Now in its seventh year of production, the Lexus RC F still offers something its luxury sports coupe rivals can't: a sweet-singing V-8 engine. BMW’s signature M3/M4 hasn’t offered one in a decade. A 2022 Audi RS 5 Coupe? V-6 engine. A 2022 AMG C 43 Coupe? V-6 engine. Maybe it’s crazy to think that the company that put the first hybrid system into a luxury vehicle is the only one that still offers a V-8 engine in their sports coupe.

With a name like “Radical Coupe”, the Lexus RC F boasts both performance and comfort in a sleek and stylish package. As far as daily drivers in this segment go, this is one of the most livable Lexus sports cars, putting a smooth and seamless driving experience first. However, don’t mistake that the 472 horsepower, adaptive suspension, and 6-piston Brembo brakes aren’t ready to party at any moment.

RELATED: 2022 Drag Race: Lexus RC-F Vs Toyota GR Supra

Lexus RC F

8.00 / 10
Key Features
  • Class-Leading Naturally-Aspirated V-8
  • Limited Slip Differential
  • 10-Speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound / Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
  • High-Performance Brembo Brakes / Adaptive Suspension
  • Fuji-Speedway Edition: Carbon Fiber Wing / Hood / Roof
  • Fuji Speedway Edition: Alcantara Interior / Titanium Mufflers
Specifications
  • Model: 2022 Lexus RC F
  • Engine: 5.0-Liter V-8
  • Power Output: 472 HP
  • Torque: 395 LB-FT
  • Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
  • Driveline: Rear-Wheel Drive
  • MSRP: $67,295 - $102,170
Pros
  • V-8 Engine Packs Character
  • High-Quality Race Bred Cockpit
  • Comes WIth Lexus Reliability
Cons
  • Poor Gas Mileage
  • Dated Cabin Design With Clunky Tech
  • Tight Rear Seats

2022 Lexus RC F Performance And Capability

Lexus RC F Fuji Speedway on track
Lexus

New for the 2022 model year, the low-production Fuji Speedway Edition RC F made its debut. Unlike its German luxury rivals, you will only find the single engine option available for the RC F: the 2UR-GSE 5.0-liter V-8 engine that produces a stout 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque all naturally aspirated. Let’s not also forget that this is the most powerful Lexus V8 ever and the largest naturally aspirated engine in its class.

This amazing engine is transmitted through an eight-speed automatic transmission that rewards you with a crazy crackling overrun on a hard shift. With peak torque being reached only above 5,000 RPM and a lofty 7,300 RPM redline, this V-8 begs you to ring it out.

Blue Lexus RC F Fuji Speedway
Lexus 

Even with a near-4,000-pound curb weight, the RC F accelerates from 0-to-60 MPH in 4 seconds flat with an active launch control button. Equipped with a Torsen limited-slip differential standard and an optional torque vectoring differential, this Lexus is no slouch in the tight corners.

Six-piston Brembo brakes are standard, with optional Carbon-Ceramic Brembos available on the low-production Fuji Speedway Edition. Even being the only naturally-aspirated engine in its segment, the RC F is able to provide a comparable estimated fuel economy of 16 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway, averaging about 19 MPG Combined.

Specifications

Engine

2UR-GSE 5.0-liter V-8

Horsepower

472 @ 7,100 rpm

Torque

395 lb-ft. @ 4,800 – 5,600 rpm

Transmission

Eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic with paddle shift and manual mode

Drive Layout

Front engine, rear-wheel drive

0-60 MPH

4 seconds (with Launch Control)

RELATED: Is The Lexus RC-F Track Edition Any Better Than The Mustang Mach-1?

Exterior Design

A blue Lexus RC F
Lexus

The base model RC F along with the Fuji Speedway edition will offer an exclusive set of forged aluminum 19-inch wheels made by BBS for Lexus. The 19x9 inch front wheel and a 19x10 inch rear wheel will be paired with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S 255/35/19 front tire and 275/35/19 rear tire. Safe to say the RC F is set to grip up. ‘

Most future buyers will most likely be purchasing a base model RC F, which hosts no shortage of features from the distinct black grill to automatic LED headlights. A speed-activated rear wing is standard to provide some extra grip at higher speeds. The Fuji Speedway Edition will offer a substantially larger carbon fiber fixed rear wing, along with a plethora of additional carbon parts around the vehicle to match.

