My FH5 Log: The last V8 JDM Coupes

What do the Lexus RC and the LC have in common? They're both coupes, they both have V8 engines, and they both took part in Super GT a long time ago.

Lexus is the only Japanese car brand that can stuff a V8 engine on their sports coupes such as the RC F and the LC 500, and as the world braces for the new normal, they'll soon be wiped out from the face of the earth. Before giving these two V8 JDM coupes a proper send-off, let's get to know them first.

The facelifted Lexus RC F in its Track Edition (Performance Package in Japan) glory is one of the DLC cars in the game and one of the most potent Japanese sports cars to drive in the game. 

For its minor change, the RC F's 5.0L V8 engine has been slightly boosted by 5HP of power and 8Nm of torque thanks to its revised intake routing and lower rpm trigger for the secondary intake opening. While extensive lightweight materials aren't enough for an ordinary RC F, the Track Edition (Performance Package) variant saw the fixed rear wing, the bonnet, the roof, and other aerodynamic materials made from carbon fiber as well as Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, a titanium muffler and tailpipe, dropping the weight between 70 to 80kg. 

Such extensive lightweight work made this variant goes from 0-100kph in four seconds, half a second quicker than the pre-facelifted RC F.

The Lexus LC 500 is the prize car from Forza Horizon 5's Midnights at Horizon Dry Season Playlist. I obtained it after hitting 20 points in the said playlist and now that I got one, it's time to have a word with this car. Of course, because it runs on the TNGA platform, this is the first time the Forza franchise featured a Toyota/Lexus model donning the TNGA platform, so let's have an earful with it. Ahem. With styling inspired by the LF-LC Concept, the LC 500 is powered by the same 5.0L V8 engine as the RC F mentioned above but with 472HP of power produced while mated to a Lexus-first 10-speed AT. 

The Lexus LC became the last Lexus vehicle to compete in the Super GT's GT500 class before it was replaced by the Toyota GR Supra for the 2020 season. In its three-season tenure from 2017 to 2019, the LC 500 emerged as the two-time champion with the #37 KeePer TOM'S and the #6 WAKO'S 4CR LC500 bagging the titles.

Both the RC F and the LC500 are like two sides of the same coin. The RC F, in its Track Edition glory, is all about showcasing the true side of the RC F while the LC500, well, it was basically built with grand touring in mind, unlike its Super GT-winning equivalent. Differences aside, they're both a real blast to drive because of their "over 9000" behavior, rumbling V8 soundtrack, and the Japanism lurking beneath them. It's no wonder most speedo boys had wanton fantasies about Japanese sports cars, especially these two that are in their prime.

Speaking of prime, it's time to give these two Japanese V8 coupes the proper send-off they need, and with Guanajuato's my personal lab for their last dance, it's time to give these aging eight-cylinder samurais the regal finale they'll never forget. Roll the tape.

After their last dance, here are the results;

LC 500 - 1m.11.455s

RC F Track Edition - 1m09.336s

It looks like the RC F Performance Package wins the final fight against the LC500 by nearly two seconds. What an astonishing gap between them even though they're both powered by the same ancient force that woke them.

As their time in this unstable world is nearing its climax, rest assured that the LC500 and the RC F are the greatest machines ever to come out from Japan because they're the last V8 sports cars to come out from the Land of the Rising Sun. Although it sounds cruel, this is the new normal we live in but their legacies will be forever in our hearts and minds.

Domo arigato, our ever-favorite V8 JDM coupes. You made us proud.

Forza Horizon 4: It's just an RC F

A trio of Toyota Motor Corporation's finest sports cars are making a comeback on the Series 27 update of Forza Horizon 4. One of them is the Lexus RC F, the car that I just won from the Horizon Autumn Playlist.

Served as the replacement to the legendary IS F, the RC F is Japan's answer to BMW M4 and it delivers similar performance compared to its German rivals. Under the hood, the RC F comes with the same 5.0L V8 engine derived from the IS F but it's been updated so it produces 477PS of power and 530Nm of torque. It is mated to an 8-speed SPDS.

