Lexus RC F boasts big numbers

Here are the official RC F numbers we have all been waiting for.

The new Lexus rival for the BMW M4, Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG and Audi RS 5 coupes produces 351kW and 550Nm from its 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine.

Officially, it accelerates to 100km/h in 4.4 seconds, to 400 metres in 12.5 seconds and has a top speed of 270km/h.

It has a claimed fuel consumption average of 10.9L/100m and it weighs in between 1780 and 1860kg.

The one figure yet to be confirmed is price; with the F not launching until February 2015, Lexus Australia is still locked in negotiations with its parent. But the key word is “competitive”, which should translate to under $150,000 before on-road costs. Maybe under $140,000.

Whatever it shakes out at, it won't match the $126,300 price of its predecessor, the IS F sedan. That's understandable considering the rear-wheel drive architecture is virtually all-new, the engine fundamentally overhauled and the performance gains significant: power is up 40kW, torque up 45Nm and fuel consumption down 0.5L/100km. However, the RC F does rise in weight, by at least 80kg.

So overall, the RC F looks good compared to its predecessor, but what about its rivals?

Well, it out-powers the Audi and the BMW, but can't match the run-out 507 Edition 6.2-litre V8 Benz at 373kW. When it comes to torque, the twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder M4 matches it, while the Benz is well ahead again on 670Nm.

Significantly, the BMW's peak torque kicks in at 1850rpm while the RC F's doesn't arrive until 4800rpm.

The BMW is fastest to 100km/h at 4.1 seconds in dual-clutch spec, closely followed at 4.2 seconds by the Benz. The Lexus tops the Audi — powered by a naturally-aspirated 4.2-litre V8 driving all four wheels rather than the rears only — by just one tenth of a second.

From 0-400 metres? That's more problematic because not everyone makes official claims, but the RC F's 12.5-second time is competitive, if not up there with the ballistic Benz, which recently clocked a 12.1-second time in a Wheels magazine test.

When it comes to fuel consumption the Lexus only bests the thirsty Merc's 12.1L/100km claim. The Audi records a 10.5L/100km claim, while the downsized BMW is way ahead at 8.3L/100km.

It's a similar story on kerb weight, where the BMW is around 250kg lighter than the heavyweight Lexus. Even working off the RC F's lightest 1780kg figure, the Audi is 65kg lighter and the Benz undercuts it by 50kg.

So, from that we can deduce the Lexus is not the class leader on figures, but then the car's chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi has insisted it's all about making the car enjoyable and easy to drive on the road and track.

The RC F is the hero model in the new RC line-up, which starts arriving in Australia in November when the 350 3.5-litre V6 launches. We have detailed that car here and driven it here.

Lexus has bucked the downsizing turbocharging trend with the RC F's engine, instead in a continued close co-operation with Yamaha thoroughly overhauling the 2UR-GSE V8 from the block up.

An all-new cylinder-head, many lighter parts and a raised 12.31 compression ratio are all part of the deal, as is the adoption of the Atkinson cycle alongside the Otto cycle to improve cruising speed fuel economy. Idle-stop doesn't appear though.

Lexus has also eschewed the dual-clutch trend, sticking with an updated version of the eight-speed torque converter auto with four driver-selectable modes including manual, which is operated at the lever or via paddles on the steering wheel.

The fundamental underpinnings are shared between the F and the ‘cooking' RCs. The platform combines the front-end of the GS medium sedan, the middle section of the IS250C hard-top convertible and the rear-end of the IS compact sedan. Lexus says the rigidity of the structure is “top-level”... The RC F sacrifices the 350's split-fold rears eat for extra bracing.

The two RCs share the same 2730mm wheelbase, but the F is slightly longer, wider and lower. They also share suspension design fundamentals — double wishbone front and multi-link rear — but the F's hardware is 70 per cent bespoke.

Overlaying that is a Torsen limited-slip differential, a brake package including 380x34mm spiral-fin front discs and six-piston opposed callipers and a 19-inch Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyre package developed specifically for the RC F.

The RC F also features the latest development of the VDIM (Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management) system, which monitors the various drive-turn-brake functions. There are four modes, including a new track-oriented Expert setting which only activates when it senses the car is about to spin.

When the RC F was launched at the Detroit auto show last January Lexus copped heat for claiming it was the first front-engine rear-wheel drive car with torque vectoring, a feature the Aussie-built HSV GTS already had.

Lexus quickly clarified that its system was unique because it used a multi-plate clutch in the diff rather than brake pressure. The system will be available on the RC F in Australia.

Overlaying the mechanicals is a body massaged to add aerodynamic grip via measures such as an active rear wing, flat underbody and aero fins. It's also a dramatic looker, with eagle-eyed LED headlights and the widest and lowest spindle grille yet. Brake ducts and radiator grilles sit at its lowest edges; a pumped up bonnet with a central vent expels hot air, doors are frameless doors, the alloy wheels bespoke and the exhausts stacked.

If you want even more styling drama then a carbon-fibre package is available for the bonnet, roof and rear spoiler. It saves 30kg because the standard moonroof can't be fitted.

Settle into the RC F's driver's seat and the analogue speedo flashes in a way meant to evoke a heartbeat. The single-piece leather front seats are new, using a technique that stuffs foam into the leather like mince into a sausage. The divided cockpit, stepped dashboard and adjustable gauges with large central tacho evoke the LFA supercar.

Interior tech includes the latest generation Remote Touch interface, which is now controlled by a single finger on a pad rather than a dial or mouse; active sound control that pipes the engine note into the cabin; new stereos and a new climate-control system. A foot-operated parking brake is old school and there is no spare tyre.

Safety features include eight airbags, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, reversing camera, tyre pressure monitoring and automatic high-beam.