When did the Lexus RCF come out?
The Lexus RC F arrived as a production model in 2014 and reached U.S. showrooms as a 2015 model year. It marked Lexus’s return to a V8-powered two-door sports car in its RC lineup.
The RC F is the performance variant of Lexus’s RC coupe, built around a 5.0-liter V8 and a chassis tuned for exhilaration rather than mere comfort. Its release history spans early concept previews in the 2010s, a formal Detroit reveal in 2014, and sales kicking off in 2015, with later track-focused editions expanding the lineup. The timeline below highlights the major milestones fans and buyers track when the car went from showpiece to showroom.
Release timeline
Below is a concise timeline of the most notable milestones in the RC F’s introduction and market presence.
- January 2014: Production-ready Lexus RC F is unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show, signaling the official arrival of the high-performance variant.
- 2015: The RC F goes on sale in the United States as a 2015 model year, with initial deliveries beginning in spring 2015.
- 2017: Lexus introduces the RC F Track Edition, a more focused version featuring weight savings and revised aerodynamics for track enthusiasts.
In addition to these milestones, the RC F was shown in various markets around the world and at press events from 2014 onward, remaining a key part of Lexus’s performance-focused lineup through the late 2010s.
What made the RC F distinctive at launch
At its introduction, the RC F stood out with a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing about 467 horsepower, rear-wheel drive, and a chassis tuned for high-speed handling. It paired this powertrain with an 8-speed automatic transmission, Brembo brakes, and a driver-focused interior, delivering a brand-new performance proposition within the Lexus catalog. The model was designed to compete with other luxury sports coupes by offering a compelling blend of straight-line speed, track-ready dynamics, and daily usability.
Over time, Lexus supplemented the RC F with special editions and incremental refinements, reinforcing its role as the brand’s premier V8-powered two-door option in the RC family.
Context and reception
Critics generally praised the RC F for its muscular soundtrack and capable chassis, while some noted that interior materials and overall refinement could be more on par with European rivals. The lifecycle included updates and a track-focused Track Edition to emphasize its performance orientation.
Summary
The Lexus RC F first appeared as a production model in 2014 and landed in U.S. showrooms as a 2015 model year, establishing Lexus as a contender in the V8-powered sports coupe segment. The car’s release paved the way for performance-focused variants and occasional limited editions that kept the RC F in the public eye through the late 2010s.
In short: production debut in 2014, market release as a 2015 model year, with subsequent specialized editions enhancing its performance story.
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.
Is the Lexus RC F discontinued?
Yes, the Lexus RC F and the entire RC lineup were discontinued after the 2025 model year, with production ending in November 2025. Lexus marked the end of the RC F with a limited "Final Edition" for the 2025 model year.
This video discusses the discontinuation of the Lexus RC and RC F: 58sKirk KreifelsYouTube · Jan 16, 2025
- Discontinuation: Production for the RC and RC F concluded at the end of the 2025 model year, with November 2025 as the production end date.
- Final Edition: To celebrate the RC F's last year, Lexus released a "Final Edition" model which is fully loaded with the previously optional Carbon Package, a Mark Levinson sound system, and a standard V8 engine.
- Reason: The discontinuation is part of a larger shift in Lexus's lineup, making way for future models.
This video explains the features of the RC F Final Edition: 59sMatt Maran MotoringYouTube · Jan 18, 2025
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.
When did Lexus RC F come out?
2015
The RC F is a high performance version of the RC. The vehicle was unveiled in the 2014 North American International Auto Show. It went on sale in the United States in November 2014 as a 2015 model year vehicle.
