When the SC 300/400 disappeared from the Lexus line-up, they lost a luxury sport coupe that competed with the likes of BMW’s 3-Series coupe and Infiniti’s G37 coupe. Now Lexus is back in the game with its 2-door RC model.
The Lexus RC lineup includes the RC 350 and RC 350 F Sport variant, both with a 306-horsepower V6 and available all-wheel drive. The V8 powered RC F aims toward the high-performance spectrum and will cost you $62,400 to start, while the RC 350 F Sport comes in at a base price of $47,875. We sampled both models and each delivered an inspired driving experience.
RC 350 F Sport
The RC 350 has a 3.5-liter V6 engine developing 306 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The rear-wheel drive versions are powered via an 8-speed automatic transmission; the all-wheel models use a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Taking off from 0 to 60 miles per hour takes 5.8 seconds, which is about average for the class. Top speed is 143 mph, while consumption for the rear-drive model is estimated at 19 miles per gallon in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined.
The F Sport version of the RC 350 come with 19-inch, 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels and larger 14.06-in. two-piece front rotors. RWD F Sport models are equipped with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A maximum performance summer tires measuring 235/40R19 up front and 265/45R19 at the rear.
The quiet cabin of the RC 350 sports aluminum and wood trims, a classy analog clock in the center console and optional leather seating. For the front occupants, comfort levels are ample. There’s a slight shortage of headroom and legroom in the back seat, but hopefully full-size adults won’t have to endure a long road trip.
RC F
With its aggressive styling and race-inspired technology, the all-new 467 horsepower 2015 Lexus RC F is a powerful player ready to challenge European rivals like the BMW M4 and Audi RS 5. The 5.0-liter aluminum block V8 is mated to a an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifter. It rolls on 19-inch BBS wheels outfitted wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport maximum performance summer tires. Stopping power is delivered by Brembo 15-inch ventilated rotors with six-piston calipers at the front and 13.6-inch vented rotors with four-piston calipers at the rear.
Lexus claims the RC F can race from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and can reach a top speed of 168 mph.
Inside the RC F are features like Lexus’ next-generation Remote Touchpad, Enform app suite, a full-color LCD gauge cluster, and full race-ready cockpit with high-back bolstered sport seats. Exterior standard features include color-coded heated outside mirrors, F badging on front fenders and right-rear trunk area, and LED head, daytime running, brake, tail, and license plate lamps.
The 2015 RC 350 F Sport and RC F Coupe are two new and very luxurious sports cars. But how fast is each car and which one is the better buy? In this TFLcar 0-60 mph review we take both of them to the race track and settle the question the old fashioned way…with an all Lexus drag race.