A blue Lexus RC F
Lexus

The most common package attached to the base model RC F will be the $6,375 Premium Package, which offers:

  • 19-Inch Hand-Polished 20-Spoke Forged Alloy Wheels By BBS
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Intuitive Parking Assist
  • Leather-Trimmed Interior
  • Heated And Ventilated Front Seats
  • Power Tilt-And-Telescopic Steering Column
  • Rear-Seat Center Console With Cupholders And Center Armrest With Trunk Pass-Through

Exterior Colors

Standard Colors

Ultra White

Caviar

Optional Colors

Flare Yellow

Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0

Infrared

Electric Surge (Only available on Fuji Speedway Edition)

Dimensions

Length

185.4 in

Width

72.6 in (mirrors folded), 80.7 in (mirrors unfolded)

Height

64.7 in

Wheelbase

107.5 in

Track Width

61.2 in (front) / 64.1 in (rear)

Cargo Space

10.1 cu-ft

RELATED: Lexus RC F Looking to the Toyota GR GT3 Concept as a Basis for Evolution

Interior Quality And Technology

Lexus RC F Interior
Lexus

Lexus interiors have been known to be amongst the most comfortable even in the luxury segment. Crafted for a great driving experience, you’ll find exclusive racing pedals, a more sporty instrument cluster, and bolstered sports seats to keep you locked in the RC F. Upgraded leather is available as part of the Premium Package.

With full Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, this Lexus will provide every modern creature comfort you could imagine. This includes Amazon Alexa integration and a Wi-Fi hotspot. A 10-speaker system comes as standard with an available Mark Levinson sound system. The main infotainment screen offered is a 7.0-inch display with an available 10.3-inch upgrade.

RELATED: Does The Lexus RC F Have In It To Beat The BMW M4 With A Third Pedal?

2022 Lexus RC F Price And Availability

2022 Lexus RC F Price

Base Model RC F

$67,295 (est)

Fuji Speedway Edition RC F

$102,170 (est)

Considering the base price for the regular RC F model of $67,295, the Fuji Speedway Edition is a premium of $34,875, which is more than half of the cost of the car itself. However, this special edition is supposed to be limited to only 50 models, truly an ultra-exclusive model reserved for collectors and die-hard Lexus enthusiasts.

Main Competition

2022-lexus-rc-f---pe-70

Those cross-shopping the 2022 Lexus RC F will certainly find themselves looking at the BMW M4 Coupe, the Mercedes-AMG C 43 Coupe, and the Audi RS 5. However, the Lexus remains the sole option for those enthusiasts that crave the irreplaceable feeling and sound of a V-8 engine. If that is a must-have option on your checklist but you still crave the absolute best a new car can give you, the Lexus should be the obvious choice.

It may not have the raw driving dynamics of the M4, but the Lexus makes up for that in style and comfort. As far as luxury sports coupes go, there isn’t an option that is going to be quite as plush as the RC F for daily driving. It is priced solidly below its German competition and offers options they can’t with a better warranty. Nothing more than to drive one and see if it's for you!

FAQ

Q: Is the Lexus RC F reliable?

Compared to other performance sports coupes, the RC F comes with a Lexus badge and that should mean excellent reliability. USnews awarded the Lexus RC F a Reliability Score of 88 out of 100.

Q: Is Lexus RC F a good daily driver?

With a well-put-together cabin and updated tech, excellent ride quality, the RC F is a car that you can use both on the road and the track, making it an excellent option if you're looking for a daily driver in the performance sports coupe segment.

Q: Is Lexus discontinuing RC F?

Lexus currently offers the RC F in the base and Fuji Speedway variants. There is a rumor that a new RC F is in the works and could arrive in 2024. It'll be interesting to see if the V-8 carries over.

Q: What does RC mean in Lexus?

RC stands for Radical Coupe, and Lexus came up with the moniker to represent it as a two-door coupe version of its IS sedan.

Q: Is Lexus RC F expensive to maintain?

Because the RC F is a Lexus, you can expect a relatively low cost of maintenance. According to yourmechanic the average annual estimated cost to repair and maintain an RC F is $354.