Is Old Tech Holding Back the Lexus RC F?
According to a recent review, the RC F needs a few updates to achieve its true potential.
Holding Back?
The Lexus RC F is, on its own accord, a bit of a throwback. A two-door coupe with rear-wheel-drive and V8 power isn't terribly common in this day and age, let alone one with a performance-oriented nature. But according to Road & Track, it's old tech that's holding back Lexus' hi-po coupe, a claim worth digging into to see if the rag has a valid point.
Photos: Lexus
Perpetual Cycle
Lexus has certainly proved reluctant to change in recent years, sticking to its guns in terms of engines, particularly the naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8. This remains true even though the competition continues to constantly update their model lineups and have long since replaced their V8 powerplants with forced induction four- and six-cylinder engines.
Photos: Lexus
Massive Chore
But there are plenty of enthusiasts out there who appreciate this refusal to change, of course. What R&T points out, however, is the fact that some areas of the RC F should adapt to the times. That includes Lexus' infamous infotainment system, which is controlled by a "jumpy, imprecise touchpad controller," which makes "finding a station on satellite radio or changing the vehicle settings a massive chore," as R&T points out.
Photos: Lexus
Lacking Composure
The next qualm R&T has about the RC F is the way it drives. This is undoubtedly a heavy car, as many modern vehicles are. But unlike the even heavier LC 500, the RC F feels less composed and less precise, according to R&T. "The problem is that the suspension, chassis, brakes, and transmission haven't been dialed in to cope with the mass," they note.
Photos: Lexus
Good and Bad
Then there's the transmission, which doesn't seem to be on the same page as the engine. It's "eager to upshift and generally indecisive on back roads," according to R&T, and it "makes the RC F feel slow around town." Regardless, the engine makes up for that, providing "so much more engagement" than the German sports sedans currently available on the market.
Photos: Lexus
Desirable Combo
The RC F's optional torque-vectoring differential also proves to be a bright spot. It "noticeably improves turn-in, helping the car rotate into corners and chew its way out. It helps compensate for the car's substantial nose-heavy weight bias," R&T notes. Couple that with the "masterpiece" of an engine, and you've got a pretty desirable combination.
Photos: Lexus
Final Assessment
"The Lexus may end up being the most long-term reliable car in its segment, and it definitely has the most engaging engine," R&T concludes. But they also note that its all-around prowess needs to improve. It's an interesting take, of course, and one that's probably fair. But the RC F's old school attributes are also a big part of why many people buy these cars in the first place, even though the rest of the automaker world has apparently moved on.
Photos: Lexus
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