With the quick info done, how about a little demonstration at the Festival?

Job well done. There's nothing else I can say.

Enjoy your new ride.

GT SPORT: That Bushido feeling

Like all good samurais in the pasts, even a hi-powered JDM car must respect the way of the Bushido and they live to fight for their honor and dignity, no matter how rough it can be. What I have here today are two of the most high-powered sportscars ever to emerged from the Land of the Rising Sun.



These are the cars in question; the V8-powered Lexus RC F and the hardcore Nissan GT-R NISMO, and today in GT SPORT, I'm going to drive them both to see which one has that Bushido feeling. But first, let's begin with Godzilla.



When I first tried the GT-R NISMO in the previous installment, I have strong belief that it's ready to take on the world because it is the pride of Nissan. However, due to the advancement of today's sportscars, feels like its days are numbered. Now, the GT-R NISMO's back in its updated version and although its 600PS VR38DETT V6 Twin Turbo engine remains unchanged, it now features turbines sourced from its GT3 racing machine as well as other improvements to make it more responsive and apart from the engine, it has structural adhesives to make it more tougher. Plus, the addition of a rear wing and a front under spoiler and bumper with canard shaped fins allows this car to produce more downforce than the standard GT-R at high speeds. There's so much more to explain about the improved version of the GT-R NISMO but let's leave it here.



Like a Family Guy joke, the RC F is basically a mirage when you see cars like the BMW M4 because it's easy to be ridiculed by such performance. That said, while it has more than the M4, the RC F cannot possibly outgun the M4 in such purposes because while the M4's turbocharged, the RC F is stuck with the old-fashioned, naturally aspirated 5.0L V8 engine mated to an 8-speed AT. It maybe as old-school as an 80's rock band and it maybe as terrifying to handle as an American muscle car but for purity, it almost never fails to impress drivers looking for such a sportscar that tickle their fancies. Yes, the 8-speed AT is a bit of an issue but it's still a purist's Lexus by a long shot and while it was not made to make fast lap times, the RC F is all about bringing smiles to drivers setting foot on it. Such honorable it is but now it's time to check how are these cars are doing with a trip round Tsukuba.



In true F spirit, the RC F really is out of character for a Lexus and while all good Lexuses are made for trips to the country club, this isn't because the RC F is all about brute force only a brave young man can handle due to its dynamic character it possesses. When you try to squeeze this car round the corner, that ferocious firepower really kicks the drivers hard like drinking a whole bottle of Red Horse Beer. It really is like Visual Kei with a dab of Heavy Metal and although unforgiving, it's worth addicting to drive.



The GT-R NISMO maybe as serious as a stern Dietman but as an all-rounder that was made to set fast laps, it takes a little effort to push its pace to get the most out of this hardcore GT-R. Although fast on the straights, it sometimes has the tendency to understeer, even with the traction control off, but it takes time to getting used to its mild and tangy dynamics.

Anyway, after some sighting laps, I decided to find out which one is the best with some proper timed laps and with that, roll the tape.



And now, the results...
\
GT-R NISMO - 1:03:630
RC F - 1:06.817

A near three-second gap showcases a clear difference between a serious car that is serious enough to do quick laps and a bewildering car that wants to enslave the driver to have some more until they had enough and the serious one wins, although I had high respects about the RC F enslaving drivers to never stop driving until it calls it quits.



Cars like these do live with the code of honor and like the way of the samurai, the GT-R NISMO and the RC F never lost their Bushido ways but after a trip to Tsukuba, turns out that Godzilla has the Bushido it deserves because it really is one of the most respected cars of all time. Sure, the GT-R is now on its twilight years but as long as this car keeps on fighting, it will keep on fighting until its last drop of petrol.

I believe most of you live by the code of honor so you better keep playing GT SPORT some more and by the time you're back for more Sport Mode, let's see how much Bushido coursing within you. If you live by the code of honor like the way of the samurai, prove it. See you again.

