Photo: Original image by autoevolution
I might be called a snob just because I don’t like Japanese cars. Sure, there are some fine models out there but as a whole, the way the design ruins it for me. Don’t get me wrong, from a technical standpoint, they did make some great engines but a car also has to inspire emotion.
Lexus just revealed the upcoming RC-F model, the car that will be aiming at the BMW M4, hoping to make it cry and run in shame to its mommy. It’s not going to happen.
It’s not just the fanboy in me talking, it’s years of experience and previous failed attempts that back me up. Most people and opinions I read today seem to favor the Lexus, especially its design. For me, it looks as if it’s trying too hard. That front mesh was overdone and the whole bonnet and front fascia looks a bit too complicated for my taste. But that’s just me, so far. Everyone else seems to love it.
From the side and the rear end, it looks better. I can actually find them attractive to some extent, not necessarily because they are drop-dead beautiful but mostly because they stand out, bring a refreshing new look to the game. And that’s to be commended.
Inside, even I have to say, it’s incredible. I love everything about it, especially the seats, but if I’d have to point something out it would be the steering wheel that simply looks outdated. But then, all Lexus steering wheels do the same.
As for the performance figures, no official numbers were released yet but rumors say that the new RC-F will use a 5-liter V8 naturally aspirated engine making somewhere around 460 HP and 380 lb-ft of torque (515 Nm), less torque than the 406 lb-ft of the M4 (550 Nm) but more HP (430 on the Bimmer). Transmission will be ensured by an 8-speed automatic gearbox, no manual for the moment.
Looking over what is rumored right now, I’m not terribly worried for the M4, at least not from the Lexus perspective. The Bimmer looks like a favorite right now, at least from the driving experience point of view, where the manual gearbox will surely prove more challenging than any automatic the RC-F will get.
However, the good thing is we’re seeing the competition racking up against the benchmark and that will only bring further benefits to the industry as a whole. Can’t wait to see the two going at it!
It’s not just the fanboy in me talking, it’s years of experience and previous failed attempts that back me up. Most people and opinions I read today seem to favor the Lexus, especially its design. For me, it looks as if it’s trying too hard. That front mesh was overdone and the whole bonnet and front fascia looks a bit too complicated for my taste. But that’s just me, so far. Everyone else seems to love it.
From the side and the rear end, it looks better. I can actually find them attractive to some extent, not necessarily because they are drop-dead beautiful but mostly because they stand out, bring a refreshing new look to the game. And that’s to be commended.
Inside, even I have to say, it’s incredible. I love everything about it, especially the seats, but if I’d have to point something out it would be the steering wheel that simply looks outdated. But then, all Lexus steering wheels do the same.
As for the performance figures, no official numbers were released yet but rumors say that the new RC-F will use a 5-liter V8 naturally aspirated engine making somewhere around 460 HP and 380 lb-ft of torque (515 Nm), less torque than the 406 lb-ft of the M4 (550 Nm) but more HP (430 on the Bimmer). Transmission will be ensured by an 8-speed automatic gearbox, no manual for the moment.
Looking over what is rumored right now, I’m not terribly worried for the M4, at least not from the Lexus perspective. The Bimmer looks like a favorite right now, at least from the driving experience point of view, where the manual gearbox will surely prove more challenging than any automatic the RC-F will get.
However, the good thing is we’re seeing the competition racking up against the benchmark and that will only bring further benefits to the industry as a whole. Can’t wait to see the two going at it!
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