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

[qtb007]

The thumbnail was all I needed to see to know I wasn't going to watch that video. The RC is clearly on a stupid suspension and the influencer looks like he's digesting a bad kielbasa.

 

[Faisal Sheikh]

 

[Faisal Sheikh]

An experienced instructor in a BMW M2 is chasing his own student in a Lexus RCF CF/TVD. I am sure everyone would think the M2 would have a field day with the RCF given it is a small M car with a very experienced instructor. Back story to this is that the instructor challenged the RCF owner to try to hold him off and set the goal of passing by 2nd lap. Basically, they did 11 laps until the RCF ran out of tires down to chords so the instructor gave up.

Despite the student with far less skills and experience being in the car, the RCF holds its own. On the straights, the big power difference is apparent, but even in the tight turns the RCF is holding off the M2 well.

 

[Levi]

Instructors are not necessarily the best in their domain, their job is instructing. The student is a former student so has probably gained a lot of experience in the mean time. Anyway it does not take away from how great the RCF is. A pity Lexus does not improve it.

 

[Faisal Sheikh]

MK5 Supra: Bolt-ons, downpipe, JB4 tune
Lexus RCF: Intake, headers, exhaust, tune

 

[Motor]

 

[Faisal Sheikh]

 

[ssun30]

I really hate how they are overusing the word Takumi in the European market.

Takumi represent the highest level of craftsmanship and should be reserved for the most prestigious products like LS/LC/Century. But you can buy a UX Takumi trim and pretend it's some exclusive handcrafted special. It could be considered an insult in the Japanese culture and I don't know how Lexus would allow their EU marketing department to do that.

 

[Faisal Sheikh]

This is nearly a 10 year old video when the RCF GT3 first was introduced. Now that it is almost sunsetting and about to retire, it is great to look back and see what they were envisioning at the time for the GT3 program.

 

[Faisal Sheikh]

That 2nd gen 2UR top end...

 

[CRSKTN]

I dont think anyone expected them to do so well with that car, myself included (and i had one).

I think it also shows how TMC seems to intentionally sandbag Lexus offerings.

 

[carguy420]

I really hate how they are overusing the word Takumi in the European market.

Takumi represent the highest level of craftsmanship and should be reserved for the most prestigious products like LS/LC/Century. But you can buy a UX Takumi trim and pretend it's some exclusive handcrafted special. It could be considered an insult in the Japanese culture and I don't know how Lexus would allow their EU marketing department to do that.

That's the thing with TMC, they give their divisions outside of Japan a lot of freedom to market their cars in whatever ways possible, as long as it tickles the lowest common denominator's pickle, it's all good it seems. For example, the amount of overpriced "bodykit specials" trim levels we get in SEA over the years being marketed as something sporty and high performance is downright disgusting.

 

[Faisal Sheikh]

RCF with its most direct rival from back in the day. M3 eeks out a win at the top end.

RCF with bolt-ons, tune and Octane 93 vs M3 F80 with bolt-ons, tune and Octane 93