NAIAS 2014: The Lexus RC F Has The C63 AMG Coupe In Its Sights

by Jack Baruth

Published: January 14th, 2014

naias 2014 the lexus rc f has the c63 amg coupe in its sights

When R&T did its sport sedan comparison test, I was the first guy to break ranks from convention and argue strongly for the IS350 F-Sport. It’s truly the class of the field from the rubber up.

Now Lexus has cranked up the volume — but as with the previous IS-F, Japanese-car fans looking for a direct competitor to the BMW M3/M4 are advised to keep their expectations mild.

As before, we have a five-liter Toyota V-8 and the eight-speed auto to the rear wheels. Power is estimated at more than 450hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. So, basically, it’s a Boss 302.

Lexus claims there will be a “torque vectoring differential” available, which would be nice. Weight is supposed to be under 4,000 pounds, and examples will start arriving at dealers around December of this year.

Jack Baruth

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Doktorno on Jan 14, 2014

Have owned a few BMWs. Would rather look at the front of that car than the front of the BMW dealer every time I have to go in for repairs.

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- WhiskerDaVinci on Jan 15, 2014
  
  I had an 850Ci (thanks grandpa) once upon a time and can certainly agree with you in regards to service. It isn't a pleasant experience haha, even when you bring in something kind of rare/special. The Lexus should certainly be better that way, as they're generally known for. It would be a huge failure if this broke the mold of reliability and relatively carefree ownership.
  
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Sportyaccordy on Jan 14, 2014

The aftermarket will solve the bumper problem. My big fear is the crappy gear ratios of the last IS-F. If they can sort that out and make the transmission super responsive I think it should be fine. If it were my money though I would just do the RC350, or if they do it (and they really should) the RC 460.

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- Short Bus on Jan 14, 2014
  
  I don't think I've ever seen an aftermarket bumper that didn't look like tacked on garbage.
  
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- Sportyaccordy on Jan 14, 2014
  
  @Short Bus You probably have, and just didn't know they were aftermarket. I have seen plenty of good ones.
  
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