Lexus RC F tested on road and track
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- Опубликовано: 7 сен 2014
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Steve Sutcliffe gets behind the wheel of the all-new 471bhp Lexus RC F, a £60,000 rival for the likes of BMW's M3 and M4. Lexus engineers claim the car is just as capable on the track as it is on the road - are they right? We find out.
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I'd have one, not only do I like the look and sound of it but it won't be anywhere near as common as a BMW.
***** Probably only that many because it is expensive plus BMW cars look so alike that unless you know your cars they look no different.
***** Awww look he has to swear... Different class of car...
***** dude calm down man, I think what he meant was like, 3/4/5/6 series and M3/4/5/6. Even though if you look at my username, I'd be in no position to talk right now lol.
Carbon Fiber Honda Yes I did since that is what was being compared against in the video, fact he has to go to the most expensive car BMW sells shows he has no argument. BMW sell hundreds of thousands of cars worldwide, Lexus doesn't come close.
***** Not really but that wasn't my original point...
omfg, this is one of the best looking sedan i've ever seen
coupes*
yes, sry
yea this car is great, its so impolite looking. Tired of bland polite cars that blend in. I like the sinister axe murderer look to this car, not the "please sir may I pass" looks of blander cars.
A grown up gt86
The front looks like my asshole.
i'd have one over an m4. i'm sure the m4 is sharper to drive, but the fact that this car comes with a high-tech, high-revving, amazing sounding v8 makes it a winner in day-to-day driving. the fact is that you can't always take turns at 100 mph in the real world, nor can you drag race (without getting in trouble with the law, on both accounts). what you can do is downshift-pass on the highway, and occasionally rev it out at traffic lights. it's unfortunate but true. because of that, you want a car that makes you feel special in those moments, in the real world. that's why this car shines.
Sounds like you want an E90 M3
n9athan He does, but with more comfort, and RELIABILITY. Did you ever experience M-car reliability? Cuz I know I haven't...
I think for the average customer who might go to track once with their sporty coupe, this Lexus is the better choice. Factor in the reliability and it's not that easy for me to discount the Lexus. A large majority of people are going to choose the Germans for brand identity alone, so no amount of logic is going to sway their decision.
BYSMA4th True that, but don't forget we're talking about Lexus here, not Hyundai, and Lexus still IS in fact, a luxury car, and many people would consider it equally against the german counterparts. You do have a point though, people who haven't experienced Lexus cars won't change their mind so easily... until they see how gorgeous this thing is at least hahaha
Looks like Sutcliffe likes it, in a way no German rivals will never be loved, and that only means one thing. Soul and Passion in the Lexus RC-F
Seriously, you call that a track review? All you did was drift the car!
FINALLY I BELIEVE IN HUMAN AGAIN!
1840kg is crazy for a 2 door sports car, especially considering an M4 weighs 1612kg with DCT. What's even more peculiar about the RC-F's 1840kg curb weight is that the IS-F has a curb weight of 1715kg even considering that car has two more doors and near identical dimensions to the RC-F.
Lexus are known for their high quality and heavy duty products that's why it's heavy
Abdulraheem Al-Kurdi its more due to that its made from 3 different chassis' welded together and not a bespoke one.
and two turbos... m4 if it was my money
Macus Thomas so agree with you mate.
Is it though? The C-coupe AMG and RS5 weigh roughly as much. I'm pretty sure the RC-F is based on the GS limousine, not the compact IS and it's bigger than the M4, hence more weight. I wish it was lighter and smaler, kinda GT86 size, that would make it a monster.
Talk about reliability, too. BMW is rubbish is terms of reliability, but Lexus is the best. Buyers with brains do take reliability into consideration.
Run the RCF on the track like you see M3s and then see what happens, of course you will not get more than a couple laps out of it before the brake peddle sags to the floor. I haven't seen a Lexus at the track yet.
n9athan Let's be real, no Lexus customer in their right mind would take this to the track regularly. Why? Because it's not a track car. It's a fun car, but not a track car. Why? Well, being a Lexus, it has all the creature comforts you could ask for and more. You might be thinking "wait a second, so does the M4", but that's where you're wrong. You see, the M4 isn't anywhere near as comfortable to drive, nor is it as nice to actually sit in. Have you seen this car's interior? It's a masterpiece. BMW interiors are pretty rubbish, they look good in magazines, but not in real life, and I'm saying that from experience. The V8 in this car is, to my eyes, the selling point - if we overlook the LOOKS for a second... The M4 isn't a standalone model, it's the top-of-the-range 3-Series. This, on the other hand, is a standalone coupe. The RC comes in other trims, but it's still a dedicated coupe on its own. It's not an IS Coupe, it's not a coupe of a cheaper, entry-level Lexus. I'll have to go back to the looks now. This thing looks fantastic. Even if you know nothing about cars, you'll love to look at this thing. Coming back from a drive and exiting the vehicle, you would turn back and look at how stunning this car looks in person; Lexus brought a concept car into production without ruining its looks. I would compare this car to the Maserati GranTurismo, so yes the RC F is sort of a GT car instead of a super-coupe. This car is BIG just like the Maserati, it has a great sounding engine, and it's beautiful to look at. But it's also faster, more refined, more sporting, and much more reliable. In conclusion, I think Lexus shouldn't go head-to-head with BMW when it comes to sportiness and straight-out performance, but try to sell the car's design, refinement, power, and elegance. Oh and the sound, don't forget that...
