2016 Lexus RC-F – Test Drive, Review, Ratings, Specs

The Lexus RC-F is a Sex Appeal

Looks wise, you probably won’t find much out there that’s better than the Lexus RC sports Coupe. Having said that, RC350 model doesn’t do too shabby either at a power rating of 307 horsepower. But then again, it’s mostly just looks. Throw the RC-F into the picture and you now have a cosmetic display of road aggression and the proper performance numbers to back up its elite design statement.

Simply put, it’s a standard Lexus RC on steroids. Fitted with a V8, wider wheels, added air vents and a dynamic rear-wing spoiler, there is no denying that the RC-F was meant to be a serious performance machine. With that said, the RC-F dips its head into the upper tier category of sports coupe, essentially making it a Japanese lone wolf in the competition pool dominated mostly by German brands. And with that said, there’s a lot for the RC-F to go up against – the BMW M4, Mercedes C63 Coupe, Audi S4 and even the Cadillac ATS-V are a few to come up with.

Daring Looks

Unlike the more buttoned up German dress code, the Lexus RC-F is more flashier and daring. Take for example the deeply sculpted head lamps, massive front spindle grille, and sharp LED head lights – that’s just the front. From the side, the front hood is bubbled to accommodate the larger V8 engine and various air vents can be spotted that proves to be a equal contribution to function and form. Also adapted to the RC-F is its dynamic rear wing spoiler that deploys on higher vehicle speed for added down force stability.

The RC-F again, establishes its own design language of complexity and high-tech. Bucket seats are heavily engraved with stitching, carbon fiber panels and a complexion of curved, but congruent plastic extrusions. Seating wise, it fits like a glove and the steering wheel’s got a smooth but firm grip. The deep and crisp bass from the Mark Levinson sound system is awesome and the exhaust tone adds points to the audio experience. Dashboard is fully digital cluster with no mechanical driven meters with various windows showing a multitude of vehicle stats including tire pressure, navigation, drive mode selection and a G-force meter

Speaking of sound, the RC-F’s got quad tail pipes to scream its presence from the outside. On the inside, the RC-F employs an Active-Sound-Control system that utilizes a sound resonator that pipes through its engine tone into the cabin space. I like its deep engine tone leaked into the cabin space, but it just doesn’t sound natural, or linear. It’s as if its sound is turned on and off via a switch controlled by engine RPM.

The Metrics

Strap in and fire up the engine gives you a quick taste of what’s to come with a quick rev of the 2UR-GSE V8 engine producing 467 horsepower and 389 lb-ft of torque. The miniature speedometer to fit all the numbers in reminds you of its performance capabilities.

Despite its impressive engine figures, the RC-F doesn’t feel like a 467 horsepower car; neither is it a car that that would give you a death grip and sweaty palms from adrenaline and fear factor. Part of it is the understated torque and the other is its heavier curb weight of 3,958 lbs. With that said, I’m not sure where the merit to strapping on the V8 is. There are sub 300 horsepower V6 coupes that offer equal thrill off the line – the Infiniti G37 comes to mind.

Suspension and handling score better marks than its powertrain performance. Steering feels organic and precise with great positive feedback. Suspensions do a great job in keeping the RC-F ultra stable around corners and best of all, it feels lie a car as if its an extension of a human limb. On the street, the cabin space is well insulated and generally speaking, an easy car to drive. Flick the drive mode selector clockwise twice awakens the inner beast into Sport Mode plus that sharpens throttle response and latches lower gears longer for optimal power output.

The Verdict

It’s got the flashy badge, exceptional interior, great handling and a sex appeal. What’s missing is the heart of a classic V8 – a dip in the throttle should be enough to throw you back towards your seat, but the RC-F simply doesn’t achieve that. And with the absence of the expected power output, I’m not sure whether the added air vents, active-sound-controller sound resonator and even the dynamic rear wing spoiler are justified on an engineering stand point. The Lexus RC350 AWD offers similar thrills minus the flashier looks and an attenuated top speed of 145 mph as opposed to the RC-F achieving 170 MPH. But throw its mechanical shortcomings aside, there’s no denying that the RC-F holds a sense of prestige. There really is nothing else out there that offers the level of cosmetic detailing and quality inside out. Perhaps this is its primary selling point, but for now, Lexus still has work to do to bring its engine capabilities up to today’s competitive standards.