I personally prefer FI engine to NA ones. The reason is I get the pick torque right away and it stays flat all the way till red line. I have to admit it is a very addictive driving experience. Also it is a lot easier to get more power and torque from FI engines whereas the opposite is true with NA ones. In the real world very few people rev up the engines to get the max performance, they generally stay within 2-3K of RPM.

That said, however, I have to admit that on the paper RC-F looks very competitive to M4. 450HP for a coupe is more than enough. The active rear torque vectoring diff sounds pretty awesome to me. The exterior styling is very appealing to me as well, especially the front end. So I would be interested in this coupe should I be in the market for a performance car.

 

Bob, keep in mind that getting more grunt out of a motor with forced induction is a piece of cake compared to a normally aspirated motor. I have mixed feelings about turbocharging (lag, durability, and, in my case, heat soak because I live in the desert). But if you're driving an IS 250/350 you're screwed if you want more HP/TQ--unless you consider long tube headers as salvation (I don't). If you're driving a turbocharged WRX, 328/335, or Audi/VW, you'll get tremendous bang for buck in the aftermarket.

If Lexus goes with a turbocharged motor for the 250 next year, a good aftermarket tuner should be able to make it as fast (or faster) than those of us with normally aspirated 3.5's.

 

Valid points. And I do like NA engines too. However, I was just hoping for lexus to step outside of their comfortable box this time. And as far as the longetivity of FI vs. NA, I can't agree with you on that. FI motors use lower compression, so they in fact experience similar amount of stress inside of the block as NA with high compression to make the same power. One just has to work less for it (FI) than an NA motor which has to be revved to 6k to make the same torque as the other one makes at 2.5-3k. And that, in theory, means it'll be less stressed by the driver, but that's a theory. Reality is FI motors get abused more than anything because they are so addicting! And I do like the instant torque feel of an NA motor once it's revved up, like the new IS, but I also miss the monster low end torque and pull of my 335i and the sound it made. That car, same hp as the IS, but it's a beast in comparison. It's really personal preference. But my gripe is over the fact that lexus isn't bringing anything new out other than the giant grill and futuristic headlights. And not even a dual clutch transmission. To each their own, I know. But if it's the new lexus vs m4, personally I'd go with the latter. Now, if they made an F version of the current IS, that would be a slightly different talk since it would appeal to the people who need 4 doors.

 

I completely agree for everyday real world driving forced induction wins out. For a track/performance car high revving NA engines are best. Also if i didn't live in jersey at sea level i may not have considered the IS350.

 

I am willing to bet that part of the reason it has taken so long for Lexus to come out with a forced induction motor is because they are working on ways to keep owners from tampering with the Turbo(s) via ECU flash or otherwise.

 

You don't have to wait long, 2014 sees a 2.0T coming to the NX first then can easily spread throughout the line. And a TTV6 and V8 are being developed - expect those probably for 2016 models in 2015 but that is just speculation.

While DCT's are cool and I'd like to see them in higher performance Lexus's. The Direct Shift 8-Speed is perfect though. While there are hotter Lexus's than others, one key to remember is they carry a luxury badge. They need refinement and good daily driver manners. DCT's are a bit jerky at low speeds vs conventional autos.

This new 5.0L V8 will be the last of its kind and is a "bridge" motor to keep people satisfied until the next generation powertrains are available.

That's YOUR opinion, and everyones opinion on design is subjective, so unless you're speaking on behalf of mankind, it has no merit. Maybe word it differently

Lexus did bring something, a dedicated coupe which they haven't had since the 90s and the SC430 was more a niche, and of course then it went on hiatus. I think you're just having a hard time like others I've seen ranting on the purpose/existance of the RC. This is not a racecar ike the FT-1/Supra is meant to be. This first and foremost a luxury badge coupe with a heated up version to compete in the coveted performance grouping of M, AMG, RS, V, R and F.

Another car many don't understand. The LFA was a 10 year project and despite adversity was actually built. At $400,000 it's actually a bargain because it cost Toyota/Lexus over $1M to make each one. They lost a lot of money. But specialty cars like this or the S65 AMG for example aren't meant to sell in big numbers. They hold the banners for the whole line. A status and brand image creater. Plus they demonstrate the automaker's apex in engineering, innovation, technology etc.. They are very important. And for the LFA, this isn't some common Ferrari. There are 500 and only 500. So those who are blessed to buy one are buying into exclusivity.

 

I would trade it in a heartbeat! Unfortunately I don't have an IS, at least not yet.

I don't care which model RC it is. I just want it slammed on some nice wheels and an aggressive exhaust.

 

would you trade one of your vehicles in your sig below or just add to the collection?

 

Good point Bob. Altitude is poison to NA motors. In 2012, I moved from the western slope of the Rockies (altitude 6000 feet) to SE Nevada (altitude 1600 feet) and the performance difference in my normally aspirated Mustang GT was significant (I estimated a 15 to 20% increase via butt dyno). Had I remained at altitude, I wouldn't have considered the IS 350 F Sport. Some years ago, I test drove an S2000 near Aspen and the thin air made it perform like a '76 Chevette. As for my GT, my high altitude workaround was a $389 programmer from American Muscle which gave me 20 more HP at the wheels--if only we could get a similar device for our IS 250/350's.

 

I would seriously consider the RC if an F-sport model appears and has a similar narrower spindle grill as the RC-F. I'm just not getting the regular RC's "gaping maw meets droopy mustache" in the lower portion, at least in pictures.

 

At first the RC350 is what I wanted. The more I see it though the less I become enchanted by it. I would probably have to see it in person much like how I had to see the 3IS in person to actually like it.

 

My Lexus salesman recently called to see how my IS was and to wish me a Happy New Year ........ i figured it was the best time for me to let him know that once my lease is up on my 350 F Sport I'd be very much interested in the RC F sport

If the next few years go well and i get to save enough $$$ then i'd be more than happy to jump into a RC F !

 

this is a bad poll, because i am leasing, ill be trading in for something and the RCF will be a consideration but if i had purchased my car the answer is likely no.

 

No way. Don't like the front end, and can't have a 2-door as my only car.

 

I like the looks but I wouldn't trade for an RC until they upgrade the 350 drivetrain. Not really interested in trading my IS350 for an RC350 with the same 3.5L V6. What I'd really like is an FI 6 cylinder making ~330bhp and AWD. If they do that and the price is no more than 3-4k more than the IS350, I'm sold.