Forza Motorsport 6: Celebrating Lexus' 10th anniversary since its Japan launch

The year 2015 isn't about celebrating ten years of the Forza franchise, it's also celebrating the tenth anniversary of Lexus' Japan launch. It was late August 2005 when Toyota introduced Lexus to the Japanese market with the IS, GS, and SC. Hard to believe it's already been ten years, huh? So much stuff happening in the world are in their tens this year but let's not talk about those, okay?

Anyway, I'll honor Lexus' 10 years of Japanese sales with a selection of Lexus vehicles lapping round the Top Gear track on Forza Motorsport 6. Remember, only the Lexus cars offered in Japan since 2005. I'm not going to send the old 1997 Lexus SC300 here because apparently, it's only a Toyota Soarer offered in Japan and Lexus hasn't been introduced in Japan yet although the Lexus brand was offered to the world market. Only focus on the Lexus-branded cars offered in Japan.

The Lexus IS F, a potent version of the second-generation IS, the first Lexus IS offered to the Japanese market since Lexus was introduced in Japan in 2005. It signalled the birth of Lexus' F division that would combat the likes of BMW's M division, Mercedes-AMG, and Audi's quattro GmbH, responsible for their RS models. Launched in the end of 2007, the IS F was powered by a 5.0L direct injected 2UR-GSE V8 engine producing 423PS of power and 503Nm of torque. It was mated with an 8-speed paddle shift transmission.



The Lexus LFA, the pinnacle of Lexus' pursuit of perfection. With 500 units built from its two-year lifespan, the LFA comes with Japan's first ever V10 engine producing 552HP of power and 354lb-ft of torque. Even with production has ended three years ago, the LFA is a legendary JDM supercar in its own right.



The GS 350 F Sport. On its fourth-generation, the Lexus GS wants to be a serious competitor to BMW's 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz's E-Class, and Audi's A6. It's the first Lexus to introduce the Spindle Grille, which became a trademark to present-day and future Lexus models.



The IS350 F Sport. On its third-generation, the IS introduced a much radical evolution of Lexus' L-Finesse design philosophy and it gave us a much rakish look of the luxury brand's signature Spindle Grille.



And finally, the RC F. Using Lexus' involvement in the world of Super GT, the RC F is made to take on the race track thanks to its improved version of the 5.0L V8 derived from the IS F as well as other track-essential improvements that will keep it more potent in track days.

Now, most of the Lexus models are here to celebrate 10 years of Lexus' Japanese launch, and in honor of such ubiquitous occasions because 10 is becoming a lucky number for the year 2015, these Lexuses are ready to take on the Top Gear track, using whatever means necessary to attain the quickest lap.

All right, let's show them what they can do. For Lexus' 10th anniversary of Japanese sales!



The results:
1:26.418 - ISF
1:22.407 - LFA
1:30.713 - GS 350
1:33.250 - IS 350
1:27.047- RCF

Well, I have to say, these cars did a heck of a job honoring Lexus' 10th anniversary of Japanese sales and even though they did very well setting lap times, looks like the Lexus most Japanese will remember for for the past ten years of tenure is the Lexus LFA because it's the Japanese supercar that defined the breed and set the template for Lexus' F models for many years to come.

The RC F may not be a decent heir to the LFA but because of its circuit-based knowledge thanks to its involvement in the Super GT series, it tries to stay true to its AMAZING IN MOTION slogan. Only problem is when I took this one off, it ended up lapped slower than the IS F even though it has more power and that's definitely because this car's heavier than the IS F, I presume.

Onto the normal models like the GS350 and the IS350, feels like they're way much of a different league when compared against its German rivals but they're not half bad to impress its owners with its dynamics. Sure they maybe luxury cars but they felt like they're becoming as sporty as it hoped for...well, sorta.

If I had to pick which is the best Lexus for 10 years, my best pick would be the LFA because even though its production has ceased, its fame has been elevated as a cult classic, a legend in its own right.

It's an honor to celebrate Lexus' 10th anniversary since its Japan launch.

