It may be time to start considering Lexus as a contender in the luxury sport coupe debate. Lexus has always handled the ins and outs of cars well – the luxury and the aesthetics. But sportiness was never their forte. Until now that is; at the Detroit Auto Show Lexus announced the arrival of the 2015 RC F performance coupe. It’s faster, it handles better, it’s lower, and it looks better . . . what’s not to like?
Lexus started with the engine (as all sporty cars should), creating their most powerful V-8 yet. The 5.0-liter 32-valve engine produces 450 hp and 383 lb.-ft. of torque, which is handled by a Torque Vectoring Differential to make sure that the car still handles as well as it should. They’ve also redefined the transmission, as the paddle-shifter optimized 8-speed Sports Direct Shift transmission is Lexus’ sportiest gearbox yet.
The goal was a first for Lexus: to make a true sports car. Or, in the words of chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi, “I’ve built RC F to be enjoyed by all enthusiasts.”
The implementation of the Torque Vectoring Differential may be the most exciting part of the RC F for car lovers. The differential is a first for Lexus, and allows the driver to control the power better than ever before. It comes with three modes: standard (a balance of stability and performance); slalom (emphasis on steering response); and track (emphasis on stability through power). This type of performance detail makes the car much more desirable to the enthusiast who loves hitting the back-roads or the open highway on the weekends.
The RC F finishes off the performance with an extremely rigid chassis and 19-inch forged aluminum wheels.
Also exciting is the interior, which does not match the standard RC model’s. The design is unique to the RC F, and very useful combination meters make it that much more of a driver’s car.
And on the outside . . . well, take a look for yourself. This is the best looking Lexus yet, and it isn’t even close.
Photo Credit: Lexus
