Friday 15th August 2014

Lexus RC F price and spec details

£60K for the V8 RC with orders being taken now; M4 twin test being plotted

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So the £59,995 Lexus RC F is more expensive than the BMW M4. By £850 if comparing the DCT M4 to the auto-only RC F. Nothing really, is it?

Yes they still look silly but imagine the V8 noise

Moreover, the Lexus is ahead on the other numbers. There still, still isn't a power figure other than 'more than 450hp' but we still commend Lexus for sticking with the 5.0 V8 from the IS F. Torque is down at 384lb ft against 406 but that's a willing sacrifice for the NA response. The gearbox is an eight-speed 'Sports Direct Shift' auto.

The RC F's standard equipment has been released with the £60K price too. Brembo brakes, Sachs dampers and the Lexus Drive Mode Select are standard. There is of course the usual roster of luxury and safety features too, from Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Hill Assist to a LED headlights and Lexus Premium nav.

For another £8K over the standard car, the RC F Carbon brings body panels (roof, bonnet and rear spoiler) made from, would you guess it, carbon fibre reinforced plastic as well as a torque vectoring differential. Lexus claims this is the first time such a diff has been fitted to an front-engined, rear-drive car before and offers three modes 'to optimise traction and vehicle control in different scenarios, from everyday driving to track performance'. It's optional on the RC F but without a price as yet. A Mark Levinson stereo is again standard on the Carbon and optional on the F. If you want a sunroof then the Carbon is out with that roof.

Customers can expect their cars from January which means a media launch isn't too far off either. Anticipation ramped up another stage!

 

[chungasarnies]

"Torque is down at 384lb ft against 406 but that's a willing sacrifice for the NA response"

And yet there was such a big fuss about how everyone loved the M3 having a load of torque now. Hmm..,

[ZOLLAR]

Thought it was a Toyota GT86 for a second.

[Atmospheric]

Make no mistake - this will sound better than the M3/4.

At this moment, I'd probably prefer this than the BMWs.

[tenpenceshort]

I realise beauty is in the eye of the beholder, however to me that is not a pretty or brilliantly proportioned car. I bet they sell about 50 of them over here.

[boyse7en]

That has to be the dullest-looking way to spend £60k on a sports car/GT.

[ayrton12]

...and then, I took a look in the cabin which felt and looked ridiculously cheap (like in all Lexus models).

[MadDog1962]

ZOLLAR said:

Thought it was a Toyota GT86 for a second.

It does bear a faint resemblance in a very good way. I think it looks a lot better than the BMW. Will probably sell quite well in the US.

[vz-r_dave]

boyse7en said:

That has to be the dullest-looking way to spend £60k on a sports car/GT.

As opposed to what? What other 60k sports car/GT new will you buy that is more exciting?

[Gorbyrev]

Pheonomenal engine note and a proper Lexus package with the dealer back up to boot. Think they will sell quite a few of these, especially in that lovely blue. How much are first gen cars changing hands for these days? Of to classifieds for a rummage.

[boyse7en]

vz-r_dave said:

As opposed to what? What other 60k sports car/GT new will you buy that is more exciting?

Isn't the standard answer "a second-hand 911"?

[Hub]

tenpenceshort said:

I realise beauty is in the eye of the beholder, however to me that is not a pretty or brilliantly proportioned car. I bet they sell about 50 of them over here.

I was thinking that (silly exhausts aside) it looks great to me - and I'm not generally a Lexus fan.

[bruciebonuz]

Saw one in the metal yesterday (at least I think it was one - looked a lot like it, parked next to an LFA down in Canary Wharf). Quite a mean looking motor, the front end particularly so.

[Selmer Mk6]

I actually like the shape, from the side anyway. In terms of performance against the M4, .5 of a second (0 - 60) on the road, will not make a difference. Maybe there should be some rolling starts, which will be more representative of their pace. However, I think most people will follow the track times, which I think the M4 will have the edge.

In any case I would buy neither brand new, but possbibly the RC F used, unless the BMW's reliance on extended warranties is not required.

[mr_fibuli]

It's a really mad shape in the flesh, all concave surfaces and pokey out bits everywhere. I do think the gaping front grille needs breaking up a bit though.

I hope they depreciate as quickly as the IS-F has

[sad61t]

boyse7en said:

Isn't the standard answer "a second-hand 911"?

Doesn't 60K put you in leggy Gallardo territory?
Now that's an exciting way to spend 60K.
What, new vs cherished isn't a valid comparison I hear you say howl?
Totally agree

[chelme]

Atmospheric said:

Make no mistake - this will sound better than the M3/4.

At this moment, I'd probably prefer this than the BMWs.

Have to agree. This is far more desirable than the fake M.

[TheJelley]

mr_fibuli said:

I hope they depreciate as quickly as the IS-F has

Just had a quick gander at the used ISF prices, that is heroic depreciation!

[Selmer Mk6]

Spec for spec is the RC F still more expensive than the M4?

[jason61c]

ayrton12 said:

...and then, I took a look in the cabin which felt and looked ridiculously cheap (like in all Lexus models).

Have you actually been in one? Do you really think BMW cabins are 'all that' in terms of quality?

[T1berious]

I'd imagine that V8 will not require in car stereo enhancement? I hope they didn't go fake pipes this time....