Lexus Debuts 2015 RC F Performance Coupe - Head Turner

Lexus debuted its brand new RC F performance coupe at the 2014 North American International Auto Show. It is sharp looking and boasts an incredibly powerful V-8 in the small coupe. Luxury design and lots of horsepower could be a winning combination for Lexus. 

Lexus Debuts 2015 RC F Performance Coupe

The 2015 Lexus RC F coupe on display at the 2014 NAIAS show.

The RC F coupe has many impressive features including the V-8 engine which boasts a powerful roar with more than 450 horsepower and more than 383 lb-ft. torque. This performance was mated with an eight-speed “Sports Direct Shift” transmission with paddle shifters.

Lexus Debuts 2015 RC F Performance Coupe

This small coupe has a BIG engine. It should be incredibly fun to drive.

It also makes use of the Torque Vectoring Differential that helps ensure handling and performance. This first of its kind offering from Lexus has three different operating modes:

  • Standard for a balance of nimble performance and stability;
  • Slalom for emphasis on nimble steering response; and
  • Track to help with consistent stability, ensuring the vehicle stays on the intended corning line as the driver applies more throttle.

Lexus points out though that the hallmark of any sports car is how it handles. With this in mind, they built the RC F with a highly rigid body with large cross-section rocker panels that include a stiff front lower brace. They also gave it a wider tire and wheel assembly.

The RC F uses front and rear coil-spring independent suspension aimed at maintaining agility and grip. It also uses monotube gas-filled shock absorbers and ball-jointed stabilizer bars. All of these features were paired with 19-inch forged aluminum wheels.

On the outside, the RC F continues the current Lexus design trend with a large grille and has a unique front hood that raises the “peak of the vehicle, creating a powerful side view.”

Borrowing from the LFA supercar, the RC F incorporates a hood air vent and front cooling ducts to help cool the engine and increase vehicle stability. It also uses an active rear spoiler like the LFA to create downforce at speeds of more than 50 mph. Lexus says that spoiler is the “highlight” of the aerodynamic package that also includes a tuned underbody, intakes in the grille, and front fender vents plus the placement of aero stabilizing fins.

Lexus Debuts 2015 RC F Performance Coupe

The interior of the 2015 Lexus RC F coupe borrows ideas from the LFA.

Lexus also incorporated many design features of the LFA on the inside as well. The idea is the driver’s seat gives the sense of an aircraft cockpit. The RC F uses combination meters that provide a wide range of information that is easy to read for the various driving modes.

These combination meters include “a large centrally mounted tachometer that alters according to drive mode, digital and analog speedometer, differential torque vectoring monitor, G-Force meter, oil and water temperature gauges, mileage information and a stopwatch.”

Lexus says the seats and steering wheel are built specifically for the driver in mind. The steering wheel is thicker for greater control when driving fast or on the track. With driving fast in mind, the seats are made to fit the driver snugly and help hold the driver during high speeds.

No word as of yet for price and availability. Lexus does that the mpg should be better than the IS F.

What do you think? Does it appeal to you?