Monday 2nd June 2014

Don't forget the RC F!

M4 excitement diminished now? Good, says Lexus, as here's how they plan to beat it

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Following its Detroit unveiling, there's been little new to discuss on the Lexus RC F. The normally aspirated V8 was good news, the porky kerbweight less so then along came the M3/M4 launch and its arrival has slipped by the wayside.

Not for much longer. Having allowed the BMW hype to subside, Lexus has begun releasing videos charting the testing progress of its latest fettled-at-Fuji flagship. And it bodes really very well for the production version.

We're planning the twin test already...

You will have to suffer an irritating American narrator and Gran Turismo-esque backing music in the below vid, but the mantra of the RC F development team is sound: "Pursuing ultimate driving enjoyment rather than just speed."

Chief Engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi does mention the N-word (no, not that one...) very early on however. He maintains that Lexus is testing at that 12.9-mile circuit for driving enjoyment purposes and not lap records though. The M3 doesn't yet have an official time.

To hear that the team 'insisted' on a naturally aspirated engine is great news, with 'excellent emotional performance' the key justification. Yaguchi promises also a feeling of 'continuous acceleration even above 7,000rpm', which is again exactly what we wanted from Lexus and will provide a fascinating alternative to the BMW's turbocharged six-cylinder. Sounds pretty good as well...

Of course there's some motorsport influence. Here Lexus are promising cornering feel akin to the IS F CCS R racer as well as 'distinctive FR cornering behaviour', which we'll take as an ability to perform huge powerslides. Marvellous.

See also Lexus's vid on the RC F's track development schedule. It all sounds very encouraging, which has only heightened our excitement around the RC F. The IS F was very good and the LFA spectacular so fingers crossed the trend for a talented fast Lexus will continue.

Watch the video here.

 

[S11EPS]

Does anyone else see the irony of a video documenting "the emotional joy" of driving being presented by a guy who looks like his hamster's just died?
Maybe his face missed the briefing?

[Tuvra]

The car looks great, especially from behind. I am usually one for contrasting interior but on that, I think it contrasts too much, black leather for me

[kambites]

Nice to see someone sticking with natural aspiration, at least for now.

[foxhounduk]

Lol you have to love the Japanese and their quirky marketing videos.

"The new [V8] engine is based on distinctive emotional standards; response, sound and a continuous acceleration."

I can't help but think that's a blatant two fingers up to BMW's M division for pumping fake engine noise through the speakers in it's M4.

[Fantuzzi]

Looks awesome cant wait till the reviews come in!

[kambites]

foxhounduk said:

Lol you have to love the Japanese and their quirky marketing videos.

"The new [V8] engine is based on distinctive emotional standards; response, sound and a continuous acceleration."

I can't help but think that's a blatant two fingers up to BMW's M division for pumping fake engine noise through the speakers in it's M4.

Quite rightly so, too.

[Some Gump]

As long as this doesn't have "F Performance sticker, black - £350" on the price list, IMO Lexus will have taken the "cool" leadership away from BMW's cynically marketed revamp of the M3. Which, I hasten to add should still be called 3. 4 is just gash.

[jason61c]

So much more interesting than the 'M' range.

[moffat]

5.0 V8 for the RC F and NA should be interesting to see the complete package e.g. bhp, 0-100mph, mpg, C02 etc.

The new C63 4.0 V8 is a TT but sounds great if the new AMG GT are anything to go by.

Makes the M3's 3.0 TT seem a little puny, but the 0-100mph of 8.7 secs is the headline figure for me!!!

[Vee12V]

All for an NA engine but weight kills everything.
Overall I'm sceptical but I wish em the best of luck. Hope it's as good as advertised.

[Ozzie Osmond]

A face that only a mother could love.

I'd take a 4-series BMW over that any day of the week.

[marmite monster]

looks like total dog turds ..will never be as good as zee germans m3 just give up and make us another twin turbo supra !!

[EngageSportMode]

Still not 100% convinced by the humongous front grille. Rest of the car looks pretty good.

Probably closer to the C63 AMG Coupé in the respect that it's a) naturally aspirated and b) weighs substantially more than the M4. Doesn't have the C63's torque though.

[smilo996]

Did the key person take his cue from Audi explaining how amazing the new Hurcan is?

Lexus really do try hard and I suspect they will get even better. The line up of cars they have though is eclectic though.

[Stu R]

Good on them, if the ISF was anything to go by it'll be a cracker.

Might not be as quick around the ring but I'll bet it's a hoot to thrash.

[aspirated]

Hooray for instant throttle response!

[edinph]

Is it only me who thinks RC is not a good name? Arsey?

[British Beef]

If only it had a bigger grill!

On paper sounds like it has the measure of the M3, should be an interesting duel.

[DanielSan]

So much better looking than the M3/4. And I'd expect a much better noise. I'll take mine in blue please.

[3ananaPie]

Is looking like a great car. Always thought Lexus should do a sporty coupe. NA engine sounds good too (no pun intended). Fingers crossed these have reasonable values in 3 years time. Will take mine in Red please.