Lexus reveals the V8-powered RC ‘F’

The new, high performance RC F joins the recently unveiled RC Coupé line-up. The main feature is the 5.0-litre V8 engine – the most powerful unit in the company’s history – expected to deliver well in excess of 450bhp.

The exterior styling is optimized for stability at high speeds: highlights include wider wheels and tires, an active rear wing, air scoops, cooling ducts and carbon fibre components.

Design

The signature Lexus spindle grille dominates the front of the RC F, with a single F mesh section that extends all the way from the bonnet line to the lower lip.

Above: the RC Coupé (left) and the new RC F

The hood is set higher than on the RC, helping create a powerful, flared profile true to the ethos of Lexus’s F models. Ducts beneath the front bumper and wings, and strategically placed aerodynamic stabilizing fins create a stance that further broadcasts the model’s Lexus F pedigree.

Outlets to the rear of the front wings form an L shape where they merge with the side sill extensions. The car’s powerful character is also expressed in stacked, trapezoidal quad-outlet tailpipes.

The active rear wing automatically deploys at 80km/h (50mph) and retracts when speed falls below 40km/h (25mph), preserving the coupe’s svelte lines at standstill.

Above: the RC Coupé – below: the new RC F

Three variations of a 10-spoke, 19-inch forged aluminium wheel design will be available, according to grade, including a set hand-polished by craftsmen.

Interior design

Inside the cabin, features unique to the model include the meters, steering wheel, seats, trim detailing and pedals.

The instrument panel is dominated by a central dial, which automatically adapts in line with the coupe’s four different driving modes. In each case different information colour and text size are displayed.

The new steering wheel design, has an elliptical cross-section, a thick grip and optimum location of shift paddles.

The high-back seats are also new: finished with an embossed F on the headrests, their styling is inspired in part by modern high-tech athletic sportswear. Five leather trims will be available, all with contrast stitching.

The design of L-shaped rubber slits in the brake and accelerator pedals provide an improved look as well as a better foot grip.

(Source: Lexus)