F1 Silver Arrows
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There are a couple of elements that discredits your claim of the RC F being that much more advanced than the LC500 in terms of performance numbers. A glaring example is that there are many examples where the LC 500 has hit 60 mph quicker than 4.7 seconds. Not that it matters anyways.
Given that the LC is a solid 400 lbs heavier than the RC F, even with those numbers which gives the LC some room to perform even better, the LC isn't doing that bad.
For what it is, the RC F isn't really spanking the LC. It has be doing at least 1/2 a second faster to 60, and also carry more momentum faster as it is lighter than the LC. The laptimes proves little in favor of the RC F Track Edition/Fuji Speedway edition given how Sachsenring is a pretty long racetrack that values horsepower with the long straights.
There's also an element as to what's making the LC insanely competitive is it's brilliant chassis tuning that's hands down more balanced than the RC F and the 10-Speed automatic transmission that shifts as fast as a dual-clutch when pushed hard, and when not pushed hard, it just slides into the next gear elegantly. The RC F's 8-Speed is quite good when you see its application in the RC F Track Edition/Fuji Speedway Edition, but the older RC F, despite the fact that the 8-Speed was relatively sharp and COULD fool you into thinking it's a early design ZF 8-Speed automatic, the difference between the 8-Speed and 10-Speed are night and day.
For example, compare the BMW M340i to the BMW 840i Coupé. The latter weighs many more hundreds of pounds more than the former, so obviously there will be a disparity in performance, and in this case, there is. The M340i dashes to 60 an entire second faster than the 840i. And that isn't even the full-blown M3. I compared the M340i and the 840i Coupé because they share the same engine, just like the LC and the RC F do. If anything, the RC F should be faring a lot better compared to the German competition if you're talking numbers because that Frankenstein architecture just creates a really non-cohesive experience.
But y'all are being fixated on something that doesn't matter. Of course specs like 0-60, figure-8's, lap times, brake tests, and everything performance related matters because it's a performance car, and they're a valid data point to then judge a car with relation to the car's competitive set. The LC punches way above its weight (when comparing to a 850i, S560). The RC F doesn't (when comparing to a M4, C63S, CT4-V Blackwing).
Again. Performance numbers are insignificant when you compare it to the experience, as @Gecko and @mikeavelli continue to stress.
The RC F is a decent car when you push it, but you get a jarring ride that gives you the impression that the car drives like its nervous. However on a beautiful road, where the RC F can truly show its duality of being a performance/luxury car when you're not pushing it 9/10ths or 10/10ths, and that's where it shines. The TVD gives it then necessary jazz it needs and the V8 sings to 7100 RPM on the straights. It's a solid handling car with great seats, and a relaxed ride when you're not worried about trying to chase the M4 that's ahead of you. It's surprisingly a confident driving car and can coax you to driving really fast.
The LC however IMO, does all of the above and does it better, while not being an F product. Most of that is only because of the chassis design. A luxury car first and foremost, but is insanely capable and can set some amazing times on a racetrack. But that's not what its meant to do. The LC500 was meant to give you so many smiles per mile while still being really good in terms of performance when you compare it to its competitive set. It doesn't care about being the fastest, most aggressive car out there. It takes the high road by having the best chassis, transmission and engine, all in a gorgeous exterior and sumptuous interior. It's refreshingly slow.
Had Lexus built the RC F to be a true coupé based on the New N platform (without having to fuse 3 architectures in one) then I genuinely wouldn't think this argument would've been happening today. However, we know that the RC F needed to be built in the way it is currently built for the sake of rigidity, but it just has a couple of compromises. Is it a really big deal? No! Just enjoy the god damn car! It's a great package altogether. The LC with the TNGA platform is simply a masterpiece. You even get reviewers giving the LS critical acclaim for being an amazing handler thanks to the TNGA platform.
It's not all about the numbers guys, it's the experience and vibes that the car gives you. If it ain't your cup of tea for whatever reason, power to you, and I get why the RC F isn't a lot of people's cup of tea. I get why the GR Supra may not be some people's cup of tea. I get why a McLaren may not be someone's cup of tea either.
It. Just. Doesn't. Matter.
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New headlights are a bit off when it comes to angle they drop down, it doesn't follow the sheet metal right.
