Lexus Releases Full Details on the 2015 RC F

2015 Lexus RC F (Credit: © Lexus)

The latest addition to Lexus’ family of F vehicles is the RC F Coupe. We’ve known that for quite some time now, but what we weren’t aware of were all of the juicy details about how this car performs. That was until now, as  Lexus has finally pulled the curtain back fully on the new RC F, giving us just about all the information we wanted on the upcoming model.

We’ll avoid being dramatic and cut straight to the part that most folks are curious about, the power. Lexus took the existing 5.0-liter, V-8 engine that injected 416 ponies into the IS F and meddle with its internals a bit to milk a little more power. The most notable of the changes are new cylinder heads, a 12.3-to-1 compression ratio to the old 11.8-to-1, and lightened internals. This resulted in a gain of 51 ponies, giving the RC F a whopping 467 horsepower and 389 pound-feet of torque.

2015 Lexus RC F (Credit: © Lexus)

This powerful V-8 links to an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift transmission that has four modes to choose from: Normal, Sport S, Sport S+, and M (Manual). The latter of the modes allows the driver to utilize the paddle shifters for lightning-fast shifts — 0.1-second upshifts — thanks to full torque convertor lock-up through all eight speeds. The M mode also includes throttle blipping for clean downshifts heading into turns and smooth acceleration out of them.

The transmission delivers power to the rear wheels via a Torsen rear diff with an optional Torque Vectoring Differential. This TVD is electronically controlled, and uses clutch plates to determine how it responds based on the setting the driver chooses. There are three settings for the TVD: Standard, Slalom and Track.

With all these drivetrain bits in place, the RC F sprints to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, can hit a top speed of 170 mph and clears the quarter-mile in just 12.5 seconds. It also pulls off decent fuel economy numbers, as the EPA rates it at 16 mpg city, 25 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined.

2015 Lexus RC F (Credit: © Lexus)

The RC F’s platform is based on the base RC’s underpinnings, but with added elements to increase its rigidity. RC F-exclusive bits on the platform include a strut tower brace up front, a V-shaped suspension brace on the rear, a cowl brace that spans from the front pillar to the apron member, and stiffer rear suspension mounts.

Finally, buyers get all of these goodies for pretty competitive price of $63,325. As with any Lexus, there are a tons of options to choose from that can quickly add $15,000 to that base price. Expect to see the RC F in dealers later in 2014.