Lexus->ke47Bimmer->ke178/Audi->ke14 fighter has a history dating back to the late 90s, with the IS->ke500 sedan and wagon, also known as the Toyota Altezza in other markets. The aftermarket took to the IS quickly, with performance packages that enhanced the entry-level luxury car’s engine and suspension, not to mention a countless array of truly awful taillights that offered a knock off version of the Altezza rear end for just about every make and model ever created.

Nowadays, the Altezza’s big brother, the RC F->ke4714, has matured a bit over its sibling. It’s more expensive, heavier, and more powerful than the IS, plus it comes with all kinds of cool gadgets and amenities, like 19-inch wheels, a speed-sensing rear spoiler, and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. The top-range Carbon Model also features a torque-vectoring rear differential, carbon-fiber roof, and premium stereo system.

Even though the RC F is essentially an enhanced IS sporting some very nice equipment, the aftermarket can’t be stopped in its never-ending quest for an upgrade.

Enter VIP Auto Salon. Stationed out of southern California in the city of Orange, VIP was first established in 2006, and specializes in Toyota->ke88/Lexus->ke47 performance and luxury. This past SEMA->ke216, VIP brought its modified RC F to the now-closed 2014 SEMA show as a showpiece for what happens when premium aftermarket parts meets crowd-sourced decision making.

The result is something unique, but not entirely out of line from what you’d get from the factory. Every aspect of the car has seen at least a little attention, and that’s good. I like the RC F as an alternative to the standard Bavarian sporting luxury, and I think there’s a good chance that anyone who picks one up might be inclined to invest some money back into it. The M4->ke4183 and RS5->ke2628 are both great cars, but anyone looking for something special should think about taking a trip to the Lexus dealership, followed by a quick jaunt over to VIP.

Click past the jump to read more about Lexus RC F By VIP Auto Salon.

2015 Lexus RC F By VIP Auto Salon

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Lexus RC F By VIP Auto Salon
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

We have to applaud Lexus for taking a few chances with the styling on the RC F. While it’s not exactly the most beautiful vehicle on the market, it's definitely different. The front grille is enormous, the hood is bulgy, the fenders are flared out, and the lights are set at hard, acute angles. It’s certainly a striking design, but most folks couldn’t be blamed for pointing out that there’s still some room for improvement. With that in mind, Lexus fans participating in the online voting decided to make the outside just a bit nicer to look at with a body kit from Japanese automotive styling company Lexon, which adds subtle enhancements via a front lip spoiler, side skirts, and rear lip spoiler.

The new lines bring the car a bit lower to the ground, while refraining from dramatically altering the stock appearance. Coating the body panels is a bright shade of Oracle 970RA Seafoam paint. Twenty-inch VPS 3101 forged monoblock wheels replace the stock rollers, measuring in at a staggered nine-inches wide up front and 10.5 inches in the rear.

Interior

Inside the already luxurious Lexus, VIP added a custom steering wheel with Alcantara grips, plus carbon-fiber and matching Seafoam accents. The paneling is also painted in the same custom light green, and Madico CH50 window film installed by STM in Los Angeles offers the occupants a shade more privacy. Topping it off are Sabelt SPS bucket seats.

Drivetrain/Suspension

With 467 horsepower and 389 pound-feet of torque provided by the 5.0-liter, V-8 engine in stock trim, VIP didn’t feel the need to do something crazy like add boost under the hood. Instead, power is added by uncorking the breathing a bit with Apex parts on the intake and exhaust side. The suspension has seen similarly light modification, with RSR Sports-i coilovers managing the two tons of mass in the corners. Brembo is on deceleration duties with a GT kit that uses six-piston calipers up front and upgraded two-piece discs in the rear. Tires are from Nitto, with its Invo compound at 225/30 on the front and 285/30 in the back.

Prices

For starters, an RC F will run you $63,325, which isn’t cheap. That's about the same as an M4 or RS5, with the Audi taking a bit extra to get out the door. Those upgrades, while subtle, are also quite expensive, with an approximate total of $20,000 split between the sections listed above. I know, but hey, these aren’t just some crappy taillights from eBay that we’re talking about.

Conclusion

The whole package looks very streetable, with only minimal changes over the stock setup. When you add it all up though, the result looks like a very sporty luxury coupe capable of taking on Germany’s best. We’d love to see this thing run against a similar BMW or Audi product, both on the street and the track. Make it happen, VIP!