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Updated Lexus RC F Performance Numbers

Posted by Kevin on September 22nd, 2014

Lexus provided Motor Trend with an RC F updated with its final powertrain tuning for a raw performance test:

It turns out we were able to achieve faster numbers than in the previous test. This time, our RC F hit 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.3 seconds, a 0.2 second improvement over the first RC F we had in our possession. Previously, we had noted that the RC F’s competitor, the BMW M4, scoots from 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds, while the all-wheel-drive Audi RS 5 comes in even quicker at 3.9 seconds.

When it comes to the quarter mile, the Lexus RC F managed 12.7 seconds @ 112.2 mph. This is a bit off the BMW M4, which completes the task in 12.2 seconds, and the Audi RS 5’s 12.3 seconds.

The RC F is 400 lbs. heavier than the M4 and only .3 seconds slower? Seems pretty amazing to me, but I have to ask — does anyone out there actually think these numbers make a difference outside of paper racing?

[Source: Motor Trend]

Lexus RC F: First GenerationTech
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Comments
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    wasapasserby
  • September 22, 2014
The last gen Lexus IS 350 was faster than the BMW 330i in a straight line, but no one cared. Straight line time doesn't matter - composure and handling in the bends matters, and unfortunately for Lexus, 400 lbs really makes a difference in the corners. Lexus has a serious problem - 400 of them, to be exact.
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      Raptor
    • September 24, 2014
    Think of it like they are just starting out new. As far as I can see with all of the talk weight is its primary issue. So it needs to loose weight; um ok, isn't that pretty easy if they wanted to fix that? The RC-F is loaded with all of the comforts; technology is heavy~ These things will be worked out in the next few years, not all of it but just like the IS-F major strides to correct it.
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      tinhinnh
    • September 24, 2014
    You make it sound like fixing the weight is as easy as say, fixing a handling or power issues.
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    guest305
  • September 22, 2014
its too bad only lexus enthusiasts will end up buying the RCF vs the M4 or RS5, lexus made a great car with the RC but in this segment it really needed an Excellent car to separate it. I only dream of that day when lexus actually makes a 3/4 competitor that not only beats bimmers on the track but also on numbers. Unfortunately numbers sell cars, even if its only to show off how fast of a car you own and not actually use. The RC-F already needs an update, interior mimicking the IS interior (already 2yrs old) and an engine that at least needs a supercharger to make it compete with whats out there.
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      Ron A.
    • September 22, 2014
    The numbers will indeed make a difference if everyone keeps publishing and comparing them. Owners of expensive cars must have numbers to brag about in order to justify their purchase. The only reason Porsche and Ferrari sell out their exotics is because they have numbers.
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      blkpantha
    • September 23, 2014
    Owners of expensive cars buy them because of the brand name not because of power and numbers Porsche and Ferrari aren't in the same class. Porsche sells because of its long history of creating amazing performance cars thats affordable Lambo and Ferrari sells because if the exclusivitie as well as its history for performance and sex appeal. These blog an commeners always find the littlest thing to pick at, at every Toyota Lexus vehicle weather it was the grille being too big or now its too heavy. Or with Toyota Camry o they have Lexus grille now now its the black plastic the point is they never yet have anything good negative thing to say.
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      MD
    • September 23, 2014
    Completely incorrect. Ferraris and Porsches don't sell because they have the numbers. I can show you many cars that cost less than 1/2 of Porsches and Ferraris and they put down better numbers. It is about the prestige, lineage, history, visceral experience and the pedigree of Porsches and Ferraris, which is why they sell.
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      whateverdude
    • September 22, 2014
    The RC F doesn't need a supercharger. It only needs to lose weight.
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      blkpantha
    • September 22, 2014
    The RC F is perfect I wouldn't change a thing. You people worry too much about numbers and always miss the point LFA for example o it's not powerful enough end up being one of the most amazing car ever build. Your getting a natural v8 fun beautiful car pack with Lexus reliability luxury and quality. Yes it's heavier so what. Doesn't mean it lose doesn't mean Lexus fail doesn't mean no one will buy it you all act like you guys are race heads. If you are race heads then you will know what makes a great racing car.
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      blkpantha
    • September 22, 2014
    Second no disrespect but how much do you know about cars and car buying public and racing. Numbers are only for people on the net to brag. Half those people never even seen the car in person probably at the auto show. Second if you can drive you can best anyone at the rage track. Even if 5 people have 10-15 HP bump on you. Every racer know numbers are only half the story mentality is the other and skills is the other . You say this already needs and update because it has the IS interior looks so let me ask what about the m4 who has the 3series interior that been around since 2011/12 .. 3-4years. Audi is even more and Benz even more. If you think this car suck base on numbers well buy the M4 RS5 take them to the track or a race let me know how you do.. You are in tittle to your opinion but I am challenging your opinion. Enthusiast knows car. Enthusiasts. Respect cars. I bet you Enthusiasts will buy the RC F .. I bet you money real enthusiast will buy more RCF than m4.. Am not talking those people in motortrend C&D and other blogs comment section yes some are real enthusiast but some are just brand fans and car fans.
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      Mohammed Taha
    • September 23, 2014
    I agree with you, the numbers matter but only when you're looking at the RC F. Buyers that don't care about the numbers will buy the RC. Some people, however, may go for one or the other based on the looks, features, comfort, etc ... The RC F challenges those in the 2 door performance segment, they need to be able to hold their own or demolish their competitors. If someone is open minded they will test drive all the cars and make a decision. If they're not, they will pick a car based on the badge. Anyways, time will tell.
