Va va va vroom!!!!
That’s my reaction to the 2019 Lexus RC F-Sport rear-wheel drive, two-door coupe.
Powered by a 5.0-liter V8, DOHC, 32 valve engine with direct and port injection mated to an eight-speed direct-shift automatic transmission, the RC F delivers 467 hair-raising horsepower and 389 lb.-ft. of torque.
It comes with a performance package that adds a carbon fiber roof, carbon fiber speed-activated rear wing, and torque vectoring rear differential. Sensuous curves; Ultrasonic Blue Mica coat of paint; 19-inch, hand-polished, forged-alloy wheels and orange Brembo brake calipers add to the sizzle.
Sorry, Lexus had me at 5.0-liter V8.
Influenced by the flagship LC coupe, every angle of the RC provides a striking view. Better yet are the aerodynamics, which help create more stable ride quality and sharper handling. The new RC is more athletic and responsive than ever.
There’s a backseat, which makes the RC F officially a four-seater, but it’s really just ceremonial and for insurance purposes. The trunk works for overnight bags and groceries, but it’s not golf-bag compatible. And it receives a 19-mile-per-gallon EPA fuel rating in combination of city/highway driving.
RC F is a driver’s car, if there ever was one. And for those who tend to get bored easily, it comes with four different drive mode select options that tailor the vehicle’s throttle response, electric power steering and climate settings with a choice of Normal, Eco, Sport and Sport+. You can personalize your car’s response for almost every day of the week.
It comes with a low center of gravity, which had my old-man back complaining by the end of the week. But I was able to grit my teeth and carry on – not expecting any sympathy on that one.
The interior was loaded with luxury and convenience features that only add to the RC F’s off-the-charts performance. The goodie bag included leather-trimmed, heated and ventilated F-spec sport seats with 10-way power adjustments and lumbar support (for said back), navigation system with rear-view camera, Mark Levinson audio system that delivered 835 watts of premium surround sound via 17 speakers, Bluetooth, USB plug, cruise control, electroluminescent gauges with a G-force meter, smart-stop technology, and auto dual-zone climate control.
Safety is a staple for Lexus – not an afterthought. Lexus Safety System+ is standard, which includes a precollision system with pedestrian detection, high-speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist and intelligent high-beams. Also, Lexus Enform Safety Connect is complimentary for the first 10 years of ownership with access to Lexus Enform response centers 24/7/365.
The 2019 RC has an available blind-spot monitor. This feature is designed to assist the driver when changing lanes by providing information not only about vehicles in the side mirror blind-spot zones, but also by helping to detecting vehicles approaching from the rear
In adjacent lanes. The option also includes rear cross-traffic alert, which helps detect approaching vehicles from both rear sides to assist the driver when backing out of a parking space or driveway.
Base Price: $65,675
Price As Driven: $81,495
Destination charge is included in Base Price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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