n9athan Add some perspective. People spend 95% of their so called sporty cars on regular roads and 5% on tracks. If you want a true track car for around 60K, even BMW M3/4 isn't the right choice. You would go with Porsche Cayman or even Corvette.
***** That's very true indeed.
I have had 3 x M3's in a row, kept the last two to 100,000 miles nearly and absolutely hammered them and had pretty much zero go wrong. Currently have a low mileage last of the E92 M3's and i intend to do the same. Think that i even prefer my current car to this new car.
Steve Sutcliffe's best review so far, interesting to hear after he bashed the M3, 7:22 and 10:27 says it all for me
From the beginning Lexus was saying the RCF wasn't going to be built on speed or paper numbers but for pure enjoyment and obviously mission accomplished by the smiles on this guys face and the massive controllable power slides he was doing. Plus the sound of that thing also adds soul and enjoyment to the driving experience, it actually makes you wanna floor it!
I find it funny how alot of reviewers a actually TRY not to like Lexus. This is a phenomenal car hands down and this guy knows it- yet every positive statement he made, he quickly had to turn around with a "but..."
The way this looks has grown on me. This is now my favourite of these type of cars I think, proper NA V8 with RWD FTW.
Love the 10min bids. Steve is always amazing and his critiques are so engaging
I mean vids
Finally been waiting for somebody to review this car so I could see what it can do, leave it to AutoCar you guys get the job done
finally a review with a good driver and not some guy pretending he's tracking. good review. cheers
I'm most impressed with the cars magic ability to change from righthand to lefthanddrive midcorner !!!!!!!!
Did anyone else notice its two cars?
In cockpit video is from a right hand drive car, while the track video is of a left hand drive?
Otherwize, if youre not using the car on track a lot, this would be a nice option for the M3/M4, witch is a bit to comon in thease parts.
Then the +400kg wont mater that much.
I've seen this car in person. It has some really bad angles. Other angles look nice. I blame pedestrian crash regs, but it's one of those things that once you see, you can't unsee. Still glad to see them trying and doing their own thing.
he does give them good credit, this review perfectly showcases how sporty they have become and there are more model rumoured to come
Does the steering wheel changes side between road and track??? Awsome!!!
Once again another successful video ! U make us feel like were right there riding with you quality work. The nose is growing on me. As much as i love german cars I would hv this one over a BMW. Good job Steve....
Does the car have the ability to change from LHD to RHD on the dot?
Stellar review.
Now it sounds to me that the Audi RS5 is more of a competitor to this than the M4. That car has been criticized as being a bit dull on the track relative to a BMW M, but quite a pleasant experience on the street. I hear the same sort things in this video about this Lexus.
In any event, when you guys get an opportunity the might be some merit in running this against the usual suspects from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes. Just to see where it lies.
We are forever being told we need to get used to smaller capacity turbo charged engines to meet emission. Then Lexus come out with this.Maybe a better comparison is the C63 AMG
And gets the same mpg as the m4.
Wow lol... Germans have been beaten this time I think.
Yea and watch it not sell.
this maybe one of the last great NA V8s, the next gen Fs may not be NA V8 anymore. Get one while you can
fxnytroxtx Lmfaooo good one.
Am I the only one who honestly loves the new Lexus design language? Sharp lines, Aggressive front grille, creative head/fog lights integration, an Avant-garde design. Something that's quite extraordinary. Most cars today have started to look like each other unlike this one. This, stands out from the crowd.
are new cars tend to be ugly or just I can't keep up with design ?
Guess you are geting old now..
From japan, yes.
only some are getting ugly. not lexus tho, they were always ugly...
Ty Kara no their all ugly too you're wrong
your getting old......
i notice that it is left and right hand drive in some shots??what happen there??
...were you guys using two different RC Fs in this video? I see a left hand drive, California-plated RC F throughout the video for the exterior shots, but Steve is driving a RHD RC F. I don't think the video is mirrored either, since the license plate isn't mirrored, and the RHD interior shot with Steve in it isn't mirrored either since I can clearly see the "F" logo in its regular, unmirrored state. Just curious.
