Is the Lexus RC F supercar?
No — the Lexus RC F is not a supercar. It is a high-performance luxury sports coupe that sits at the top of Lexus’ F performance lineup, aimed at speed and daily usability rather than the extreme performance, exclusivity, and exotic engineering associated with true supercars.
Defining the RC F
The RC F is a two-door variant of Lexus’ RC coupe, introduced to blend high-speed capability with everyday comfort. It uses a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8, delivering roughly 472 horsepower, and pairs it with a rear-mounted 8-speed automatic transmission. The car is rear-wheel drive and designed for a dynamic driving experience, including track-ready handling features and Brembo brakes in many configurations. Typical performance figures place it in the broad “great sports car” category rather than the top-tier supercar echelon.
Core specifications
Below is a snapshot of the RC F’s key performance figures and configuration to illustrate its character:
- Engine: 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8
- Power: ~472 horsepower
- Torque: ~395 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic with manual shift mode
- Body style: 2-door coupe
- 0–60 mph: about 4.3–4.5 seconds
- Top speed: around 168 mph
- Weight: roughly 3,900 pounds (curb)
These specifications reflect a high-performance luxury coupe that prioritizes a balanced blend of speed, usability, and everyday refinement rather than extremes of lightness or raw exotic power.
Where it stands against the supercar benchmark
Automotive writers and enthusiasts commonly define supercars by a mix of price, engineering layout, performance envelope, and exclusivity. The RC F checks several boxes for a performance-oriented luxury car, but it does not meet the typical thresholds that categorize a vehicle as a supercar.
Supercar criteria explained
The following list contrasts the RC F with typical supercar benchmarks to explain why it is not considered a supercar by most standards:
- Price and market position: RC F launch pricing and ongoing pricing sit well below typical supercars, which commonly start well above $200,000 new and escalate with options; some RC F variants have commanded high used-values, but still within the luxury performance bracket rather than the exotic tier.
- Engine layout: RC F uses a front-mounted (front-mid) V8 with rear-wheel drive, while many supercars adopt mid-engine layouts for peak balance and handling; some front-engine supercars exist, but they are rarer and tend to be bespoke or high-end models.
- Performance envelope: 0–60 mph in the 4-second range and top speeds around 168 mph place the RC F below the sub-3-second 0–60s and 200+ mph capability that many supercars achieve.
- Materials and aerodynamics: Supercars often emphasize extensive carbon-fiber construction, aggressive aero, and weight reductions; while the RC F offers strong performance and track capability, it relies more on traditional materials and mainstream production techniques.
- Exclusivity and production volume: True supercars trend toward low production numbers and high exclusivity; the RC F, as a flagship in an established mass-market line, is comparatively more common on the road.
Taken together, these factors explain why the RC F is regarded as a high-performance luxury coupe rather than a true supercar. It delivers exhilarating speed and agility, but not the extreme, exotic package typically associated with the supercar category.
Bottom line for buyers and enthusiasts
For buyers curious about the thrill of performance without the extreme costs or attention of a supercar, the RC F represents a compelling option in the Lexus F lineup: powerful V8 sound, strong straight-line and track-ready capability, refined interior, and the practicality of a luxury two-door coupe. For those seeking the quintessential supercar experience—mid-engine layout, razor-thin carbon fiber construction, and top-tier performance and exclusivity—the RC F does not fit that niche.
Summary
The Lexus RC F is a high-performance luxury sports coupe that delivers robust power, confident handling, and everyday usability. It sits firmly in the performance-luxury segment rather than the supercar arena, where extreme performance, exotic materials, and elevated pricing dominate. In short, the RC F is not a supercar, but it remains a standout option for enthusiasts who want a fast, refined Lexus with genuine track capability.
What's faster, RC F or LC500?
The RC F, especially the Track Edition, has many aerodynamic features to assist it. Perhaps this is why the LC 500 does the sprint in 4.4 seconds. That's a bit longer than the RC F with 4.2 seconds or the RC F Track Edition with 3.96 seconds.
What is special about the Lexus RC F?
The vehicle. They added tons of carbon fiber bodywork and arrow. And they also give you a very engaging drive experience now what's fascinating is back in 2020.
How rare is Lexus RC F?
Limited to just 200 worldwide, the new Lexus RC F Final Edition is more than rare — it's a collector's dream a driver's thrill. Precision.
Is the Lexus RC considered a sports car?
The Lexus RC (Japanese: レクサス・RC, Rekusasu RC) is a compact executive two-door sport coupé manufactured by Lexus, Toyota's luxury division.
