2019 Lexus RC F 2-DR Coupe Review by David Colman - It's E15 Approved
10 out of 10 stars...It just doesn't get any better than this!
By David Colman
Special Correspondent to THE AUTO CHANNEL
![]() 2019 Lexus RC F |
Although Lexus still catalogues various F Line accessories for different models, they have concentrated recent high performance efforts at building "F" models from the ground up. While the RC F may resemble the more prosaic RC coupe, the F version is significantly different. Under the hood lies an absolute beast of a V8, displacing 5 liters. With 32 valves, direct and port injection, plus variable intake and exhaust valve timing, this engine melts the pavement with 467hp and 389lb.-ft. of torque. To assist you in maximizing power application to the rear wheels, Lexus has coupled this V8 to an Aisin 8 speed "Sport Direct-Shift" transmission which you control via sizeable "F Spec Paddle Shifters." Lexus gives you the choice of 3 drive modes. "Eco," which is useful when loafing along at speeds, facilitates 25MPG highway gas mileage. The "Normal" setting encourages sprightly performance without resorting to a jiggly ride and an over sensitive throttle pedal. Choose the full "Sport" setting and you eliminate any vestige of comfort in favor of smash mouth brutality. Each setting brings its own instrumentation to the dashboard display. In Sport setting, the tachometer is redlined at 7500 rpm.
Unlike so many overpowered American muscle cars that cheap out on brakes and suspension, this Lexus comes equipped with premium grade stuff. Start with the superb Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires (255/35R19F;275/35R19R) which carry a hard won "AA" traction rating along with a reasonable TW 300 tread wear rating. These radials come mounted on blacked out 7spoke alloy rims. Not just any wheels, mind you, but exceptionally expensive forged BBS rims. Behind these rims lie Fuji Blue Brembo ventilated front (14.9") and slotted rear (13.5") disc brakes, with massive 6 piston calipers anchoring the front and 4 piston calipers stopping the rear. Proprietary F Spec suspension components include double wishbone front struts plus multilink rear struts. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a premium Torsen differential that limits the prodigious wheelspin the V8 is capable of producing.
![]() 2019 Lexus RC F |
![]() 2019 Lexus RC F |
2019 LEXUS RC F 2-DR COUPE
![]() 2019 Lexus RC F |
HORSEPOWER: 467hp
TORQUE: 389lb.-ft.
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 16MPG City/25MPG Highway
PRICE AS TESTED: $84,560
HYPES: Satin Rocket Ship
GRIPES: Only Had It For A Week
STAR RATING: 10 Stars out of 10