work.

Second, although the RC has a Lexus feel and touch, it quite easily could have been a Toyota. Certainly, that thought must have crossed the collective minds of Toyota Motors, especially with Mustang, Camaro and Challenger dominating the market. But, Toyota had higher end sport coupes in mind, including the BMW 435i — the benchmark model in the compact luxury coupe market. It has been over a year since I last drove a 435i, but I remember the experience well enough to say that Lexus has made a good effort, but the BMW is the better model.

To sum up, it has been too many years since Lexus last offered an affordable sport coupe and in the RC we have a model that points in a positive direction for the brand. Likewise, more work needs to be done, including canceling the lethargic base 2.5-liter V-6 engine that powers the IS 250 sedan. In fact, I believe that a turbo engine is in the offing, likely the twin scroll turbo found in the Lexus NX. That engine might find its way into the RC at some point, what will shave some weight too.

2015 Lexus RC 350

Sticker price from $42,790
Price as tested: $53,880
Seats 4 occupants
3.5-liter 24-valve V-6 gasoline engine
306 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
277 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,800 rpm
3.70 inches bore by 3.27 inches stroke
Engine compression ratio: 11:8-to-1
Eight-speed automatic transmission
Wheelbase: 107.5 inches
Length: 184.8 inches
Width: 72.4 inches
Height: 54.9 inches
Passenger volume: 82 cubic feet
Storage volume: 10.4 cubic feet
Towing capacity: NR
EPA: 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway
Premium grade gasoline
Fuel tank: 17.4 gallons
Curb weight: From 3,748 pounds
IIHS safety rating: Top Safety Pick+
Limited vehicle warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: 6 years/70,000 miles
Corrosion warranty: 6 years
Vehicle assembly: Tahara, Japan

Lexus RC 350 photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Lexus RC F: More to Follow

January 17, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

Fall 2014 release for RC line.

Toyota introduced two sport cars at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week: one was the Toyota FT-1 concept, the other was the production-bound Lexus RC F. Suffice to say the concept received more buzz than the model that will be produced, perhaps for a very good reason: the FT-1 may very well become the future Toyota Supra.

Supra rumors aside, the Lexus RC F deserves its own attention and for two good reasons:

1. For the stirring introduction by Detroit son, Jeff Bracken, now Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager. Bracken told his Cobo Hall audience how the Shelby Cobra hooked him and defined his destiny. He graciously lauded the Cobra, using that tribute as a segue for introducing the RC F.

2. As much as the speech set the table for Lexus newest sports car it was the RC F itself that lit up the audience while also pointing to even better things to come. Sure, Lexus has had its share of performance models in the past including the IS F. But, Lexus has served up more hybrids than top performers, besides the brands expansive fleet of luxury vehicles.

2015 Lexus RC F

Lexus RC F Performance

The Lexus RC F is the third sporty/performance model introduced in as many months, following the introduction of the Lexus RC Coupe at the Tokyo Motor Show last month. That model features two very different powertrains: a 2.5-liter hybrid and a 3.5-liter V-6.

The RC F will be powered by a normally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 engine, one making at least 450 horsepower and 383 foot-pounds of torque. Said Bracken about the new model, This is the fastest and most powerful V8 yet for Lexus.

And it is no ordinary V8 engine either: it utilizes both the Atkinson and Otto cycle in a bid to enhance fuel economy and increase performance. At lower speeds the Atkinson cycle is at work; when performance is needed the Otto cycle takes over. The power management tool here is an 8-speed transmission.

2015 Lexus RC F

Dynamic Engineering Features

There are a number of special features at work in the Lexus RC F that should interest fans. For one, it features an active wing, much like the one found with the LFA. The wing serves to increase downforce and improve grip over the rear 19-inch tires. Another feature is the functional vent hood, designed to decrease aerodynamic lift. And, there is also a torque vectoring differential, designed to manage traction in, through and out of corners.

Lexus gave us select highlights about the the Fs interior telling us that the instrument panel will be punctuated by a 7-inch navigation screen. It will also feature a touchpad interface, working much like your iPad or similar device. Lexus says that climate control, navigation, and media selections can be operated by a swipe of a finger.

Release and Sales Production

You’ll have to wait a bit for the Lexus RC F and the like RC 350, with both models going on sale this fall. Lexus expects to sell 1,400 RC vehicles a month once it hits its stride. And, if you like the RC F you can be assured that Lexus wont be stopping there. Bracken notes that the “…RC F is only the next addition of more Lexus performance to come.” And Lexus fans rejoiced!

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Photos courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.