Lexus RC F a Japanese muscle car

I’m often baffled by the low sales figures released by Lexus as it’s essentially a more luxurious Toyota, a brand that holds massive value not only locally, but globally too. Lexus has persevered though and continues to release products that, in my opinion at least, are rather good. The latest addition to the local line-up is the RC F, which includes a Track Edition variant. I had an opportunity to sample the newcomers in Kwa-Zulu Natal recently.

The RC F

South Africans didn’t have the opportunity to own the pre-facelift RC F models, however, with a mid-life update being released to other markets a while back; we now have the opportunity to own one of these on local soil. This product is aimed at the likes of the BMW M4, Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe and Audi’s RS5 coupe, so it needs to be pretty special to lure performance fans away from the establishment.

The updated model is said to be more aerodynamic thanks to a variety of changes and additions to its exterior such as new headlights and a reshaped grille to name but two. The Track Edition sets itself apart from the standard model visually. There’s a carbon fibre bonnet and roof, 19-inch forged alloy wheels made by BBS, a titanium exhaust with stacked pipes, carbon-ceramic brakes and a large rear wing, making the Track Edition rather striking.

The interior is a typical Lexus affair, with leather and other high-quality materials all over the place. There is a decidedly dated look and feel to the cockpit of the RC F though, something which the irksome 10-3-inch infotainment system contributes to with its awkward touchpad operation. There is an impressive 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system though along with some stunning heated and cooled leather sports seats which offset some of the quirks.

The Track Edition injects some energy into the interior of the RC F, with red Alcantara seats and carbon fibre trim setting it apart from the standard car. There’s also a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic partition brace in the boot, for added rigidity. The previously mentioned weight-saving measures implemented with the Track Edition equates to an 80kg saving over the standard car. The important thing about the Track Edition I suppose is that it still feels quintessentially Lexus in its approach, despite having aspirations of track day driving.

Powertrain

The undoubted highlight of the RC F package is its engine, a Yamaha-tuned 2UR-GSE 5.0-litre 351kW and 530 N.m naturally aspirated V8. The engine remains unchanged between the ‘normal’ and Track Edition models.

On the move the engine is impressive, producing a wonderful V8 soundtrack, reminiscent of the BMW S65 V8, only with a less impressive crescendo, with the Lexus achieving redline at around 7 300 rpm. Performance is slightly down versus key rivals, with 0-100km/h coming up in 4.5 seconds for the RC F and 4.3 seconds for the Track Edition while both will reach a claimed top speed of 270km/h.

Paired to the V8 is an eight-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, which, when Sport or Sport+ modes are selected, provides relatively fast gear shifts, particularly when shifting down. We had an opportunity to drive both models at Dezzi Raceway in Southern KwaZulu-Natal where the Track Edition differentiated itself versus the standard model. I found the track-focused variant with its more aggressive damping to be overly stiff, leading me to change from Sport+ to Sport mode. I also found the throttle calibration on the Track Edition to be overly sensitive, likely in need of some recalibration. The standard model was, for me at least, the more appealing and complete package, even though the Track Edition sounded more violent and its brakes and lower unsprung weight gave it an undoubted advantage in terms of outright lap times. The near R700 000 premium commanded for the Track Edition, to my mind at least is simply not worth it.

Verdict

The Lexus RC F is a delightfully old school approach to a performance coupe. Its naturally aspirated heart, conventional automatic gearbox, well-balanced chassis and unique approach to performance in this turbocharged segment make it a wonderful left-field choice. The Track Edition is prohibitively expensive, however, for those seeking one of the last of its breed; the ‘regular’ RC F will be a delightfully different option that in true Lexus fashion is likely to last a very long time indeed.

Service plan and warranty

The RC  F range comes with a seven-year/105 000km warranty and full maintenance plan.

Pricing

RC F R1 318 300

RC F Track Edition  R2 098 200