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    Don Colione
  • September 23, 2014
In real life, whoever thinks .3 seconds makes a big difference between cars is not being realistic. Certain conditions like altitude and temperature etc... can affect times substantially, to the point of negating the overall significance. In real life, fun and sensory feeling is where its at. Out of all the reviews I have seen, I have never seen one say the RC-F wasn't fun.. have you? I have seen and read a few reviews now where the overall sensation after driving the M4 is that it is lacking that "something", or not as fun as previous iterations. I think this is a fail, considering its greater technological prowess. The RC-F has enough high-tech, contemporary style, V8 linear response, feel, sound and power; and also possesses Nurburgring, Fuji etc... track bred dynamics. Lexus quality. On the road that can't be beat. I remember 4.0-4.5 times being Ferrari territory so that is keeping good company. Final note: In real life, on back roads for fun drives; numbers absolutely don't matter. Sensation and skill do. No matter what you are driving, speed is usually restricted by personal and public safety. I have learned that you are more restricted to going below 60 most of the time because of that. The faster you are going over that is the less time you have to react if/when something goes wrong (deer crossing etc...). So good luck with this unnecessary horsepower race that has been going on in the automotive industry. To some degree I am glad Lexus makes its cars and engines fast enough; not being stupid just trying to keep up a numbers game with the "competition" which really doesn't matter in real life. If the weight is still an issue for you after all this, then buy something else. This is 2014 I am thankful that a real coupe is finally back in the stable.
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      blkpantha
    • September 23, 2014
    Thank You my Brother. MT can do whatever test they want to make any car look good are bad but at the end of the day is how you handle that car the track and you mentally is what's going to push u across the finishing line. How many times you play video games whether easy or expert and you have the biggest basest car and still lose to the computer Unless your racing these 4 Cars in a straight line these numbers are useless around a ring or track, and even if your running them down a drag strip you can still lose with the fastest most powerful car. As I said below .. With the RC F your getting so much more than a car that's .3 second slower at standstill or 400pda heavier . . that the only check mark I would give BMW when cross shipping because RCF you get quality luxury technology value value and reliability
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      Raptor
    • September 24, 2014
    blkpantha... You said "How many times you play video games whether easy or expert and you have the biggest baddest car and still lose to the computer." That is the true problem with todays world. 99.9% will never drive either an M4 or and RC-F so everyone's dreams are based on numbers on paper or digital. People today get hard ons for numbers that don't translate real world experiences. I can tell you I don't want an M4 for several reasons, the least of which is an I6 turbo. Yes it will out perform the heavier RC-F but then again the M4 looks like any other 3 series on the road so who gives a crap!
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    Matt
  • September 23, 2014
What makes this exciting is if the power train can get something that heavy to 60 that quickly then think what it will be like in the new IS F....
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    Aries_G
  • September 23, 2014
Maybe this editor has a bad memory, actually in MT August issue, the M3/M4 got 0-60mph record in just 3.8 and 3.9 respectively and both of them hit 1/4 mile(the speed for m4 reaches 119 mph), M4 is still 0.4~0.5 second faster than RC F for 0-60 mph and this gap increases to 0.6 seconds for 1/4 mile. Drag is never the strong point of M3/4 and more than half a second is already quite significant, it's easily to imagine what would happen when put RC F and new 4.0 v8 biturbo torque monster C63 AMG on a same dragstrip.
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    B
  • September 23, 2014
When it comes to vehicle sales - numbers mean everything. Sure, 0.3 seconds doesn't mean that much to you, but to a prospective buyer they're getting the slower car. In this performance coupe market, that's all that matters to buyers. The 400 lb weight difference is downright inexcusable. Without that huge weight penalty, this car would be much more competitive in this bracket.
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    Absolut Sabs
  • September 23, 2014
M3 this M3 that ..bloody hell! What is BMW's answer to the LFA huh? ..dont worry i'll wait..
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    Mark Mc Auley
  • September 23, 2014
i think bmw cut corners. the doors sound very cheap, with very little sound proof. at the end of the day lexus is luxury and performance. where there is no luxury in a m4 anymore . The isf was slower on paper but by 2012 they could take a m3. i think when the rcf and m3 go head to head it will do all right.
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    Levi
  • September 23, 2014
The M4 is lighter yet feels heavy, and in the heavy RC F you don't feel the weight. The RC F's engine has more potential in terms of power than the M4.
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    leopard08
  • September 23, 2014
lol RCF will be able to do a 4.0 to 60. it all about conditions
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    bruce@lexus
  • September 23, 2014
I have been into motorcycles all my life. When I was younger I couldn't wait for the latest magazines to read all about the new motorcycles. Eventually I got sick of reading the magazines. A new motorcycle would be crowned the king because it was a tenth quicker in the quarter mile and 3 mph faster. FYI they are all damn fast. As someone who used to race motorcycles I can tell you there are few people that can use the full potential of a modern motorcycle(not me). This is basically what is happening with the RC F reviews. The average driver can't and won't use the full potential of any of the modern performance cars so why make such a big deal about 400lbs and .3 seconds? I would trade the performance numbers for a car that I like and fits my need no matter what brand it is.
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      B
    • September 24, 2014
    You're right. .3 seconds isn't anything to get upset about. But 400 lbs is 2 extra passengers riding with you all the time. That's something to get upset about!

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