Pushed: 2018 Lexus RC F 10th Anniversary Is A Heavyweight Boxer
Simply wanting on the 2018 Lexus RC F 10th Anniversary Version provides you a superb concept what this sports activities coupe is all about.
The RC F is unashamedly daring, brutish, and imply. The phrases ‘delicate’ or ‘refined’ by no means enter your head when it and it doesn’t given off the slightest trace of sophistication. When painted in Fuji Graphite, just like the 10th Anniversary Version we not too long ago examined over 12 days, this potent Lexus is all about drama. And on that entrance, it positive delivers.
Pumping The Iron With Finesse
Very like the GS F 10th Anniversary Version we reviewed not too long ago, the RC F has been launched to rejoice the 10th anniversary of the F efficiency sub-brand. In Australia, costs begin at $151,929 AUD, whereas within the U.S., it’s priced at $80,810. That’s a $16,160 USD premium over the usual mannequin.
The Fuji Graphite paint, in addition to the gloss black wheels and bevy of blue accents, make the two-door coupe an actual head-turner. Describing the appears of the automotive in just some phrases is difficult but it surely does give off a singular vibe which you usually gained’t discover in autos which compete on this phase of the premium automotive market.
Lexus solely constructed the RC F 10th Anniversary Version with a single inside configuration. Entering into the cabin reveals blue leather-based throughout the steering wheel, seats, and door panels. There are additionally some blue Alcantara and carbon fiber trimmings so as to add to the car’s plush and opulent really feel. For probably the most half, the cabin is a pleasant place to spend time and the seats are completely very good.
As you discover the perfect driving place, it’s arduous to not be drawn in the direction of the gorgeous gauge cluster of the RC F. Within the heart, there’s a massive tachometer whereas to the right-hand aspect of it’s a tiny speedometer. The automotive’s varied driving modes, corresponding to Eco, Regular, Sport, and Sport+ alter the look of the cluster to match your choice. With Sport+ enabled, for instance, the central gauge is blacked-out, permitting you to focus your consideration on the street forward.
Instantly to the aspect of the gauge cluster is the massive infotainment display. Whereas many automotive producers appear to tack tablets onto the dashboard’s of their autos, designers at Lexus have neatly included the display into the sprint. It could be simply out of arm’s attain however the high-definition show is simple sufficient to learn for the driving force and front-seat passenger. Positioned beneath the display are two air vents and an analog clock which at night time, lights up white.
After I was first handed the keys to our tester and bought behind the wheel, I rapidly glanced on the rear seats and scoffed at their impracticality – however the fact is that it’s fairly spacious again there. There may be simply sufficient headroom for somebody about 6-foot tall and a formidable quantity of legroom too. It’s not one of the best place to sit down again and loosen up in a protracted journey, however it could not be torturing both.
Nonetheless, as good as many of the inside is, it’s not excellent. The principle wrongdoer is the middle console that appears outdated and at odds with the remainder of the cabin. It’s dominated by black plastic and appears low-cost in comparison with the soft-touch surfaces discovered elsewhere. The steering wheel, whereas good to carry, feels barely low-cost and appears old style.
A Brute To Fall For
Nonetheless, the entire cabin’s shortcomings fade into insignificance whenever you truly begin to drive the factor.
Earlier than doing so, although, it’s value contemplating what sort of car the RC F is. Whereas it competes with the BMW M4 and Mercedes-AMG C63, it weighs in at a portly 1,820 kg (4012 lbs). This makes it roughly 300 kg (661 lbs) heavier than an M4. Clearly, that is no light-weight sports activities automotive and that’s somethin value holding in thoughts whereas behind the wheel.
Throughout our time with the RC F, we took it alongside all method of roads from easy highways to bumpy nation roads and sweeping mountain passes. It could be a little bit of a brute, but it surely’s a lovable brute.
The spotlight of the automotive is clearly its naturally-aspirated 5.Zero-liter V8. Whereas the RC F’s rivals are turbocharged, the Lexus is all pure – and all the higher for it. The automotive delivers 471 hp (351 kW) at 7,100 rpm and 390 lb-ft (530 Nm) of torque between four,800 and 5,600 rpm. Lexus says it might hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in roughly four.5 seconds and now we have no purpose to doubt that quantity. It accelerates briskly off the road with little or no fuss, aside from the rear tires, which frequently battle for grip even with traction management engaged.
On startup, the engine offers a pleasant little growl and on the road, emits an intoxicating sound. It’s not as brutal as these V8s constructed by Mercedes-AMG, however is definitely one of many best naturally aspirated powertrains on sale. The endearing character does come at the price of gasoline effectivity. Lexus claims that it might sip 10.9-liters of gasoline per 100 km (or 21.5 mpg within the U.S.) however we didn’t get near that determine and infrequently struggled to eke out greater than 320 km (200 miles) to a tank.
Love The Method You Drive
Paired to the fiery engine is Toyota’s AA80E eight-speed automated transmission from Aisin. This gearbox fits the persona of the automotive to a tee and offers fast shifts from the second you set off. In handbook mode, the paddle shifters provide a pleasant really feel and a really optimistic engagement whenever you pull them, with the ‘field snapping into gear with little fuss even when it isn’t as fast because the dual-clutch gearboxes of the RC F’s rivals.
We hardly ever drove the automotive in full-automatic mode when out for spirited drives, however after we did, we loved the gearbox’s capability to telepathically select the proper gear when braking in the direction of a nook. Simply earlier than the turn-in, the automotive screams into gear with an intoxicating rev-match.
Upon tipping the automotive into turns, I used to be instantly impressed with the grip supplied by the entrance finish. This isn’t a automotive which appears like it’s wherever near understeering at speeds authorized on the road and as a substitute, it’s extra vulnerable to kicking out its tail at nook exit. When it does, it stays very controllable and offers optimistic suggestions by the steering wheel.
I used to be additionally notably impressed with the brakes of the automotive. Up entrance, there are massive six-piston calipers clamping down on slotted brake rotors whereas on the rear, there are four-piston ones. At no stage was there any apparent brake fade after we had been feeding the automotive by tight and twisty mountain roads.
However, as good because the driving expertise is, it’s inconceivable to not really feel the car’s heft in nearly all conditions. Whether or not or making a decent flip, cruising round a sweeping bend, or cresting a bump, the automotive feels heavy. Evidently, knowledgeable chassis tuning can solely go thus far earlier than physics takes over and the automotive’s mass begins to softly throw you backward and forward throughout cornering. It’s lucky then that there are bucket seats fitted as normal to make sure you can retain management over the automotive.
The Lexus RC F impresses when pushed quick, but it surely additionally feels nice whereas cruising. On lengthy journeys, it presents very good trip high quality and the engine turns into nearly silent at freeway speeds when the automotive is in sixth, seventh, or eight gears.
Hurling it round within the twisties is enjoyable, however make no mistake: that is no salsa dancer who seamlessly glides throughout a dance ground however extra of a boxer who, if wanted, can use swish footwork to get round – however would slightly simply punch you within the face with its rawness.
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