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.
Key Takeaways
- Test car: the Lexus RC F with a naturally aspirated 467-horsepower 5.0-liter V8, rear-wheel drive, Brembo brakes and a carbon-fiber roof panel.
- $62,805 base price and $77,905 as tested, with Navigation, Performance and Premium packages.
- 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds.
- 16 mpg city, 25 highway and 19 combined.
- Seating: marketed as a four-passenger coupe; the rear seats are best served by children or petite adults.
- Driving: Driving the Lexus RC F is a treat.
Test Vehicle and Options
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.
2016 Lexus RC F Verdict
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.
Standard Equipment and Technology
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
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Price | $62,805 |
| As-Tested Price | $77,905 |
| Engine | 5.0-liter V8 |
| Horsepower | 467 hp |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| 0-60 mph | 4.4 seconds |
| Fuel Economy | 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined mpg |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| Seating | 4 |
| Airbags | 8 |
| Warranty | Bumper to bumper 4 yr/50,000 mi; powertrain 6 yr/70,000 mi; corrosion 8 yr/70,000 mi |
James Raia
A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida. An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.
