MOTORTREND ARTICLE

One glance at this new Lexus' slinky profile, fat tires, and bulging rear haunches suggests it's a pretty loving homage to BMW's M4 coupe. Move around front, however, and the similarity ends with a visage that is the polar opposite of a jovial Bavarian. Chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi confirms that while his baby will compete on price and performance with the M4, Mercedes C63 AMG, and outgoing Cadillac CTS-V (or forthcoming ATS-V) coupes, in terms of personality and soul it will feel as removed from those cars as a Wagnerian opera is from Kabuki theater. And the distinctive personality he's referring to is far more than skin deep, deriving largely from the still naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 engine that's now a segment exclusive. This engine shares only its basic cylinder block with that of the outgoing IS F sedan. The cylinder heads and all moving parts are completely new. Friction reductions allow the engine to rev 500 rpm faster than the IS F's, to 7300 rpm. A switch to electric phasing on all four cams brings greater variability and precision, and lets the engine borrow the Prius' more efficient Atkinson cycle operation during low-demand cruising conditions. So, while BMW downsized its M3/M4 engine from a 4.0-liter V-8 to a 3.0-liter I-6 and added twin turbochargers to compensate, Lexus virtually downsizes its 5.0-liter V-8 to roughly a 4.2-liter just by leaving the intake valves open for part of the compression stroke during Atkinson operation


"The ideal Atkinson cycle captures and compresses an amount of air that, when combusted and expanded throughout the entire power cycle, results in a cylinder pressure that's near atmospheric at the bottom of the piston's stroke, meaning the engine has wrung every bit of energy out of the fuel. Drop the hammer, and those valves shut in time to give you the full 12.3:1 compression (up from 11.8:1) and 5.0 liters of furious power -- 480 horses' worth (up substantially from the IS F's 416). A newly modified version of the current D4S direct-injection with secondary port injection helps make all this work. Torque ratings and further specifications are pending.

Power and twist route aft through a similar eight-speed automatic, upgraded with different control logic for D-mode operation, and a track-optimized Sport-plus shift schedule. Naturally, a manual mode relinquishes full control to the driver's shift-paddling or stick-rowing pleasure. At the rear axle is a torque-vectoring differential that can be programmed via the TVD switch on the console for standard, slalom, or track vectoring. That middle position optimizes for very quick side-to-side transitions found in magazine slalom tests and autocross courses. The rotary knob marked Eco, Normal, Sport controls throttle response, shift-schedule in Drive, and the electric power steering feel. The suspension is not adjustable

Speaking of suspenders, 70 percent of the hardware is altered from that of the IS F sedan, with new geometry and more use of aluminum. It rides 0.2 inch lower than the RC 350 coupe. Relative to the IS F's Brembo brake system, the RC F's is upgraded in front by increasing size from 14.2 to 15.0 inches in diameter and adding 0.15 inch in thickness, and in back by doubling the caliper piston count from two to four. Cross-drilling is ditched in favor of grooves all around; no carbon-ceramic option will be offered. Three designs of forged 19-inch wheels are available -- one of which is hand-polished -- and they're wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sports sized 255/35 in front, 275/35 in back. Yasuo Kajino designed the striking RC coupe and oversaw its F transformation, which alters everything forward of the A-pillar from the functionally vented hood and front fenders to the more aggressive front fascia incorporating oil cooler inlets for the engine (left) and transmission (right), and a more aggressive spindle grille, the mesh of which is composed of little Fs from the bumper level down. Moving rearward we find a BMW homage carbon-fiber roof panel (saving 13 pounds), bolder rocker panels, a decklid incorporating a wing that rises at 50 mph to reduce lift and create downforce at high speeds, and a rear fascia incorporating two pair of stacked exhaust outlets

Inside, carbon-fiber trim adorns the door panels and passenger dash and Alcantara accents the doors and heavily bolstered sport bucket seats. A special steering wheel gets an oval-section rim, and a unique thin-film transistor gauge cluster places a fixed tachometer ring in its center, a smaller speedometer ring to the right, and offers a choice of four display themes for conveying various sport and touring information such as g circle, track lap timing, tire pressures, etc. Making its debut on the RC is a new infotainment controller that swaps the old haptic mouse for a haptic touchpad. You can't write letters on it with your fingers like in an Audi, but as you swipe across it, the pad provides vibrations and feedback to ease menu selections. Bigger wheels, brakes, and bodywork mean the RC F will weigh more than the IS F, but Yaguchi-san assures us the coupe will handily outperform its sedan predecessor on the dragstrip and the Nürburgring, and that the way its naturally aspirated V-8 delivers torque, combined with its aggressive and distinctive appearance, will draw its own unique audience. We look forward to joining said audience for a preview performance and sharing our review with you forthwith.

