2023 Lexus RC F
Overview
It’s not the newest Lexus in the lineup, but with a 472-hp V-8 engine under its hood, the 2023 RC F is absolutely the most boisterous. It shares its platform—and its name—with the sexy looking-but-tepid-performing standard RC coupe. For F duty, though, Lexus has thrown in every performance-enhancing part it has in its arsenal. In addition to the thundering V-8, all RC Fs come with an adaptive suspension, upgraded Brembo brakes, and a limited-slip rear differential. Even with all those hi-po mods, the RC F can’t quite keep up with rivals such as the Audi RS5 and the BMW M4 in terms of either performance or handling. The RC F is a nice enough driving car with a more refined ride than those Germans; it’s just not a thrilling, sharp-edged road-eater. Its cabin is plush, its infotainment tech has finally caught up with the times, and Lexus equips every model with a competitive driver-assistance suite that includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
What’s New for 2023?
The RC F is largely unchanged for 2023, but Lexus has mercifully swapped the car’s outdated infotainment system for a more modern one that uses a touchscreen rather than a console-mounted touchpad. Elsewhere, the racier Fuji Speedway Edition model now comes with updated Hitachi shocks and can be painted in a new color called Incognito.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
$67,845
RC F Fuji Speedway Edition
$100,720
We think most anyone wanting an RC F will be pleased with the base model, which is sold with an appealing range of standard equipment. The base RC F rides on 19-inch forged-aluminum wheels and comes with exterior features such as a spoiler, a black grille with metallic accents, automatic LED headlights, LED brake lights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and heated side-view mirrors with integrated turn signals. The list of standard interior features includes simulated leather upholstery, a manually adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering column, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. All RC F models come with the Lexus Safety System+ suite of driver-assistance technology, and this includes such tech as forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
All 2023 Lexus RC F coupes are motivated by a 5.0-liter V-8 engine that produces 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels. During our testing back in 2014, the RC F made it from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. In 2020, the RC F received a slight power boost and a lighter curb weight, which allowed it to zip to 60 in just 4.1 seconds; the Fuji Speedway Edition did it in 4.0 seconds flat. Even with this slight improvement, some others in this high-performance coupe segment provide quicker acceleration. For example, a manual-equipped M4 we tested made it from a standstill to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. The RC F comes standard with drive-mode settings that allow you to customize the car’s performance. Its smooth handling makes it a comfortable choice for everyday driving, it’s just not the hard-edged performance weapon that its looks lead you to believe it will be.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
According to the EPA, the Lexus RC F achieves mileage of 16/24 mpg city/highway. It’s less fuel-efficient on the highway than rival coupes such as the rear-drive BMW M4 (16/25 mpg). On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, the RC F managed to beat the EPA’s estimate with a 26-mpg result. For more information about the RC F’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The RC F’s cabin is notable for its plush comfort and elegant design. The front seats are a pleasant place to spend your commute, and the interior is home to chic styling and premium materials. Technically, this coupe provides four-passenger seating, but the cramped back seat is best used for cargo storage. In the back, the RC F’s trunk offers 10 cubic feet of room for your stuff. That’s less room than you’ll get with rivals such as the BMW M4 coupe (12 cubic feet) and Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic (11 cubic feet).
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
Lexus has equipped the RC F with the tech features modern buyers crave. Base models come with a 10-speaker audio system with SiriusXM satellite radio. Bluetooth connectivity is standard, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both on board for hassle-free device integration. All models are equipped with Amazon Alexa compatibility as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot that allows you to easily connect to the internet. The infotainment system comes standard with an 8.0-inch display screen; a larger 10.3-inch display is available as an upgrade. Integrated navigation and a Mark Levinson sound system are optional.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
All models come with a host of driver-assistance technology as standard, including lane-keeping assist, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. For more information about the RC F’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Lexus offers strong warranty protection that surpasses the coverage offered by competitors such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2020 Lexus RC F
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2+2-passenger, 2-door coupe
PRICE AS TESTED
$89,060 (base price: $65,925)
ENGINE TYPE
DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, port and direct fuel injection
Displacement
303 in3, 4969 cm3
Power
472 hp @ 7100 rpm
Torque
395 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): control arms/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 15.0-in vented disc/13.6-in vented disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, F: 255/35R-19 (92Y) R: 275/35R-19 (96Y)
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 107.5 in
Length: 185.2 in
Width: 72.6 in
Height: 54.7 in
Passenger volume: 75 ft3
Trunk volume: 10 ft3
Curb weight: 4017 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.1 sec
100 mph: 10.0 sec
130 mph: 17.0 sec
150 mph: 24.6 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.5 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.0 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.3 sec
1/4 mile: 12.7 sec @ 113 mph
Top speed (mfr’s claim): 170 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 163 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 323 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.98 g
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 16 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 27 mpg
Highway range: 460 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 19/16/24 mpg
2021 Lexus RC F Fuji
Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2+2-passenger, 2-door coupe
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $98,225/$103,250
Options: navigation and Mark Levinson audio, $2725; LED headlights, $1160; parking assist, $500; illuminated door sills, $450; all-weather floor mats, $170; carpet trunk mat, $120
ENGINE
DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, port and direct fuel injection
Displacement: 303 in3, 4969 cm3
Power: 472 hp @ 7100 rpm
Torque: 395 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 15.0-in vented, cross-drilled, carbon-ceramic disc/13.6-in vented, cross-drilled, carbon-ceramic disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
F: 255/35R-19 (92Y)
R: 275/35R-19 (96Y)
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 107.5 in
Length: 185.4 in
Width: 72.6 in
Height: 54.7 in
Passenger Volume: 74 ft3
Trunk Volume: 10 ft3
Curb Weight: 3839 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.0 sec
100 mph: 9.5 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.4 sec @ 115 mph
130 mph: 16.2 sec
150 mph: 23.2 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.3 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.9 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.1 sec
Top Speed (mfr’s claim): 168 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 162 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 320 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.94 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 18 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 26 mpg
Highway Range: 450 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 19/16/24 mpg
More Features and Specs
