Lexus’s line of V8 hotrods ends with a fiery-sounding feast of carbonfibre
The Lexus F-brand performance car as we’ve come to know it – that superbly left-field, one-fingered salute to German performance car hegemony – might now finally be a spent force. With both the IS F and GS F super-saloons fading in the memory, the subject of this road test – the Lexus RC F Ultimate Edition – is a V8-engined full stop of a sort.
For the past 20 years, these cars have been like some wonderfully strange experiment for Toyota’s global luxury brand. Out to forge an alternative path towards an enthusiastic audience, they’ve been entirely undiverted by horsepower races with Munich, Stuttgart or Ingolstadt. They’ve proven, instead, that Lexus knows perfectly well how to build noisy, ebullient, exciting cars: boldly, with commitment – and entirely on its own terms.
What comes next for the Fuji Speedway performance entity, then? There is talk of a son-of-LFA hybrid supercar, and possibly electric models too – but since those won’t be anything like the V8s we’ve come to know, we could hardly let the RC F disappear without a full set of road test performance figures, and one last noisy blast down Horiba MIRA’s mile straights.
The Ultimate Edition of the Lexus RC F is a fitting send-off for the brand’s V8 hotrods. This special edition model features a host of carbonfibre enhancements that not only improve the car’s performance but also give it a more aggressive and dynamic look. The carbonfibre hood, roof, and rear wing reduce weight and improve aerodynamics, while the titanium exhaust system provides a throaty roar that is sure to turn heads.
Under the hood, the RC F Ultimate Edition is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers quick and precise shifts. With a 0-60 mph time of just 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 168 mph, the RC F Ultimate Edition is sure to provide thrills on the open road.
Inside, the RC F Ultimate Edition features a luxurious cabin with leather-trimmed seats, carbonfibre accents, and a premium sound system. The driver-focused cockpit includes a 10.3-inch infotainment display, a digital instrument cluster, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters.
On the road, the RC F Ultimate Edition delivers a thrilling driving experience with sharp handling, responsive steering, and powerful brakes. The adaptive suspension system adjusts to different driving conditions, providing a comfortable ride on the highway and a sporty feel on twisty back roads.
Overall, the Lexus RC F Ultimate Edition is a fitting tribute to the brand’s V8 hotrods. With its powerful engine, carbonfibre enhancements, and luxurious interior, this special edition model is sure to leave a lasting impression on enthusiasts and collectors alike. While the future of Lexus’s performance lineup may be uncertain, the RC F Ultimate Edition serves as a reminder of the brand’s commitment to building exciting and dynamic cars that stand out from the competition.
