Lexus RCF

2015 Lexus RC F

Like any other European sports cars, the new Lexus RC F combines the best of both worlds; being a standing ovation to any crowd on the streets and a track-day car on the weekends. Upon my observation on this high-performance version of the recently-released RC Coupe, I think that Lexus tries to create their own take against the BMW M4 but is it worth the use?

2015 Lexus RC F

First, let's take a look under the bonnet and the RC F comes with the same 5.0L V8 engine derived from the decommissioned IS F but now it's been updated so it produces 477PS of power and 530Nm of torque. That's a lot more than what the M4 has and unlike the M4 which has a 7-speed double-clutch nonsense, it has an 8-speed automatic gearbox which works just as fine as your usual automatic gearbox. However, the new RC F is almost two hundred kilos heavier than the M4 so when you pit these two on the drag race, looks like the M4 is winning. So much for bragging, eh? But what about on the track?

Like the old IS F, the RC F is really out of character for a Lexus because most Lexuses were made for those who are having a cup of tea in a fancy country club or being a professor of history at a certain university or something something but with Lexus' image changing into something radical since the latest Lexus IS, the gentlemen's club has been transformed into Alien Vs. Predator in a kind of way.

I wasn't got interested on the normal RC, especially the one with the hybrid model because it's a stark contrast to its sporty image. It was like you were rushing at the Dr. Pepper machine, only to found out that it was a mirage...and an RC Cola machine. In the RC F, it maybe a toughened-up version built to race on any track but it still feels...like an RC Cola machine. I know this car has more power than the M4 but its bulk really betrays me like my fandoms messed up by hostile search queries. It really lets me down, no matter what.

When it enters the real world with real traffic, the RC F is not so bad to drive on the local motorway and if anyone sees one approaching, they'll wind up their smartphones and blow a barrage of hashtags about what they saw because such styling really appeals. However, for a car like this, the RC F is a constable magnet and if you're making any turn on the motorway, an approaching constable will stop you and grab your license for some reasons. Looks like you're going to be creative to make the constables go deadma over this machine unnoticed.

2015 Lexus RC F interior

Unlike the M4, the RC F comes with a rather unique interior that feels like I've been on the now-legendary LFA supercar. The sports seats made for this car may not match the M4's but sitting here feels like I've bee cushioned to the seat of my favorite arcade racing game.

Since the RC F is a super saloon with two doors, there are four seats that can accommodate up to four people but on the downside, the passengers at the back will feel the cramped space due to its sloping roofline as well as its legroom which is as tight as getting sandwiched by two fat people at the MRT.

2015 Lexus RC F

At the end of the day, the Lexus RC F tries to rethink its ways about why this car is still lagging behind its German opposition but this car feels humbled and despite its downsides, this car tries to make a living as a sportscar that looks great and fun to drive but it's an expensive car to own because prices start at 9,530,000 Japanese Yen. Summing up this car is hard because, let's be honest, I wouldn't mind getting one in my dream garage and if I want a Japanese car that is a lot more enjoyable to drive, I'd go for the Nissan GT-R NISMO instead.

Available Colors: White Nova Glass Flake, Mercury Grey Mica, Sonic Silver, Black, Radiant Red Contrast Layering, Lava Orange Crystal Shine, and Heat Blue Contrast Layering.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation