Is the Lexus RCF a fast car?
Yes. The RC F is a fast luxury coupe, powered by a 5.0-liter V8 that produces about 467-472 horsepower. In standard form it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 4.3–4.5 seconds, with a top speed near 168 mph, depending on year and configuration.
The question of speed for the RC F goes beyond peak horsepower. It includes how quickly it reaches speed in real-world driving, how it handles at high velocities, and how it stacks up against premium rivals. This article examines official specs, available variants, and independent testing to gauge the RC F’s standing as a fast car in 2024-2025.
Performance snapshot: power, speed, and drive
What gives the RC F its speed is a combination of engine strength, transmission, weight, and tires. Here are the core numbers that matter to speed-minded buyers.
Powertrain essentials
The RC F uses a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 paired with an 8-speed automatic. Power figures vary slightly by model year, but the engine typically develops about 467 horsepower in earlier models and up to about 472 horsepower in later variants, with torque around 389–395 lb-ft. Drive is rear-wheel, with a configurable drive-mode system that sharpens throttle response, steering, and transmission mapping for performance. Weight sits around the 3,800–4,000-pound range depending on options, which influences acceleration and braking dynamics.
Real-world performance and how it stacks up against rivals
To understand how fast the RC F feels in everyday driving and on the track, it helps to compare it against its primary premium rivals. Below is a snapshot of how it stacks up in key areas.
Below is a quick performance snapshot against notable rivals.
- Acceleration and straight-line speed: The RC F typically posts 0–60 mph times in the low 4-second range in standard trim, with a top speed near 168 mph. Competitors like the BMW M4, Mercedes-AMG C63 S, and Audi RS 5 may offer similar or faster straight-line numbers depending on tires and configuration.
- Handling and cornering: The RC F's rear-drive layout and adaptive suspension aim for agile, communicative handling, but some rivals have sharper chassis feel or more aggressive torque vectoring, particularly in track-focused versions.
- Variations and trims: A RC F Track Edition (where offered) adds weight savings, aerodynamic tweaks, and tuned suspension to improve track performance, with potential improvements in 0–60 and lap times in controlled environments.
- Value and practicality: While fast, the RC F is not as spacious or technologically dense as some rivals; this can affect the perceived speed value in real-world driving where comfort and refinement balance performance.
In context: the RC F remains a fast car within the luxury sports coupe segment, delivering a visceral V8 soundtrack and solid performance, but it faces stiffer competition from some European rivals that may deliver quicker 0–60s or sharper track handling depending on configuration and tires.
Design and technology factors that influence speed
Speed isn't only about horsepower. Weight, aerodynamics, grip, and electronics all play a role. The RC F uses a balanced chassis with rear-wheel drive, Brembo brakes, and an adaptive suspension system. The effect of tires, fuel load, and driving mode can swing measured times by several tenths of a second in real-world conditions.
Track-ready options
In markets where Lexus offered the RC F Track Edition, it added weight-saving components, aero tweaks, and tuned suspension to push the car toward higher-speed track performance, at the cost of some daily comfort.
Verdict: Is the RC F fast?
Yes — but with caveats. The RC F is a capable and fast luxury coupe that delivers strong straight-line speed and engaging handling, especially in sport or track-oriented configurations. It may not match the top-end pace or the most polished track performance of the best German or British rivals in every measure, but it remains an undeniably quick and entertaining car that appeals to enthusiasts who value a potent V8 soundtrack and a balanced driving feel.
Summary
The Lexus RC F stands out as a fast, spirited luxury coupe thanks to its naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 and tuned chassis. It delivers competitive 0–60 times and a high top speed for its class, with stronger track-focused variants offering additional performance. Its appeal lies in a blend of power, sound, and handling rather than being the outright fastest car in its segment.
How fast is Lexus RC F?
The Lexus RC F can get to 60 MPH from 0 in 4.2 seconds, but the RC F Track Edition impresses even further with the ability to go from 0-60 MPH in 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 does the RC F compare to the M4?
The RC F uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The M4 doesn't offer active noise cancellation. As tested by Car and Driver while at idle, the interior of the RC F is quieter than the M4 Coupe (43 vs.
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.
