Photo: SB-Medien
Despite being the least attractive of two Lexus coupes powered by a 5-liter engine, the RC F is a survivor. Our spies stationed at the Nurburgring have managed to photograph this mildly camouflaged prototype lapping the Green Hell, which suggests handling is at the top of its agenda.
The RC F never did that much Nurburgring testing before it came out. Otherwise, the engineers might have realized their mistake and drop the project entirely.
You see, while the new LC 500 coupe is built on the all-new platform that also underpins the LS sedan, the RC is Frankenstein's monster. And no, we're not talking about the way it looks because we think it's refreshingly different. The coupe's front body is from the GS, the middle from the old IS convertible and the rear suspension borrows from the current IS sedan.
They thought it would be cheaper that way, but the outcome is a massive weight penalty of around 400 lbs over the equivalent BMW M4.
To be honest, we don't expect the facelift can fix any of that. But this test prototype is looking a little more buttoned down. Maybe Lexus figured out a way to make the two ends of the car "communicate" better.
Even though Lexus is reportedly working on a twin-turbo V8 and already has a twin-turbo V6, there's no reason to change the 5-liter under the hood of this 2-door coupe. However, the output is subject to change, particularly as faster cars have come along.
As for the design, it's obvious that they plan to change the headlights and bumpers. Work is also going on at the back, where we see a modified trunk spoiler and extra aero on the sides of the bumper. The wheels are also bigger at the back, suggesting that this is a "track pack" version of the RC F, vaguely reminiscent of the LFA Nurburgring edition. Expect more extensive use of visible carbon fiber, as the technology is becoming mainstream.
You see, while the new LC 500 coupe is built on the all-new platform that also underpins the LS sedan, the RC is Frankenstein's monster. And no, we're not talking about the way it looks because we think it's refreshingly different. The coupe's front body is from the GS, the middle from the old IS convertible and the rear suspension borrows from the current IS sedan.
They thought it would be cheaper that way, but the outcome is a massive weight penalty of around 400 lbs over the equivalent BMW M4.
To be honest, we don't expect the facelift can fix any of that. But this test prototype is looking a little more buttoned down. Maybe Lexus figured out a way to make the two ends of the car "communicate" better.
Even though Lexus is reportedly working on a twin-turbo V8 and already has a twin-turbo V6, there's no reason to change the 5-liter under the hood of this 2-door coupe. However, the output is subject to change, particularly as faster cars have come along.
As for the design, it's obvious that they plan to change the headlights and bumpers. Work is also going on at the back, where we see a modified trunk spoiler and extra aero on the sides of the bumper. The wheels are also bigger at the back, suggesting that this is a "track pack" version of the RC F, vaguely reminiscent of the LFA Nurburgring edition. Expect more extensive use of visible carbon fiber, as the technology is becoming mainstream.
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