Couldn't get enough of the hard right then hard left turn drift.
Great video, i love this guy, he makes very clever comments, which you can't say about every car journalist on yt!
This dude is nuts. Randy Pbrost of Motor Trend loved this car on the track only losing to the M4 by .3 seconds and said the brakes and transmission were superior.
the front end is a bit cumber some and the dirt down the dirt road just cause some damage to the boot
I like the way it looks and I love the sound it makes, so I'd seriously consider this over an M3/M4.
Why is the car right-hand drive when the camera is inside, and left-hand drive when the camera is outside? Does that feature cost extra?
Finally Lexus is back on the game
It even looks like it's heavy going around a track. And, the styling of it (profile and rear) reminds me of a Mazda 6. One thing it will have over an M4, though, is reliability.
Im sorry but does this guy not understand that this car is not a drift car,im pretty sure when lexus says "track car" they are referring to handling,acceleration and those sorts not how sideways it can get.I know if I owned this car I wouldnt be swinging it around like that.Overall beautiful machine they just need to shave some weight off this thing
I don't remember a car's looks polarising petrolheads this much. I, personally, quite like the looks. The headlights look a bit small with the main bulbs and LEDs being separate, but otherwise, I think it looks pretty cool.
So, the RCF ran a 3.9 0-60 and beat the M4 and RS5 in certified AMCI testing on a closed circuit track. The testing was done with the soon to be released carbon fiber TVD.
Funny that you mention brakes Steve, because the ISF was known for its great brakes. What went wrong with the RCF then? Or maybe it will have optional carbon-ceramics later on?
This thing looks fantastic in slow motion. I prefer this to the European competition just because it is so different.
They could easily release a lightened version of the RCF and call it the RCF GT make it about 1650kgs or 1750kgs at least and get about 490hp it would be a killer.
Great review and great car. I like the styling, the sound can be improved even more (if you can buy this car, you can buy an aftermarket exhaust). I would take this over BMW and perhaps even over Audi.
You must buy a bicycle because you definitely don't know how to drive a car.
The biggest difference I see with the rc-f and the m4 is that you will hardly ever see a rc-f around uk roads, m3 m4's around every corner nowadays
one question remains...where do you put the front license plate with that huge front grill in the way?
I'd have RC-FC cabriolet!
this car is really good design!!
The sound and looks is all I really care about tbh. Anyway nice review autocar
I love this Lexus,have a nice design and a good perfomances.Also has nothing to envy to other premium cars and above is turbocharged.
I think the styling is quite busy. The engine seems a gem, and If it wasn't beyond the realm of possibility I'd simply pluck it from under the bonnet and drop it into an FT-86 or early 70's era Celica. That's just me.
at 3:00.... the LHD turns into a RHD mid-slide. New feature???
How much heavier is it compared to a Audi S5, Mercedes C63 AMG or Jaguar F-type V8? I think they are in the same range.
The RCF was badazz from birth, I’m keeping mines 💯
I'm sayin and it does 0-60 with proper grip in 4.2 he said 4.5 in the videos which isn't true
Who needs arrogant Harris when you got Sutcliffe? Great reviews.
with its n/a V8 5.0 and kerb weight putting together, for what else could you ask for:-) it will blend so easy on the streets of London.....yup, must do 60 large ones now.
If Steve thinks it looks better in the flesh than I'll have to wait and see. I'm happy you can now get Lexus cars with a little bit of personality.
The back looks awesome but they messed up with the front grill and the lights disappointment😞😞😞😞😒
m3s are so common...these are less common...so if it loses a second or 2 to the bmer...who cares...on the road going to work..sunday drives....that's where 88% of people will use it..looks great..i like this lexus..think it looks twice as good as the bmer...the bmer looks like a standard 3 series with larger arches
10:26 his European bias shows in favor of the BMW, 10:33 the car itself tells him otherwise.
Brilliant.
Bravo Lexus, what a machine.
I bet all people buying this car do not want to drift it or race it on a track. most people want a nice sounding, muscular, V8 like the AMGs. another point to be added to the Lexus that you forgot is reliability... there is no way in hell the BMW can come near Lexus in reliability or customer satisfaction. it is the all round winner for the normal person IMO.
cheers
Why does the steering wheel keep switching sides!
Top Gear has a lot to answer for. Everyone who gets onto a track these days seems to think that if a road car can't go sideways it's a minus.
Also, when you are out on a public road, see if you can go around a bend and stay on your side of the road.
i'm a fan of the LFA and a bit of a fan of the IS-F and i agree with him, they need to lower the weight and fit carbon ceramic brakes
maybe they should've given the job to tanahashi (LFA chief engineer)
This looks so special. I love it!
Love that car!!! Hope Infiniti put in production Q50 Eau Rouge!!!
how did they make it so heavy?!