Faster, Sharper, Lower, Wider – All-New Lexus RC F Performance Coupe Elevates the Driving Experience

• Lexus' Most Powerful V8 Engine Generates More than 450 Horsepower
• Latest Iteration of the F Marque in a Coupe Bodystyle
• Lexus-First Use of Torque Vectoring Differential for Incredible Cornering
• Purpose Designed Instrumentation and Sport Seats

DETROIT (Jan. 14, 2014) – Want power, precision and passion? Lexus revealed its most powerful V8 engine in the all-new 2015 RC F performance coupe at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The F performance model, based on the RC coupe, gets its powerful roar from more than 450 horsepower and more than 383 lb.-ft. torque.

To get that amount of power efficiently to the ground the RC F will make use of a Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD) to ensure remarkable handling and performance. The power will transfer through a newly calibrated eight-speed Sports Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission with paddle shifters.

"I've built RC F to be enjoyed by all enthusiasts – no matter what their level of expertise," said RC F chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi.

"There's a misconception that racing cars are hard to drive. In fact, they're easy in the right hands because they've been purpose-built for the skill level of their drivers. It's the same with RC F.

"Electronics can be modified instantly on board to provide appropriate levels of performance and protection. But even at its basic setting, it's a blast."

Driving Dynamics with More Power and Usability

The RC F has an all-new 5.0-liter 32-valve V8 engine that will provide increased maximum power at higher engine rpm than previously possible. For the first time in a Lexus performance engine, the RC F uses the Atkinson cycle at cruising speeds for enhanced fuel economy and then switches to the Otto cycle at higher rpm to develop impressive performance levels.

Driver engagement has been made possible by purpose designed sound and power delivery. A uniquely tuned eight-speed Sports Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission improves linear throttle response.

It helps the driver control the torque and power precisely as it is applied.

The newly calibrated VDIM adds a vertical G-sensor to provide greater vehicle stability

Torque Vectoring Differential

The RC F uses a Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD), a first in a Lexus, to increase driving performance. It has three 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.

Handling

The foundation for the vehicle's mechanical grip is the highly rigid body with large cross-section rocker panels and a very stiff front lower brace. Specialized Lexus manufacturing techniques are also used, including body adhesives, laser-screw welding, laser brazing and multi-spot welding. Grip is further enhanced through use of a wider tire and wheel assembly.

RC F has front and rear coil-spring independent suspension, with monotube gas-filled shock absorbers and ball-jointed stabilizer bars. Unsprung weight is reduced by the adoption of three new 19-inch diameter forged aluminum wheels which minimize tire/wheel assembly mass and maximize rigidity.

Exterior Design

Lexus RC F adds to the stylish body of the new RC coupe on which it is based. The RC F features its own version of the Lexus signature spindle grille which dominates the front of the vehicle from hood line to lower lip. The grille has a subtle F-mesh pattern on the lower half.

In profile view RC F has a unique front hood which raises the peak of the vehicle, creating a powerful side view.

The RC F takes design cues from the Lexus LFA supercar, especially in essential air cooling and aerodynamics. Its hood air vent, such as those on the LFA, combined with front cooling ducts contribute to engine cooling and overall vehicle stability.

As in the LFA, an active rear spoiler is incorporated into the trunk lid to provide down force at speeds of more than 50 mph. The active spoiler is a highlight of RC F's aerodynamic package which includes careful tuning of the underbody, the intakes in the grille and the front fender vents, and strategic placement of the aero stabilizing fins.

To the side, front fender ducts in the shape of an L also aid cooling performance while adding to the aggressive stance.

The RC F's available carbon fiber package offers a clear coated carbon fiber roof and active rear spoiler drawn from the LFA production experience.

Interior Design

Uniquely designed components, including combination meters, the steering wheel, seats, ornamentation and pedals, convey a sense of connection with the driver that only a Lexus F performance model can achieve.

RC F's all-new combination meters are further developed from LFA while also referencing aircraft cockpit instruments. The meters provide a wide range of easy to read information for the various drive modes.

The 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.

The driver's connection to the RC F is paramount. The RC F debuts a Lexus-first elliptical cross-section thick grip steering wheel for greater control during performance driving. The placement, shape and operation of paddle shifters make it easier to change gears on the track and in other performance circumstances.

The all-new high back seats have been designed for exceptional holding performance. An integrated foaming technique creates a highly supportive and taut fitting seat with trim material that stays fixed.