2015 Lexus RC F Coupe Debuts in Motor City

Last year in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) Lexus launched the new IS by rolling out an IS350 F Sport alongside an IS300H hybrid. Late last year during the Tokyo Motor Show they launched the new RC 350 coupe which we’ve seen previews of via the LF-CC Sport Coupe Concept as well as the LF-LC concept. This year, in another splashy unveiling in the same ballroom that hosted the IS launch we saw for the first time the 2015 Lexus RC-F coupe.

Compared to the RC 350, the RC-F sits lower and wider under a set of flared fenders. The hood has been enlarged and fitted with vents to house a larger new V8 powerplant that will deliver about 470 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. Out back are a pair of stacked exhausts and a speed activated rear wing deploys when the RC-F goes over 80 km/h and lowers after it drops below 40 km/h. A great feature to show off if you cannot afford the LF-A like me :)

The last-gen IS-F failed to compete with the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, but perhaps the RC-F will be positioned better against the upcoming (larger) AMG variant of the new C-Class. Other vehicles that are in the cross-hairs of the RC-F would likely include the BMW M4 and the Audi RS5. For purists, the choice will be easy as the Lexus RC-F is the lone naturally aspirated powered coupe with its mammoth 5.0L V8. BMW (turbo 3.0L) as well as AMG (turbo 4.0L) are joining Audi with their turbocharged motors. Audi is also the only manufacturer that is using a regular torque converter automatic transmission while everyone is offering dual clutch transmissions.

Check Out the Huge 2015 Lexus RC-F Gallery