1st Generation Lexus RC 300, 350, F and Track Edition Megathread

[Faisal Sheikh]

Just over a 1.5 seconds improvement over the RCF (TVD, non-carbon) and almost the same as the C63S AMG and the 1:37.8 of the standard M4

 

[Faisal Sheikh]

My observations:

Acceleration is about the same as the pre-refresh RCF. The taller gearing of the pre-refresh RCF gives a faster 0-150 mph by 0.5 seconds though. The skidpad numbers are very impressive at 0.98g. These are the best handling numbers tested for a Lexus since the LFA.

Was surprised about Lexus' changes to initial throttle response in sport+ in 2020 which is what I love the most about my pre-fresh RCF in sport+. The throttle response is savage and brutal. It snaps and opens so quickly that my wife hit her head on the headrest a few times.

With the PS4S XL versions I have, there is no side-to-side roll on sidewalls so the car feels light on its feet in hard transitions as the sidewalls resist weight. It darts very quickly and shrinks with instant responses. Lexus should have given it reinforced sidewalls instead of the SL sidewalls, but Lexus chose comfort over response in these RCF-spec PS4S tires.

There's a lotThere's a lot to like underneath the Lexus RC F's rather, er, distinctive bodywork. As a luxury muscle coupe with a naturally aspirated V-8 for a heart, it is still impressively high tech, sumptuously appointed for everyday comfort, and nicely composed when pushed hard. Lexus dialed up the RC F's excitement for 2020 with a new Track Edition and a host of small updates across the lineup. While those changes succeed in making the standard RC F a touch better to drive, they fail to sufficiently address its oppressive curb weight.
HIGHS: Soulful V-8, improved cornering grip, excellent ride quality, comfortable and luxurious interior.
We've already driven the drift-happy RC F Track Edition, which costs $97,825 and adds carbon-fiber body panels and aerodynamic appendages as well as carbon-ceramic brake rotors. Additional weight-saving measures that it shares with the regular model—including hollow half-shafts and more aluminum in its suspension—help the Track Edition drop a significant 253 pounds versus the last RC F we tested, a 2015 model. The net result is a 3.2-second quicker lap time around Virginia International Raceway's Grand Course. We expect its other performance metrics to also improve once we get one to the test track.

As for the regular RC F tested here, however, its weight reduction is almost nonexistent. At 4017 pounds, our test car is only 31 pounds lighter than before and remains roughly 400 pounds heavier than a BMW M4. The RC F's 5.0-liter V-8 is as smooth revving and sweet sounding as ever, emitting a prominent intake honk at lower rpm that gives way to a burly snarl as it approaches its 7250-rpm redline. Minor changes, including a lighter intake manifold, help it produce 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque—increases of 5 horses and 6 pound-feet. Yet, as much as we enjoy the sound and direct response of a naturally aspirated V-8, it's easy to see why most manufacturers have replaced them with smaller turbocharged powerplants that unfurl their maximum torque just off idle. In the RC F, you have to spin its 5.0-liter mill to a lofty 4800 revs for it to reach peak twist. Which is fun but not necessarily quick, particularly in a car as heavy as this Lexus.
VIEW PHOTOS


Despite a shortened final-drive ratio (3.13:1 versus the previous 2.97:1) and the best efforts from the snappy, Aisin-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission, the RC F's V-8 takes a beat to wake up from a good poke of its accelerator. This is partly because Lexus relaxed the engine's throttle tuning for a more linear feel, but the recalibration makes the RC F feel slower than its 472 horsepower suggests. While we expect the Track Edition to join virtually all of the RC F's competitors in the sub-four-second-to-60-mph club, the standard RC F misses the cut with a 4.1-second time—a mere 0.1 second quicker than the previous car. Similarly, its unimpressive 12.7-second quarter-mile pass at 113 mph is about the same as before. Although electronic launch control has been added for the new model year, our quickest acceleration runs were made without it.

The RC F's Sport drive mode is our preferred setup for spirited cruising, as it maintains a luxury-car comportment yet slightly sharpens the responses of the drivetrain and brings a bit more engine and exhaust noise versus the standard setting. You have to step up to Sport+ for the RC F to feel athletic. Regardless of the mode, the eight-speed transmission shifts quickly and smoothly, although the V-8's dearth of torque at low rpm can cause the gearbox to hunt for the best gear ratio. To keep the V-8 on boil through corners, we often found ourselves manually tapping the responsive shift paddles on the back of the steering wheel. While we never tired of winding out the RC F's engine, doing so did drop our average fuel economy to 16 mpg, the same as the EPA's city estimate. Cruising on our 75-mph highway loop returned a far more impressive 27 mpg, which is 3 mpg better than its federal highway rating.