Forza Horizon 2: Back to the RC

When the Lexus RCF arrived in Forza Horizon 2 via the Top Gear Car Pack, I was given the opportunity to try it out on a Monthly Rivals event just to see how this high-caliber Lexus can do for me and the result is obvious that the RCF is not Lexus' finest hour when it comes to creating a two-door super saloon that can compete with the likes of the BMW M4 and the Audi RS5. There's also another problem with the RCF and it's obvious that some people in the real world bought an RCF because, I might get a point here, they couldn't afford a Nissan GT-R or the Toyota 86 is not quick on its own right.

I'd reckon that things might change if I made the Lexus RC F a star in its own right and to find out, I signed this car on a championship targeted for Super Saloons at Sisteron and find out the RC F is still a wonderful super saloon to drive or not. But first...







Quite a rude joke, isn't it? But anyway, it's now themed after that little girl from THE IDOLM@STER series, Yayoi Takatsuki, and having one in your RCF is what you called a cost-conscious petrolhead-slash-producer.

You see, in Japan, the RCF was priced at 9.53 million Yen, which is a million yen less than the BMW M4, making it a bargain to buy for a cost-conscious petrolhead who can't afford a BMW M4.

Another reason why a cost-conscious petrolhead chose the RCF is because the 5.0L V8 engine that powers it develops more power than the BMW M4's 3.0L six-cylinder turbo engine and it's better sounding too than the artificially-tuned exhaust note of the M4 as well. Hmmm, quite a rough choice but is it cost-effective? Let's see...



Well, it's obvious that even though it has more power than the BMW M4 or the Audi RS5, it's still hard to master the RC F's unclever handling characteristics and it's difficult to keep up when its opponent is on a one-sided fight to the finish.

You need to take a lot of time to master the RC F and get things right to have the upper hand against the opposition but no matter how bad the RC F resulted, it's still part of thriving a good example of JDM passion in the world of Forza Horizon 2. It may not have the striking looks nor the European car-like precision but the RC F is all about enjoying it to the fullest. Unpleasant but it takes time to getting used to it.

Forza Horizon 2: Me and my RC

Far away, you might notice there's a hot German sports coupe in sight and then you rushed to it enthusiastically and all of the sudden, it was just a mirage. More than a mirage...it's Lexus's brand new RC F! Boom! It's like when you though there's a faraway Dr. Pepper vending machine and all of the sudden, it was just an RC Cola machine. Boy, oh boy. That joke never get too old, eh? Anyway, no time for "insert Family Guy joke" here because the Forza Horizon 2 Top Gear Car Pack introduced us to Lexus' latest high-caliber sports coupe that will surely pick a fight with the BMW M4.



So, the new Lexus RC F. What's it all about? Well, this is a high-caliber version of the Lexus RC coupe, which both of these models were launched in Japan last fall with some unwelcomed reception at first.

It 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 while mated with an 8-speed SPDS gearbox. Stats aside, that's a lot more powerful than the M4 but sadly, its almost 200 kilos heavier.

Lexus says that this car draws its performance inspiration from their current Super GT racecars to deliver track-focused sharpness on all corners of the world but since we're in Europe and this is Forza Horizon 2, the RC F is somewhat twitchy when going to the max. I can get myself tangled easily while its chief rival, the BMW M4, can do better than that. I once tried the BMW M4 in this game a few months ago and I said that it's well-balanced, it's poised, it's precise, and overall, a lot more fun to drive as the other BMWs offered in-game. Sadly for the RC F, it can do better than that.



I was given an opportunity to try out the RCF via a Monthly Rivals event just to see how this high-caliber Lexus can do for me and for this event, this is much more of a challenge to be honest.





That was one of the most challenging attempts ever made for a car like this but even though it lacks the precision of the BMW M4, I think the new Lexus RC F have finally got what it takes to impress the Horizon crowd. Things took a nasty turn for the new Lexus but we handled it pretty well. I expect great things for this car to come because it wants to continue where the departed ISF left off.

