Now in its seventh year of production, the Lexus RC F still offers something its luxury sports coupe rivals can’t: a sweet-singing V-8 engine. BMW’s signature M3/M4 hasn’t offered one in a decade. A 2022 Audi RS 5 Coupe? V-6 engine. A 2022 AMG C 43 Coupe? V-6 engine. Maybe it’s crazy to think that the company that put the first hybrid system into a luxury vehicle is the only one that still offers a V-8 engine in their sports coupe.
With a name like “Radical Coupe”, the Lexus RC F boasts both performance and comfort in a sleek and stylish package. As far as daily drivers in this segment go, the RC F is the most livable, putting a smooth and seamless driving experience first. However, don’t mistake that the 472 horsepower, adaptive suspension, and 6-piston Brembo brakes aren’t ready to party at any moment.
Unlike its German luxury rivals, you will only find the single engine option available for the RC F: the 2UR-GSE 5.0-liter V-8 engine that produces a stout 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque all naturally-aspirated. Let’s not also forget that this is the most powerful Lexus V8 ever and the largest naturally aspirated engine in its class.
This amazing engine is transmitted through an eight-speed automatic transmission that rewards you with a crazy crackling overrun on a hard shift. With peak torque being reached only above 5,000 RPM and a lofty 7,300 RPM redline, this V-8 begs you to ring it out.
Even with a near-4,000 pound curb weight, the RC F accelerates from 0-to-60 MPH in 4 seconds flat with an active launch control button. Equipped with a Torsen limited-slip differential standard and an optional torque vectoring differential, this Lexus is no slouch in the tight corners. 6-piston Brembo brakes are standard, with optional Carbon-Ceramic Brembos available on the low-production Fuji Speedway Edition.
Even being the only naturally-aspirated engine in its segment, the RC F is able to provide a comparable estimated fuel economy of 16 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway, averaging about 19 MPG Combined.
New for the 2022 model year, the low-production Fuji Speedway Edition RC F will make its debut. The only other available model will be the base model RC F. Both cars will offer an exclusive set of forged aluminum 19-inch wheels made by BBS for Lexus. The 19x9 inch front wheel and a 19x10 inch rear wheel will be paired with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S 255/35/19 front tire and 275/35/19 rear tire. Safe to say the RC F is set to grip up. ‘
Most future buyers will most likely be purchasing a base model RC F, which hosts no shortage of features from the distinct black grill to automatic LED headlights. A speed-activated rear wing is standard to provide some extra grip at higher speeds. The Fuji Speedway Edition will offer a substantially larger carbon fiber fixed rear wing, along with a plethora of additional carbon parts around the vehicle to match.
The most common package attached to the base model RC F will be the $6,375 Premium Package, which offers:
Lexus interiors have been known to be amongst the most comfortable even in the luxury segment. Crafted for a great driving experience, you’ll find exclusive racing pedals, a more sporty instrument cluster, and bolstered sport seats to keep you locked in the RC F. Upgraded leather is available as part of the Premium Package.
With full Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, this Lexus will provide every modern creature comfort you could imagine. This includes Amazon Alexa integration and a Wi-Fi hotspot. A 10-speaker system comes as standard with an available Mark Levinson sound system. The main infotainment screen offered is a seven inch display with an available 10.3 inch upgrade.
Considering the base price for the regular RC F model of $67,295, the Fuji Speedway Edition is a premium of $34,875, which is more than half of the cost of the car itself. However, this special edition is supposed to be limited to only 50 models, truly an ultra-exclusive model reserved for collectors and die-hard Lexus enthusiasts.
Those cross-shopping the 2022 Lexus RC F will certainly find themselves looking at the 2023 BMW M4 Coupe, 2022 AMG C 43 Coupe, and 2022 Audi RS 5. However, the Lexus remains as the sole option for those enthusiasts that crave the irreplaceable feeling and sound of a V-8 engine. If that is a must have option on your checklist but you still crave the absolute best a new car can give you, the Lexus should be the obvious choice.
It may not have the raw driving dynamics of the M4, but the Lexus makes up for that in style and comfort. As far as luxury sport coupes go, there isn’t an option that is going to be quite as plush as the RC F for daily driving. It is priced solidly below its German competition and offers options they can’t with a better warranty. Nothing more than to drive one and see if it’s for you!