World Debut of Lexus RC F at NAIAS

Photos courtesy of AutoSpies.com

Two versions of the new Lexus RC coupe was unveiled at last November’s Tokyo Motor Show: the RC 350, with a 3.5L V6 engine; and the RC 300h hybrid, with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine. Lexus showed the world its new RC Coupe for the first time at the Tokyo Auto Show back in November, and it seemed ready to take on competition like BMW’s new 4-Series. The RC hasn’t even hit dealerships yet, but that’s not stopping Lexus from rolling out the 2015 RC F Coupe, which makes its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, taking aim at luxury performance coupes including the BMW M4.

Lexus RC F

The 2015 Lexus RC F appears as a shock of intense blue paint, angles, the trademark hourglass grille of Lexus’ current design aesthetic, with a raised hood covering the most powerful V8 Lexus has ever made. The final engine specs aren’t yet set in stone, but Lexus has set a target on the IS F’s 4.6-second 0-60 mph time. To that end, the 5.0-liter V8 in the RC F is expected to exceed 450 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, with electric cylinder deactivation intended to offset some of the inevitable effects of the leadfootery it will inspire. A new paddle-shifted eight-speed automatic transmission is engineered to help control the torque and even-out throttle response. The RC F will be available as rear-wheel drive only, and we’d be absolutely shocked to learn that it doesn’t blow away the IS F’s 4.6-second sprint to 60.

Lexus RC F

A new torque-vectoring differential on the 2015 RC F is applicable through three driver-selectable modes: Standard, Slalom (increased steering response), and Track (emphasis on high-speed cornering). A spoiler deploys itself at speeds over 50 mph to increase downforce, and body rigidity is increased through the use of body adhesives, multi spot welding, and an optional clear coated carbon-fiber roof (and spoiler). The RC F’s design is more greatly influenced by the LFA supercar than any other Lexus to date; especially in the vent scoop in its long hood, angular headlights, and rear end. The LFA notes continue inside the 2015 RC F; its gauge cluster has a large tachometer in the center akin to the LFA’s, with readouts for G-forces and a monitor for the torque vectoring in the differential. The 2015 Lexus RC F arrives in dealerships this fall.

Now the rivalry heats up for the new BMW M4 that was revealed yesterday at NAIAS. Under the M4’s hood is a new 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 making 425 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. While the RC F has a traditional torque converter automatic, the M4 offers a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Which car will win over more drivers?

See Lexus RC F for sale on eBay.