The Lexus IS F has driven off into the sunset but fear not F fans as Lexus has a new performance offering, the 2015 RC F, which is on sale now, priced from $63,325 including $925 in shipping. That makes it a couple of grand cheaper than the rival 2015 BMW M4, which starts at $65,125, and you also get a healthy boost in power with the Lexus.
The RC F comes to market with a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8, which Lexus has confirmed will deliver 467 horsepower. By comparison, the M4 is fitted with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter in-line six good for 425 hp.
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But before you claim the Lexus the winner, note that the M4 needs just 3.9 seconds to reach 60 mph while the RC F does it in 4.4 seconds. That’s because the Lexus weighs considerably more than the BMW, with the RC F tipping the scales at a hefty 3,958 pounds versus the M4’s 3,585-lb curb weight. Another potential rival for the RC F is Cadillac’s upcoming ATS-V Coupe and further out will be new generations of the Audi RS 5 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe.
The only transmission for the RC F is an eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters and multiple driving modes. Drive is to the rear wheels only, and buyers can select a torque vectoring system to join the car’s standard Torsen limited-slip differential. This torque vectoring system is linked with the car’s ABS and helps control drive force and braking force at each of the four wheels. The brakes measure in at 15 inches up front and 13.6 inches at the rear, and the stock wheels are 19-inch forged alloys.
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Built on the same 107.5-inch wheelbase as the 2015 RC coupe, the RC F is slightly lower, wider and longer. Yet, there’s nothing superfluous here. Every styling design feature of the RC F is said to have a positive aerodynamic benefit.
Inside, you’ll find an elliptical cross-section, thick-grip steering wheel. This is joined by seats with a high back and constructed using an integrated foaming technique that creates a highly supportive and taut fitting seat with trim material that stays fixed. A digital gauge cluster alters according to whatever driving mode is selected and shows a speedometer, differential torque vectoring monitor, G-Force meter, oil and water temperature gauges, mileage information and a stopwatch.
The standard audio system has 10 speakers in total, but if this is not enough Lexus offers a Mark Levinson 17-speaker setup. The system produces 835 watts total output and features a control panel that mimics the design of Mark Levinson home stereos.
Safety features include eight airbags and active braking systems that work together with the car’s adaptive cruise control.
EPA-rated fuel economy for the 2015 RC F is 16/25 mpg city/highway and 19 mpg combined.
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