2015 Lexus RC F Coupe Review

2015 Lexus RC F Coupe evaluation

Pros

Powerful V8

Interior Finish

Cons

Small Rear Seat

Handling Compared to German Rivals

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If the new Lexus RC Coupe were a flavor, it would come in two hot choices: Medium BBQ and hot Chipotle BBQ. Both are tasty, but the hotter 2015 Lexus RC F Coupe is the one we test drove this weekend and the one we were very excited for.

Lexus is changing their image and the RC F is the car leading the way.

What’s New

Features & Options

Interior Highlights

Engine & Power Specs

Driving Dynamics

Conclusion

2015 Lexus RC F Coupe Photo Gallery

What’s New

The Lexus RC is an all-new two-door sports car for 2015 with two styles or “flavors.” The Lexus RC 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine (Medium BBQ) while the high-performance RC F features a 5.0-liter V8 powerplant (HOT BBQ).

Features & Options

This past weekend, we got an Infrared 2015 Lexus RC F two-door coupe ($62,400) that came standard with the V8 and 8-speed Sport Direct-Shift gearbox with paddle shifters. Brembo high-performance ventilated disc brakes on all four corners, 19-inch forged alloy wheels, high-performance summer tires, and a speed activated rear spoiler rounded out our tester.

It came with all the luxury items you would expect from Lexus.

Options included 19-inch, hand polished 20-spoke wheels ($1,500), special leather seats ($800), Navigation/Marl Levinson premium sound ($2,840), Premium Package ($4,400) that included heated/cooled front seats, carbon fiber interior trim, a host of high-tech safety features, and a Moonroof to top it all off ($1,100).

Total MSRP including destination: $74,560.

Interior Highlights

The cabin design is practical but also very contemporary with unique, sharp curves and angles that match the RC’s exterior design. It features a protruding curved dash on the passenger side that reminded us of the RC’s sharply curved front end. The RC is billed as

a younger, sexier, Lexus that Akio Toyoda, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Corp, promised would be coming when he took over a few years ago.

The F Spec Sport front seats are supportive and comfortable and work especially well for holding occupants during more spirited driving, especially in the corners. The upgraded leather seats that come with the optional luxury package add the perforated material, with a European smell.

The backseat is small and useful really just for storage but could accommodate two small children.

Engine & Power Specs

The new Lexus RC 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, while the low-volume, high-performance RC F gets a 5.0-liter V8 engine that pumps out an impressive 467 horsepower and 389 pound-feet of torque.

The V8 is mated with an 8-speed Sport Direct-Shift gearbox with paddle shifters. The fuel mileage for the RC F is an EPA estimated 16/25 city/highway and 19 combined mpg.

Premium fuel is recommended.

Driving Dynamics

This is where it gets really fun! The RC F is a performance coupe that will draw plenty of attention on the road if you see one. We snapped a few necks off as we drove the RC F around Denver this weekend. One co-worker almost went through a stop sign as he was leaving the parking lot.

He leaned back to take a look at the Infared Coupe.

While the RC F is a good looking vehicle and attracts lots of attention, it’s even more fun to get behind the wheel and drive. On the fun-to-drive meter, it blows the dial right off the top! Its 467hp V8 gets the Lexus Coupe moving quickly and acceleration is effortless.

It’s a good thing the performance car comes with big Brembo ventilated disc brakes. That gets it stopped just as quickly as you can take off.

When we stomped on the gas, the sound generator that pipes engine noise into the cabin fills your ears with an amazing exhaust note. The suspension is tuned for the corners, not so much for comfort.

Compared to its German rivals, Lexus still has a ways to go to catch the competition in spirited driving but this coupe did carve the tight mountain curves west of Denver with ease.

We had to give it back at the end of the weekend (bummer) and it left us wanting to get this high-performance RC-F on the track!

Conclusion

Akio Toyoda had a goal to add sport, performance, and overall change to the image of the luxury division of Toyota. He fulfilled that promise in a big way with the 2015 Lexus RC-F Coupe. It goes against the best luxury performance coupes in the world from Germany and makes a statement that Lexus is here to challenge the competition.

In this highly competitive segment, the hot, Chipotle BBQ RC-F may not be as engaging as its German rivals during spirited driving but it may be the best value for the money.

Looking for a different style of Lexus? Check out the IS 350 AWD F Sport.

2015 Lexus RC F Coupe Photo Gallery