The RC F's drive modes also control its adaptive dampers, which offer a considerable range of ride tiffness. The Sport+ setting produces a lot of vertical heaving on poorly maintained roads, but overall ride comfort and body control are excellent. There's no hiding the RC F's girth on a twisty back road, but stiffer bushings for the rear subframe and the electrically assisted steering rack do help it feel more precise over undulations and quick transitions.

All 2020 RC Fs receive refreshed front and rear bumpers, headlights, and taillights, plus Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires in place of the previous Pilot Super Sports. Our test car also featured the optional torque-vectoring differential (TVD), which is a $1250 more than the standard Torsen limited-slip diff. Although Lexus's engineers preferred the directness of the standard rear end for the RC F Track Edition, we've already proven that the TVD setup is the quicker way to go in the regular model. The system has three settings (Standard, Slalom, and Track) that are controlled via a button on the center console, with Track providing the most noticeable improvement to the car's agility, especially on corner exits. Aided by the new Michelins, our example posted 0.98 g of grip around the skidpad, which is up from the previous model's 0.95 g. However, its so-so 163-foot stop from 70 mph is nine feet longer than before.

The RC F's interior largely carries over for 2020 and warrants few complaints. Its cushy-yet-supportive front seats are all-day comfortable, and the cabin's overall execution is satisfying to both touch and look at. The driving position is excellent, the two rear seats fit actual adult humans, and driver conveniences abound, although Lexus's distracting touchpad infotainment interface is still present.

At its $65,925 base price, the 2020 RC F is compelling as a V-8 luxury coupe but less so as an outright performance machine. However, its appeal is far less convincing at our test car's $89,654 asking price, with the bulk of that upcharge coming from the $11,400 Performance package (carbon-fiber roof, spoiler, and exterior accents) that's bundled with the otherwise separate $5350 Premium package of convenience features. While that's more than we'd be willing to spend on any RC F, the even-pricier Track Edition does showcase this Lexus's potential when it's burdened with less mass. We just wish more of the Track Edition's mass-reduction tricks would trickle down to the standard car.Specifications
2020 Lexus RC F

VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2+2-passenger, 2-door coupe

PRICE AS TESTED
$89,060 (base price: $65,925)

ENGINE TYPE
DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, port and direct fuel injection
Displacement
303 in3, 4969 cm3
Power
472 hp @ 7100 rpm
Torque
395 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): control arms/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 15.0-in vented disc/13.6-in vented disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, F: 255/35R-19 (92Y) R: 275/35R-19 (96Y)

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 107.5 in
Length: 185.2 in
Width: 72.6 in
Height: 54.7 in
Passenger volume: 75 ft3
Trunk volume: 10 ft3
Curb weight: 4017 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.1 sec
100 mph: 10.0 sec
130 mph: 17.0 sec
150 mph: 24.6 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.5 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.0 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.3 sec
1/4 mile: 12.7 sec @ 113 mph
Top speed (mfr's claim): 170 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 163 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 323 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.98 g
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rolloutof 0.3 sec.

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 16 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 27 mpg
Highway range: 460 miles

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 19/16/24 mpg

 

[mikeavelli]

My observations:

Acceleration is about the same as the pre-refresh RCF. The taller gearing of the pre-refresh RCF gives a faster 0-150 mph by 0.5 seconds though. The skidpad numbers are very impressive at 0.98g. These are the best handling numbers tested for a Lexus since the LFA.

Was surprised about Lexus' changes to initial throttle response in sport+ in 2020 which is what I love the most about my pre-fresh RCF in sport+. The throttle response is savage and brutal. It snaps and opens so quickly that my wife hit her head on the headrest a few times.

With the PS4S XL versions I have, there is no side-to-side roll on sidewalls so the car feels light on its feet in hard transitions as the sidewalls resist weight. It darts very quickly and shrinks with instant responses. Lexus should have given it reinforced sidewalls instead of the SL sidewalls, but Lexus chose comfort over response in these RCF-spec PS4S tires.

Thanks for the updates. Sounds like a tire switch to super sports or even cups would produce even better track times.

Really odd the stock RC F had super sports but not the Track Edition.

Don’t forget the Track Edition does offer launch control.

 

[Faisal Sheikh]

Thanks for the updates. Sounds like a tire switch to super sports or even cups would produce even better track times.

Really odd the stock RC F had super sports but not the Track Edition.

Don’t forget the Track Edition does offer launch control.

True. My experiences with the OEM Super Sports were underwhelming as a performance tire. Good traction, but the sidewalls had too much "give" even after inflating them to 41 psi rear and 39 psi front. Lexus put PS4S tires now, which are better than the Super Sports since they generate so much more grip close to 1.00 g. However, the sidewall issue is still there as they also don't have the reinforced sidewalls (extra load sidewalls).

