One of today's well-liked American 2-door sports coupes is unquestionably your best option if you want a high-performance coupe with rear-wheel drive and a V8 engine. There is, however, an alternative. This option is the Lexus RC F 2023 from Japan, a stylish luxury coupe with a potent V8 engine.
Despite being around for a while, there has never been much enthusiasm surrounding the Lexus RC F. But may it be a better option if you're looking for a fun, cozy V8 performance car that sticks out from the crowd? Does it take tweaks well? How about value for the money? Let's look at it.
Basic Information
Although it has undergone a few minor tweaks over the years, the RC F that is currently for sale is essentially the same vehicle that was first introduced by Lexus for the 2015 model year.
The RC F's 5.0 liter 2UR-GSE V8 engine sets it apart from other Lexus RC models, which come with four- and six-cylinder engines. Models from 2015 through 2019 produce 467 horsepower, while vehicles from 2020 and beyond produce 472 horsepower. None of these vehicles use turbochargers or superchargers to achieve their power outputs.
The availability of manual transmissions is one area where the RC F falls short of its American competitors. The RC-F only has an eight-speed automatic transmission; in contrast, the Camaro, Challenger, and Mustang all offer optional stick-shifts.
The RC F is a powerful vehicle, nevertheless, assuming you don't mind letting the car change gears on its own. In stock condition, it will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in the low four-second range and complete the quarter mile in the high twelves, which puts it in the same ballpark as American offerings.
Really High-Performance?
The RC F's weight of more over 4,000 pounds is undoubtedly one of its main drawbacks. That is a couple hundred pounds more than a Mustang or Camaro SS, and it weighs almost as much as a Dodge Challenger. And it's also because of that weight that the Lexus isn't a truly track-friendly vehicle right off the assembly line.
What about aftermarket assistance for those wishing to boost the RC F's performance over that of stock, though? It's a bit of a jumble. If you really want to increase power, you can choose from aftermarket supercharger solutions for the 2UR-GSE V8. Additionally, a respectable assortment of RC F wheels, tires, and suspension and chassis improvements are available.
However, if you are accustomed to the costs and parts availability for a Mustang or Camaro, you should be aware that Lexus components will be both more difficult to locate and more expensive to purchase.
What’s the Price?
Pricing is the last item to think about. Unsurprisingly, the RC F is substantially more expensive, both new and used, than a Camaro SS, Challenger Scat Pack, or Mustang GT.
The suggested retailed price of a brand-new RC F Track Edition with the best equipment is close to $100,000, which is much higher than that of other naturally aspirated V8 high-performance cars. Having said that, used models of the 2015–2016 RC F are currently available for as little as $40,000.
Although it has comparable performance and power, the RC F can't really be compared favorably to American V8s. Keep in mind that the target car for the Lexus was more centered at a BMW M4 than a Mustang GT as it attached great importance to comfort and refinement.
However, the V8 Lexus should still be worth considering if you don't mind spending extra money on a roomy, dependable V8 performance vehicle that sticks out from the pack of muscle cars. Additionally, it should continue to attract ardent supporters for a very long period.
Comments