2018 Lexus RC F

Apr 14, 2024, 5:15pm ET

The Lexus RC F is the luxury automaker's sports coupe. The RC F blends the luxury of the RC coupe with a no-holds-barred V8 powertrain to deliver the perfect blend of capability and comfort.

Overview

While others in this segment have migrated to turbocharged six-cylinder engines, Lexus has brought back its flagship performance V8 for the RC F. The 5.0-liter engine produces 467 horsepower at 7,100 RPM and 389 lb-ft of torque between 3,800 and 5,600 RPM and is mated to Lexus' superb eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic. Power goes to the ground via the rear wheels, and a torque-vectoring differential is available to maximize corner-exit performance.

That combination is good for a 0-60 run in 4.4 seconds and a 1/4-mile pass in 12.5, with a top speed of 170 mph. Despite this performance, the RC F manages a reasonable 16 mpg in the city, 25 on the highway and 19 combined.

Standard and optional equipment

The standard equipment list for the RC F is extensive. The base interior features NuLuxe leatherette available in Playa, Flaxen, Light Gray and Black with aluminum and wood trim. A DC outlet, one auxiliary-in jack and two USB jacks can be found in the center console recess. All RC models feature an analog clock mounted on the center stack and Drive Mode Select.

Elsewhere in the interior, you'll find a 256-watt, 10-speaker, AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA/SiriusXM/HD Radio audio system with integrated Bluetooth and USB/iPod support (with iTunes tagging) and voice recognition. The 7” VGA screen incorporates a back-up monitor with dynamic grid lines.

All RC models also include Lexus Enform Remote, a network system which allows owners to interact with certain on-board features via smartphone applications. Use of this system requires activation and subscription.

Siri Eyes Free is also standard, along with a HomeLink programmable garage door opener.

Also standard on all RC F models is Lexus' smart stop technology, which shuts the engine off when the vehicle is at a complete stop to conserve fuel.

Lexus also offers several packages and a-la-carte options for the RC F. Individual options include a power moonroof, heated/ventilated front seats, premium LED headlamps and navigation.

Packages bundle several of the individual options alongside more desirable features. The Mark Levinson package adds navigation and a 17-speaker, 835-watt, 7.1 channel surround-sound audio system. The all-weather package includes headlamp washers, a PTC heater and a windshield de-icer. Buyers looking for the ultimate in feature content can add on the Premium package, which adds blind spot monitoring heated/ventilated front seats, upgraded side mirrors (auto-dimming, reverse tilt-down units with memory), water-repellent side windows, carbon fiber interior trim, a speed-sensing rear spoiler, rain-sensing wipers and three-position memory (driver's seat, mirrors and steering column).

Exclusive to the RC F is the Performance package, which includes a carbon fiber roof panel, carbon fiber rear spoiler and the torque-vectoring rear differential.

Occupant safety

Standard on the RC F are LED daytime running lights; front, side, side curtain and side torso airbags, ABS, tire pressure monitoring, traction control, three-point belts for all seating positions, speed-sensitive automatic door locks and vehicle dynamic management (stability control) with a shut-off switch. Blind-spot monitoring and rain-sensing wipers are available on the Luxury Package. Pre-collision warning and radar-guided cruise control are available as a-la-carte options.

Key competitors

The Lexus RC F competes directly with Germany's compact performance coupes, including the BMW M4, Audi RS 5, and the Mercedes-AMG C63.