Well..the way it looks is a matter of taste ..personally i think it's looking awesome ..great engine ,great reability , sounds like a beast .. and honestly who buy this car for track using !! I would really consider it over an M4 ...or even over my old 1000€ Golf ...God damn it ....
Shed some weight and add carbon ceramic brakes as standard. 2 or 4 doors doesn't really matter too much to me. I think it's rather striking looking and a change from the BMW/Merc/Audi styling we are accustomed to.
Good god this car is beautiful. Definitely get this car over an M3 or a Jag
To me this feels like a really well-built TVR. "TVR" at least as far as how its looks make me feel. If it were just based on looks, this thing is definitely in the "exotic" category. It's not a beautiful car by any means; but something that WILL get attention. It is enticing. Sure this may not beat M3 / M4 as far as performance / dynamics go, but heck... I see so many M3 / M4's nowadays and M3 / M4's sorta look like 3 / 4 series with a bit of factory body kit on it, while RC-F looks otherworldly.
This definitely is a car that will have a very clear divide between lovers and haters. I like that.
Dear god, this car is a stunner! Gorgeous! I'm in love!
Like the Big Bro of the GT86. I love it.
If Lexus launch a stripped down 1650kg RC F, with a more powerful 480hp V8 down the line it should be the best sports coupe to date.
Really hope they do.
Beautiful car. Though centre console does look a little dated and 1.8 ton is too much weight for a track car.
it looks really nice, but it heavier than a gtr. i think a some decent brakes and a better suspension setup to hide its weight it could be ok.
Sounds incredible.
I just love this car especially in blue !
You can seriously hear the brakes thumping under heavy braking, I'm pretty sure they're warped after a good thrashing.
As long as it makes you smile its a keeper
They haven't quite caught up to BMW and AMG yet ... but this is definitely an extremely cool car ... maybe the next gen will get it right
first time I see steve driving with a crash helmet hehe. Cool car. Prefer the M4 but this car does sound better.
I'm sure their will be a more track orientated one, with less weight and ted parts. i'd through a set of dixcel brakes on and take the useless rear sets out.
How did this manage to be heavier than the GT-R? I can't phantom it.
Now how about a comparo: M4 vs C63 vs RS5 vs RCF?
I like the looks, its got some LFA DNA in there.
At some angle the front end looks a lot more striking than even some supercars does. Just an opinion.
Wow! good job Lexus. I am surprised this is a competitor to the M3/M4. I like the M3/M4, but I'd pick this
Everyone else who tested this car praised the brakes. I believe you guys tested one that had already been abused badly.
in the dtm next year pls?
Lovely car! Something you'd buy precisely because it isn't an Audi, BMW or Mercedes.
I'm sure it isn't the most dynamic but in all honesty despite what everything thinks about their own abilities behind the wheel, few will notice!
The only challenge from the others is the noise the AMG Merc makes.
It looks amazing, except perhaps for that front grill that is too large.
Agreed, 1840kg is too much. I still think it would be a great car to own and use on a daily basis, just not just for track work.
I really liked this car i had lots of expectations and i thought it gonna beat M4 badly as drivers car, but when i saw weight i said no way it can, i didn't want to judge early so i waited for so long to find review now its here and i can finally see it weight makes difference no matter how perfect car is
This weighs more than my VXR8! That has a 6.0 v8, and is a huge saloon and is not exactly high tech! WTF!?
y r ppl calling it ugly? personally i think its attractive
I have the pleasure of owning one of the total ~6K IS-Fs imported to the US, a 2011, and I will have a RC F. This guy sure was smiling and laughing a lot on the track to say "Don't bother taking it to the track because to won't enjoy it". That said, no car in this class is a good track toy, unless you can afford to beat up a car this expensive. For occasional track use, I know it would be a hoot. It will be great on road, where it will be driven 99.9% of the time, and I'm sure the extra weight has advantages in stiffness and crash-worthiness. The press love to beat on Lexus and praise BMW...that's why you seldom hear them mention reliability, resale and cost to own.
This video should be called ''Is the Lexus RC F a drift car?''
Omg, must be one of the nicest,sportiest,best looking big coupe ever!nice finally someone that dare's to go out of the box!
What a machine!
the more you see it, the more beautiful it becomes
When the tyre squeel sounds like elephants dying you know it's a heavy car...
So much better looking than the orange tester going around in America.
I would love to see this in pearl white with the metal mesh grill.
It's like an American muscle car with Italian engineering....I don't know how I feel about that, it's like chicken and waffles, neither are improved by the presence of the other, neither are bad on their own, but it's a unique dish that's accessible to all.
Lexus, make it out of aluminium and fiberglass, give it a manual 6-speed gearbox and remove the electronic driving frills. It'll just ROCK!
very impressive design