NAIAS 2014: The Lexus RC F Has The C63 AMG Coupe In Its Sights

by Jack Baruth

Published: January 14th, 2014

naias 2014 the lexus rc f has the c63 amg coupe in its sights

When R&T did its sport sedan comparison test, I was the first guy to break ranks from convention and argue strongly for the IS350 F-Sport. It’s truly the class of the field from the rubber up.

Now Lexus has cranked up the volume — but as with the previous IS-F, Japanese-car fans looking for a direct competitor to the BMW M3/M4 are advised to keep their expectations mild.

As before, we have a five-liter Toyota V-8 and the eight-speed auto to the rear wheels. Power is estimated at more than 450hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. So, basically, it’s a Boss 302.

Lexus claims there will be a “torque vectoring differential” available, which would be nice. Weight is supposed to be under 4,000 pounds, and examples will start arriving at dealers around December of this year.

Jack Baruth

More by Jack Baruth

Comments

Join the conversation

5 of 37 comments

Doktorno on Jan 14, 2014

Have owned a few BMWs. Would rather look at the front of that car than the front of the BMW dealer every time I have to go in for repairs.

Like Reply
- WhiskerDaVinci on Jan 15, 2014
  
  I had an 850Ci (thanks grandpa) once upon a time and can certainly agree with you in regards to service. It isn't a pleasant experience haha, even when you bring in something kind of rare/special. The Lexus should certainly be better that way, as they're generally known for. It would be a huge failure if this broke the mold of reliability and relatively carefree ownership.
  
  Like
Sportyaccordy on Jan 14, 2014

The aftermarket will solve the bumper problem. My big fear is the crappy gear ratios of the last IS-F. If they can sort that out and make the transmission super responsive I think it should be fine. If it were my money though I would just do the RC350, or if they do it (and they really should) the RC 460.

Like Reply
- See 1 previous
- Short Bus on Jan 14, 2014
  
  I don't think I've ever seen an aftermarket bumper that didn't look like tacked on garbage.
  
  Like
- Sportyaccordy on Jan 14, 2014
  
  @Short Bus You probably have, and just didn't know they were aftermarket. I have seen plenty of good ones.
  
  Like

Recent Comments

Terry Dismore My bride and I have two Ford products that have a LOT of miles. Our 2010 Ford Flex SEL has 306,000 miles on it. We will have it 14 years on October 12. The 2012 Ford Escape Limited we have has been with us since April 2012 and has 317,000 miles on it. We have NEVER kept any car as long as either of these, but the fact that they are clean, well-maintained and paid for are all the reason we need to keep on truckin'
Kwik_Shift_Pro4X What happened to using walnut shells? Too inconsistent?
Eddie One of my current vehicles is the longest I've ever owned one for, a 2007 Infiniti G35 sedan. I ordered it new in September 2006 and delivered to me in late October, so in a few weeks I'll have had it for 18 years. It started out being my weekend and road trip only car spending most of its life in the garage, but then gradually got pushed to daily driving duties as newer vehicles entered the stables. So far it has 186K miles on it and I have all intentions of keeping it until the engine or transmission gives out as either would be near the cost of what it is worth. I have always enjoyed that 306hp rear wheel drive V6 power and refuse to give it up!
Theflyersfan 1987 Nissan Stanza. Started as a new, inexpensive commuter car for my Dad. He got a company car a year later so it became my Mom's car. I turned 16 at the same time she injured her wrist and made it tough to drive a stick. I had it 6 years and put over 150,000 miles on it. Then it became my brother's car and then my sister's car at 16. At this point, it was over 250,000 miles and would not die. What killed the Super Stanza? Someone running a red light. We never thought a $12,000 car would make it as long as it did. It was still the original clutch! The paint was fading from sun and salt, small rust spots were visible, and the interior was tired, but it gave us hundreds of thousands of almost trouble-free miles.
SilverCoupe My dad kept the '64 Riviera from 1964 to 1996, so 32 years. I feel like it had 134,000 miles on it when sold, but I can't verify that.He kept our '70 Toronado until 1994, so 24 years. Can you believe it only had 30,000 miles on it when sold!My longest is my current car, an '08 Audi A5, purchased in 2011, so it is 16 years old, though I have only owned it for 13. It has about 55,000 miles on it. No issues so far.Prior to that, I kept my 2000 Audi TT for ten years, sold it with 82,000 miles. I sold it after a power steering failure (fluid leak).Before that, I kept my 1989 Toyota Supra Turbo for ten years, and sold it with 125,000 miles. An oil leak suggested head gasket issues to come.