2021 Lexus RC F Track Edition review | Car Reviews

Auto123 evaluations the 2021 Lexus RC F Observe Version.

One particular of the issues, if not THE question, I get requested most typically in my task is what product I would obtain if I could afford to pay for it. As you can think about, it’s not an effortless question to response, especially because there is no one response.

In simple fact, I would say it can differ relying on the day and my mood at the time. What I can explain to you is that the Lexus RC F arrives up a lot in these conversations.

Is it because it truly is better or far more appealing than the other cars and trucks of its type on the marketplace? No. Why then? Simply because, when you get down to it, it truly is all about emotion. Why does 1 client make your mind up to obtain a Chevrolet Corvette, one more a Porsche 911, and but one more a Mercedes-AMG or a BMW M4?

Simply because of the emotion the product elicits in them.

2021 Lexus RC F Observe Version, profile

Given that its debut in 2015, the coupe variation of the IS sedan, renamed RC for the occasion, has held good attractiveness to me. Its style, its rarity, its cocoon-like inside, its driving dynamics – all of it connects with me. So you’ve been warned: I have a soft location for this car. That’s not to say it’s excellent, even so, and it’s also absolutely not for anyone.

And this is even far more genuine in the situation of this variation created for the track. But to start with, an overview of the product vary.

Realistic and unreasonable
At the bottom of the RC lineup sit two products that could be described as acceptable, civilized. The RC 300 AWD is driven by Lexus’ three.5L V6, in this situation very good for 260 hp. With the RC 350 AWD variant, the identical block pushes the cavalry to 311 hp. With pricing set close to $fifty two,000 and $65,000, respectively, these variations are continue to in just the attain of a lot of – all the things becoming relative, of course.

And with these products, you get what you happen to be hunting for with this motor vehicle, which is appealing efficiency, but previously mentioned all, seriously eye-catching styling. No matter whether or not you like the Lexus signature and that ubiquitous substantial grille, this is a pretty eye-catching coupe.

2021 Lexus RC F Observe Version, three-quarters rear

RC F
With the RC F, matters get significantly less acceptable, but far more appealing. Most notably, there is now a 5.0L V8 engine below the hood, a unit that boosts output to 472 hp (395 lb-ft of torque). Electrical power is relayed to the rear wheels by means of an eight-velocity computerized transmission. There are also two offers that can be added to the product: the $eleven,000 Efficiency Package or the $35,000 Observe Version Package.

You study that proper: that past deal expenses around the identical as a very well-equipped, optional Toyota Camry. And which is on prime of a base price tag of $85,000, so that is how you get to the complete of about $120,000 (it was in fact $122,671 for our take a look at product).

Which is a lot to fork out for a motor vehicle which is unquestionably appealing, but continue to does not offer the working experience of a Porsche 911 or the exhilarating generate of a BMW M4, just to title those.

2021 Lexus RC F Observe Version, front

To give you a better thought of what this variation provides, here’s what it receives… but also what it leaves out. That’s because all the things is created for efficiency, and there are compromises to be made. And because body weight reduction is a precedence with this product as well…

Observe Version
The to start with matter you observe with this variation of the RC F is what it does not offer, in purchase to continue to keep the body weight down. For example, the seat heating and ventilation techniques have been taken off. Some overall body panels, like the hood, are made of carbon-fibre. The 19-inch cast alloy wheels are extremely-gentle. Driving them are Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes (with purple calipers), a titanium muffler and a carbon-fibre aerodynamic deal.

Even the heated steering wheel, electric powered controls for changing the steering column and rain sensor for the windshield wipers have been jettisoned. In complete, eighty kg, or 176 lb, have been taken off from the product.

What does remain, of course, are its on-track chops.

2021 Lexus RC F Observe Version, spoiler

And on the road?
Aside from the lowered body weight and the visual accents that support differentiate it promptly, the Lexus RC F Observe Version receives the RC F’s chassis parts and provides a related, albeit somewhat sharper working experience. In Standard mode, it delivers a enjoyable driving working experience, with a good compromise struck involving responsiveness from the car’s driving aspects (engine, suspension, gearbox) and on-road usability and comfort.

Switching to Activity+ and Activity S modes sharpens all the things up, and even though the to start with acceleration or two will unquestionably stick a smile on your deal with, as will using a corner exactly where the asphalt is degree, you rapidly enjoy that these settings are not made for everyday driving, especially on our seeking Canadian roadways. The suspension gets to be way too business, for 1, and for two, engine velocity is constantly larger as it stands completely completely ready to acquire orders from the fuel pedal. You get the thought.

2021 Lexus RC F Observe Version, inside

All in all, you get a effective motor vehicle that you can have a lot of entertaining with. The steering is responsive, you can get aggressive and the sound of the exhaust has the electrical power to blow your hair back again. Having said that, at the threat of repeating myself, you happen to be not aboard a Porsche 911 4S (with comparable electrical power of 443 hp).

So why go with this edition? Simply because the product would make you slide in love with it far more than any other. Simply because you like to generate a car nobody else in your neighborhood is probably to have. And perhaps because you put your believe in in a manufacturer that virtually assures dependability (even though to be good Porsche, by yourself amongst German makes, does very well for by itself in that respect as very well).

If these aspects don’t sway you, there are far more appropriate and rational decisions in other places. However, when you happen to be shelling out over $a hundred,000 for a product, 1 matter is important: it really should thrill you.

If it does, go for it. If not, go on to the following 1.

2021 Lexus RC F Observe Version, front grille

Conclusion
Sad to say for the RC F, it does not feel to thrill way too a lot of of its target viewers. Income are on the downward slope. Lexus will have to get careful notes and function on a number of aspects if it desires to the RC-F to make serious inroads in this distinctive phase.

I would have an RC F Observe Version, but likely not if it was only these kinds of style of motor vehicle in my garage. 1st of all, it truly is way too 1-dimensional. Secondly, for pure efficiency, I can get far more in other places. But it does make my desire-shortlist because its model thrills me and it truly is continue to entertaining to generate, equally on the road and on the track.

We like

Its distinct lines
Its efficiency degree
Its inside and the welcoming seats
Dependability

We like significantly less

The touchpad providing accessibility to the multimedia procedure
It lacks a little bit of a bestial touch
Lessen resale price than its rivals

2021 Lexus RC F Observe Version, rear

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