2016 Lexus RC F: Luxury sports car rules the road

Now in its second model year, the 2016 Lexus RC F is the third vehicle in the Toyota luxury brand’s performance-oriented lineup, and it has plenty to show for itself.

The Lexus RC F has aggressive styling, 19-inch wheels, quad exhaust tips and a carbon-fiber roof panel. The engine is a naturally aspirated 467-horsepower 5.0-liter V8. It has Brembo brakes, more aggressive suspension tuning and is rear-wheel drive.

While marketed as a four-passenger coupe, the rear seats, like on many sports cars, are best served by children or petite adults. With the driver’s seat adjusted for anyone, 5-foot-9 or taller, there’s little room leg room.

My test vehicle, which had a base price of $62,805, also had nearly $15,000 in options, including Navigation, Performance and Premium packages. While expensive and comprehensive, the packages add a lot to the vehicle, most notably the carbon fiber roof, the Mark Levinson sound system and a host to comfort and luxury item, heated and ventilated front seats to carbon-fiber interior trim.

Driving the Lexus RC F is a treat. It accelerates with authority, reaching the standard 0-60 mph plateau in 4.4 seconds. The steering is precise and maneuvering through traffic, around corners or on and off freeway ramps defines driving authority. The driver and the car mesh, and red seats and contrasting black interior further add to the car’s appeal.

 

 

Further standard equipment is impressive: LED headlights, keyless ignition and entry, automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, auto-dimming mirror, a rearview camera, a 10-way power driver seat, an eight-way power passenger seat, driver memory settings, heated front seats and simulated leather upholstery.

The standard technology list is equally impressive: Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 7-inch display, a configurable multi-instrument display, voice commands and a 10-speaker sound system with satellite radio, HD radio, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB interface.

Likewise standard: the Lexus Enform Remote and Lexus Enform Service Connect. The technology allow, via smartphone, to remotely lock or unlock doors, start and stop the car and turn the climate control on or off. The latter feature can also find the vehicle, obtain status reports and receive maintenance alerts via email and push notifications.

Facts & Figures: 2016 Lexus RC F

Acceleration: 0-60 mph, 4.4 seconds.
Airbags: 8.
Fuel economy: 16 mpg (city), 25 mpg (highway), 19 mpg (combined), eight-speed automatic transmission (paddle shifters).
Horsepower: 467.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $62,805.00
.
Manufacturer’s Web site: www.lexus.com.
Price As Tested: $77,905.00
Warranty: Bumper to bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles; Powertrain, 6 years/70,000 miles; Corrosion, 8 years/70,000 miles.

What Others Say:

“For those who think too much is just enough, the RC F takes an already aggressive-looking car to the extreme. The styling is wild, with a domed hood, a deeper grille, unique fascias, flared fenders, and ample cooling ducts.” — caranddriver.com.

“It only takes but a few minutes behind the wheel of an RC F to realize that it successfully represents Lexus as a brand that achieves not just raw performance, but a balance of luxury and technology with a focus on the overall experience as well.” — Forbes.com.

“The 2016 Lexus RC F’s V8 is a free-revving jewel that smoothly zings to redline and makes glorious sounds while doing so. Off-the-line grunt is respectable, while you’ll notice an increasingly insistent push in your back as the revs climb.” — Edmunds.com.

The Weekly Driver’s Final Words:

“Even non-sports car enthusiasts admire this car. And when that occurs, it only re-confirms what enthusiasts already know. The 2016 Lexus RC F is a fine automobile.”