Is the RC F naturally aspirated?
Yes. The Lexus RC F uses a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine, not turbocharged or supercharged.
The RC F, introduced in 2014 as the high-performance variant of Lexus's RC lineup, pairs a high-revving V8 with rear-wheel drive and a chassis tuned for sporty driving. This article explains what that naturally aspirated setup means for power delivery, sound, and ownership, and how it stacks up against rivals that use forced induction.
Engine architecture and performance
The RC F relies on Lexus's 2UR-GSE 5.0-liter V8, a purpose-built, naturally aspirated powerplant designed for high-rev performance and a distinctive exhaust note. It shares DNA with other Lexus performance cars while being tuned to deliver immediate throttle response and linear power without any turbocharging.
Core specifications
Before the list, here is a compact snapshot of the engine's key figures:
- Displacement: 5.0 L (4,972 cc)
- Configuration: naturally aspirated 8-cylinder V
- Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, VVT-i
- Induction: Naturally aspirated (no turbocharger or supercharger)
- Fuel delivery: D-4S direct injection with port injection
- Power: ~467 hp at ~7,100 rpm
- Torque: ~389 lb-ft (528 Nm) at ~4,800 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
These specifications emphasize high-revving performance, a broad torque band for confident accelerator response, and a sensory driving experience characterized by a distinctive V8 soundtrack—hallmarks of a traditional naturally aspirated performance engine.
What this means in practice
Compared with rivals that use turbocharging or supercharging, the RC F’s naturally aspirated setup offers immediate throttle response and a linear power delivery that builds steadily toward its higher revs. Peak horsepower arrives at higher engine speeds, which rewards spirited, high-rev driving and makes the engine feel more aggressive as the tachometer climbs. On the downside, maximum output may not arrive as early as with boosted engines, and real-world efficiency can be less favorable in quick, stop-and-go driving.
Summary
The RC F represents Lexus’s commitment to a pure, naturally aspirated V8 experience in a modern sports coupe. With a 5.0-liter NA V8 producing about 467 horsepower and a strong, high-revving torque curve, it delivers a distinctive character—sharp throttle response, a sonorous exhaust note, and a driver-focused feel—without turbochargers or superchargers. For enthusiasts seeking an old-school V8 cadence in a contemporary package, the RC F remains a compelling option in its class.
What engine is in the Lexus RC F?
The Lexus RC F is powered by a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine that delivers around 472 horsepower, depending on the model year. This engine is a key feature of the "F" performance models and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. A notable feature is its dual operating cycle, using the fuel-efficient Atkinson cycle at cruising speeds and switching to the performance-oriented Otto cycle at higher speeds.
You can watch this video to see the Lexus RC F's engine and driving experience: 55sDRIVETERRAINYouTube · Feb 1, 2025
- Engine: 5.0-liter V8
- Horsepower: Approximately 472 hp (for recent models)
- Torque: Around 395 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Technology:
- Naturally aspirated
- Operates in the Atkinson cycle for fuel efficiency during cruising and the Otto cycle for performance driving
- Utilizes VVT-iE electric motor-driven intelligent variable valve timing
- Features D-4S dual injection and an improved exhaust system
This video shows a POV driving impression of the Lexus RC F: 59sDhruv DrivesYouTube · Aug 1, 2025
Is RC F faster than LC 500?
The LC 500 has 3 more pound-feet of torque than its sibling. Again, the driver isn't likely to notice the difference between 395 and 398 pound-feet. The two rear-wheel cars have the same 168-mph top track speed. All of this would imply that the driving experience is exactly the same.
Is Lexus RC F naturally aspirated?
The 2025 Lexus RC F is powered by a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 that produces 472 horsepower.
How rare is the 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. Power. Prescence.