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

Lexus RC (C10)

2015 Lexus RC

This is Lexus' attempt to take on the A5, 4-Series, and the ATS Coupe and it's called the RC. And if by RC, it kinda sounds like that RC Cola machine we don't really want because like one time you think there's a Coca-Cola machine but turned out it was just a mirage. It's just an RC Cola machine. 

So, before talking about the RC, let's take a look back on the Z30-spec Toyota Soarer, a car that was known worldwide as the first Lexus SC. You see, the Z30-spec Soarer is a good car for a start. You might think this is more of a Supra in fancy clothes and yes it is because speedo boys love to spent a boatload of cash into customizing it, that's why that particular Soarer is a true driver's car because of its fun to drive character right until the Z40-spec Soarer showed up and its reputation ruined.

2015 Lexus RC

What Lexus wanted to have is to capture the spirit of the Z30-spec Toyota Soarer while adapting to today's climate that most drivers currently live in but the main question is, does the new RC feel like the Z30 Soarer? Let's see...

The Lexus RC starts at 5,650,000 Japanese Yen and what you'll get is either a 3.5L V6 engine mated with an 8-speed automatic gearbox or a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine connected to an electric motor and a nickel metal battery while mated with a CVT gearbox. Whichever variant you'll choose, you can opt for an F-Sport model which comes with Lexus Dynamic Handling System, stiffer suspension system, improved brakes, and so much more. If I had a choice, I would always want to go for the V6 model with the F-Sport on it because driving one of these feels like the Soarers of the 90's or so I thought.

2015 Lexus RC

When you're using F-Sport models of the GS and IS for further inspiration, you will notice that the RC is much more like these 4-door Lexus cars in such getup. It's like a trio of male vocals trying to start a boyband to woo the audience with their serenading tunes but this is not made for serenading people, the RC tries to feel like the SC but all those technological gizmos lurking beneath its striking looks can be bothersome even for a novice. For instance, when you engage Sport + on the Drive Mode Selector, it makes the car less comfortable to drive but more sharper to handle in the bends just like what you expect on those Lexus sedans.

It maybe more wonderful to drive and more enjoyable than the daft Lexus SC but when compared against the German aggressors, the Lexus RC is a bit of a low-level threat because the Germans employed the best arsenal to keep themselves faster, smarter, and stronger while the Japanese still focus on making boring cars more boring...a contrast to Tokyo's vibrant energy as a fun city filled with everything an otaku wants. To make things worse, there's a heavier and slower hybrid model which uses the same 2.5L 4-cylinder engine from the Toyota Crown and Lexus IS relatives while connected to an electric motor and a nickel metal battery. While the fuel economy of 23.2kmpl for a two-door coupe is good, the performance figures are a contrast to the RC's sporty looks. It's like when a guy dressed smartly to school but ended up failing with bad grades. What a pitiful sight and this is like a scenario when you think there's a Dr. Pepper vending machine, you're rushing for it but found out it was a mirage...and it's just an RC Cola machine. Get it now?

2015 Lexus RC interior

2015 Lexus RC interior

While the RC may not be the sharpest car to drive at, the interior is highly questionable in the eyes of a connoisseur. Sure, it was carried over from the IS but there's a sneaking suspicion that this is their new uniform interior for Lexus, much like what BMW and Cadillac did when they employ the same interior in different models over and over again but hey, you don't want to swallow that.

Time now for an evaluation: I was hoping for the RC to be the modern-day version of the Z30-spec Toyota Soarer from the 90's and made to look at luxury coupes in a whole new day but it isn't. It maybe sporty to drive and exciting to look at but in the game of softdrinks, they're treating it like an underdog to their game. Although it maybe new but one day, just like that volleyball team representing RC Cola at the SuperLiga Grand Prix, it will triumph against all odds but count me out on this. No one likes a bottle of RC Cola at this time. (sigh)

Available Colors: White Nova Glass Flake, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Platinum Silver Metallic, Sonic Titanium, Mercury Gray Mica, Black, Starlight Black Glass Flake, Radiant Red Contrast Layering, Lava Orange Crystal Shine, and Heat Blue Contrast Layering.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation