Does the RC350 F Sport have a turbo?
No. The RC350 F Sport uses a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 and does not include a factory turbocharger. This article explains what that means for performance, how it compares to turbocharged Lexus models, and what buyers should know.
Engine details and performance
Understanding the RC350 F Sport’s powerplant helps explain its character on the road. The model relies on Lexus’s 3.5-liter V6 known as the 2GR-FKS. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offers rear-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available in some markets and years. The engine delivers a smooth, linear rush of power rather than the surge associated with turbocharged units. Typical figures cited for the RC350 F Sport place horsepower around 311 hp and torque near 280 lb-ft, depending on year and drivetrain.
Key specs at a glance:
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6 (2GR-FKS), naturally aspirated
- Power: about 311 hp (varies by year/drivetrain)
- Torque: about 280 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters
- Drivetrain: RWD standard; AWD optional in some markets
- Fuel economy: typically in the high-teens city and upper-20s highway, varying by drivetrain and year
The absence of a turbocharger means the engine delivers steady, high-revving performance with refined refinement, especially in travel and everyday driving. It lacks the instant low-end boost of turbocharged engines, but many owners appreciate the smooth, linear power delivery and the distinct V6 character.
Turbocharged options in the Lexus lineup
For buyers who specifically want turbocharged performance from Lexus, several models in the lineup offer forced induction. Here are representative examples from current Lexus offerings:
- NX 350: 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4, about 275 hp and 317 lb-ft
- RX 350: 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4, about 275 hp and 317 lb-ft
- IS 300 (where offered): 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, around 241 hp and 258 lb-ft
Conclusion: If turbocharged acceleration is a priority, you’ll want to consider these Lexus models rather than the RC350 F Sport. The RC lineup itself does not include a factory turbo option, and the RC F remains powered by a V8 rather than a turbocharged setup.
Markets and variations
Model availability and engine options can vary by region. In some markets, the RC family also includes hybrid variants (such as the RC 350h) or the high-performance RC F with a V8, but none of these RC variants use a factory turbocharged engine. The RC 350 F Sport remains a naturally aspirated performance coupe, with drive configurations (RWD vs AWD) and trim details that differ by year and market.
Summary
Bottom line: The RC350 F Sport does not have a turbo. It relies on a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 delivering roughly 311 hp and 280 lb-ft through an eight-speed automatic, with rear-wheel drive as standard. If turbocharged power is a key requirement, explore other Lexus models such as the NX 350 or RX 350, or IS 300 in markets where offered, or consider hybrid or V8 variants within the broader Lexus lineup.
Does the RC 350 F Sport have a turbo?
The RC also Comes in a Turbo or a V6
The RC 350 offers a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 311 horsepower. This engine can get the RC 350 from 0-60 MPH in 5.8 seconds.
Is the IS 350 F Sport turbo?
No, the IS350 F Sport is not turbocharged; it comes with a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 engine. This is a key distinction between the IS350 F Sport and other models in the lineup, such as the IS 300, which uses a turbocharged engine. The V6 engine in the IS350 F Sport provides a linear power delivery and is a standout feature in its class, as many competitors have shifted to turbocharged engines.
- Engine: The IS350 F Sport has a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 engine that produces 311 horsepower.
- Design: The lack of a turbocharger is a deliberate design choice by Lexus to provide a different driving experience compared to turbocharged rivals.
- Alternative models: For those looking for a turbocharged engine in the IS lineup, you would need to consider models like the IS 300, which has a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.
How much HP can a RC 350 handle?
The V-6 in the RC350 is tuned for 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque.
How fast is the Lexus RC350 F Sport?
The top speed of a Lexus RC 350 F Sport is 143 mph for the rear-wheel-drive model, with the all-wheel-drive version having a slightly lower electronic limit of 130 mph. This electronic limit is a common feature for performance cars.
- Rear-Wheel Drive: 143 mph
- All-Wheel Drive: 130 mph