I switched to PS4S in extra load version, which has a much higher load index for the sidewalls and these tires are incredible. They are stiffer and more jarring on rough pavement, but still not harsh at all, but they are so tight and responsive. The sidewalls respond immediately to small steering inputs and in sudden transitions, there is very little sidewall roll/deformation.

The track edition should have come with at least an option of Cup 2 tires and should have been given to the press with Cup 2 tires. It would have had crazy lap times. Regarding launch control, all of the new 2020 RCF have lainch control, but they say the best launches were without it.

 

[Levi]

Seeing what Lexus could achieve with the "heavy" and "underpowered" RCF, Lexus is really on par with Porsche in performance efficiency. If Lexus made a lightweight sports car with 2UR-GSE, it would reveal the full potential and true qualities of this engine, and create a true Porsche rival.

The RCF is unbelievingly fast for being so heavy and "torqless".

 

[mikeavelli]

Seeing what Lexus could achieve with the "heavy" and "underpowered" RCF, Lexus is really on par with Porsche in performance efficiency. If Lexus made a lightweight sports car with 2UR-GSE, it would reveal the full potential and true qualities of this engine, and create a true Porsche rival.

The RCF is unbelievingly fast for being so heavy and "torqless".

The Track Edition really is a marvel to lose all that weight this day and age.

 

[Faisal Sheikh]

The Track Edition really is a marvel to lose all that weight this day and age.

Yeah, close to 180 lbs off without taking away many of the luxuries is quite amazing. Not sure if the TE has the 18 speaker ML stereo. My guess is, it does not.

 

[Faisal Sheikh]

 

[Tragic Bronson]

 

[Faisal Sheikh]

RCF announced for 2021. RCF Track edition carries on in 2021 as 'Fuji Speedway Edition' with special colors and limited edition watch. Also, limited to only 60 units

The Ultimate F: 2021 RC F and RC F Fuji Speedway Edition - Lexus USA Newsroom

PLANO, TX (September 10, 2020) – The high-performance RC F races into the 2021 model year with its GT3-inspired looks and naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 producing 472 horsepower. New for 2021, the stunning coupe introduces the limited RC F Fuji Speedway Edition to its lineup, offering F...

pressroom.lexus.com

 

[mikeavelli]

I really want to see the matte white color.

 

[Faisal Sheikh]

Not a 2020 RCF video, but does show RCF versus a 507 HP V10 E60 M5 in a 40 mph roll race. Both cars have full exhaust

 

[Motor]

Lexus RC F review – brilliantly different from the establishment | Evo

The Lexus RC F might seem old fashioned, but its recipe still holds lots of appeal

www.evo.co.uk

And yet, the Lexus RC F occupies a high place in our affections because the thrill of driving is not always about outright ability or figures on a spec sheet. The RC F is about more than that. Its desirability is derived from an increasingly rare combination of elements that really do make it a unique entity in the new car marketplace, for now.

 

[mikeavelli]

I am in love with this. I had only driven it at SEBRING for some hot laps. What a phenomenal vehicle. Stirs the soul... but please stop trying to race me lol..

Review coming

 

[Levi]

I am in love with this. I had only driven it at SEBRING for some hot laps. What a phenomenal vehicle. Stirs the soul... but please stop trying to race me lol..

Review coming

most "racers" give to much credit towards their car. racer is the driver, and that is what counts most. so i don't care about "racers", everybody "racer" until real racer in miata shows up.

 

[flipside909]

I am in love with this. I had only driven it at SEBRING for some hot laps. What a phenomenal vehicle. Stirs the soul... but please stop trying to race me lol..

Review coming

I have that damn problem with my RC F. I'm just trying to get home. lol

 

[Faisal Sheikh]

Same problem I have especially with my bright orange paint. Mustangs, Corvettes, Camaros, STIs and even a Golf R at one occasion etc. Just have to keep ignoring.

 

[Levi]

Same problem I have especially with my bright orange paint. Mustangs, Corvettes, Camaros, STIs and even a Golf R at one occasion etc. Just have to keep ignoring.

because far deep in them, they know the RCF is the better car, more satisfying and rewarding. to overcome their subconscious they have to repeatedly confirm their car is faster.

 

[Faisal Sheikh]

because far deep in them, they know the RCF is the better car, more satisfying and rewarding. to overcome their subconscious they have to repeatedly confirm their car is faster.

Thanks. Been a mystery of when they see an RCF, what thoughts are triggered in their minds.

 

[Tragic Bronson]

I am in love with this. I had only driven it at SEBRING for some hot laps. What a phenomenal vehicle. Stirs the soul... but please stop trying to race me lol..

Review coming

Are you driving the same RCF that TDIB drove?