Do You Think the 2020 RC F is the Proper Supra the World Deserves?
Daily Slideshow: The new Toyota Supra had to live up to a lot of expectation, and so far isn't quite meeting them. The Lexus RC F in comparison is a great car that is flying under the radar.
Not the Supra you need
It has been a little bit since the reveal of the new 2020 Supra and things have been... interesting. To say reactions were lukewarm may be giving it too much credit. The world has waited over a decade for a new Toyota sports car but instead, we got a car that, at least so far, seems to be a badge-engineered BMW. Where is that Toyota engineering prowess on showcase? Where is the powerful grand tourer that the Supra has always been? At the very least, where is the crazy tuner styling that the Mk.4 helped inspire? Well, Toyota already makes that car, they call it the RC F.
Images Courtesy of Motor1.com
New, Improved, Lighter.
The Lexus RC-F has been given some tweaks for the 2020 model year, including a new Track Edition spec. The regular RC F has been given a refresh to match the non-F models, but the really good stuff comes from the Track Edition. The meaner Track Edition uses the same engine as the regular RC F but was given a healthy diet plan to cut some excess pounds.
Add Lightness
The RC F Track Edition comes with your typical lightweight track goodies, Titanium Exhaust, Lightweight Wheels, Carbon Hood and Roof, and Carbon Ceramic Brakes. Further weight was shed in some trick ways though as well, like using hollow axle shafts, a smaller A/C compressor, and changing out steel suspension brackets for aluminum ones. Total weight loss comes in at 176lbs. Now that we know what's been improved, let's make a more direct comparison to its BM...Toyota stablemate.
RC F Exterior
The RC F Track Edition has a very aggressive exterior. The overly large spindle grille actually looks at home on this car as opposed to some of Lexus' other offerings. The large air scoops and unpainted carbon fiber bits really enhance the race car styling. The only thing that looks slightly out of place is the rear wing. While functional and very fitting for a track car theme, something about seeing a Lexus with what looks like a normal bolt on wing is strange. There is no denying though that the RC F looks fast.
Supra Exterior
The new Supra is a direct descendant of the magnificent Toyota FT-1 Concept, but something along the way to production got lost. While the new Supra has everything a sports coupe should, long hood short deck, big rear haunches, the proportions seem wrong. The car almost looks like an updated FR-S with a body kit. Where the RC F looks good in pictures, the Supra just doesn't shine as much. That, of course, may all change once the car is seen in person. I for one don't like the Nissan 370Z in pictures, but in the flesh find them quite attractive, here is to hoping the Supra proves to be the same way.
RC F Engine
The RC F is powered by the 2UR-GSE 5.0L V8. It makes 472 horsepower, which is a healthy number for the street, even by American standards where 700 horsepower seems to be the starting point these days in sport coupes. The 2UR-GSE is Toyota engineering at its finest; mechanically reliable, smooth running, and of course, powerful. Now Toyota did have help from Yamaha in the design of the cylinder heads, who also developed the heads for the LF-A, but at least it is a Toyota engine, unlike...
Supra Engine
The engine is really where the new 2020 Supra reveals itself to be a BMW in disguise. As a bit of background, when not writing I am a professional mechanic. I have worked on many, many new BMW's and if it wasn't for the Toyota badge I would never guess this to be a Toyota. From the coolant overflow bottle, the MAF connector, even the strut tower design, there is no Toyota here. This makes me worried as new BMW's are not exactly known for being ultra reliable and are often costly to repair, things Toyota should not be. The good news is that it is still an inline 6 engine, just like the old Supra's, and BMW knows how to make a good chunk of power, often detuning or underrating their engines. It won't be long before someone is making 1000hp in one of these.
RC F Interior
The RC F interior is a perfect combination of sporty and comfort. It may be a little bright for some, especially in the blood red pictured here. The seats are well bolstered and the interior has a more driver-centric look, similar to the Mk4. Supra but not as crazy. The trackpad interface for the infotainment makes a return here which is a love it or hate it affair. The RC F's interior is a place that looks special and makes you feel special sitting in it.
Supra Interior
On the opposite end is the 2020 Supra interior. Once again nothing Toyota is to be found here, just a BMW interior with a Toyota badge. Even the BMW i-Drive interface makes the crossover. Overall that wouldn't be a big disappointment, but just like the exterior, the interior seems to be lacking. Nothing feels special in there. One trend that needs to stop on any make that does this is the tacked on table looking screen. It looks way too cheap for a 25k car, let alone a 50k one. The Mk4 Supra made you feel special, like you were a pilot. One the other hand, the 2020 Supra just feels lacking.
The Choice Is Yours
When the time comes to pick up a new sport coupe made by Toyota you now have two choices. While the RC F starting price is quite higher than the Supra, the RC F feels so much more special, so much more Toyota that it seems like the winner here. So what do you think? RC F vs Supra, what would you buy?
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