Lexus RC-F confirmed 480hp 12.3:1 compression, full pics and Motertrend write up

[davcrz5]

I currently own IS-F and one of IS-F forum that I belong to there is has been debate over current pics of RC-F some IS-F owner do not like look of car at all, some just don't care for large spindle grill design feeling just bit to much but like everything else, other just love look knowing it looks different but has unique style all it's own. Me I love rear of car looks bad ass, the profile is cool, interior looks awesome, that spindle grill is bit much should have made it smaller, I get that were trying to be aggressive with styling just went bit to far. I guess it will grow on me over time like F30 and new IS F sport has.
Lexus has done some major motor work, they increased redline it looks like they shorten stroke and increased bore as well as several changes to motor, suspension,interior and aero changes. RC-F share virtual nothing with current IS-F other than basic V8 5.0 block but that's it. So now we wait for the track numbers and see were it lands performance wise.

Chief designer also stated that it will compete with M4, C63 and CTs-V price wise.


MOTORTREND ARTICLE

One glance at this new Lexus' slinky profile, fat tires, and bulging rear haunches suggests it's a pretty loving homage to BMW's M4 coupe. Move around front, however, and the similarity ends with a visage that is the polar opposite of a jovial Bavarian. Chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi confirms that while his baby will compete on price and performance with the M4, Mercedes C63 AMG, and outgoing Cadillac CTS-V (or forthcoming ATS-V) coupes, in terms of personality and soul it will feel as removed from those cars as a Wagnerian opera is from Kabuki theater. And the distinctive personality he's referring to is far more than skin deep, deriving largely from the still naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 engine that's now a segment exclusive. This engine shares only its basic cylinder block with that of the outgoing IS F sedan. The cylinder heads and all moving parts are completely new. Friction reductions allow the engine to rev 500 rpm faster than the IS F's, to 7300 rpm. A switch to electric phasing on all four cams brings greater variability and precision, and lets the engine borrow the Prius' more efficient Atkinson cycle operation during low-demand cruising conditions. So, while BMW downsized its M3/M4 engine from a 4.0-liter V-8 to a 3.0-liter I-6 and added twin turbochargers to compensate, Lexus virtually downsizes its 5.0-liter V-8 to roughly a 4.2-liter just by leaving the intake valves open for part of the compression stroke during Atkinson operation


"The ideal Atkinson cycle captures and compresses an amount of air that, when combusted and expanded throughout the entire power cycle, results in a cylinder pressure that's near atmospheric at the bottom of the piston's stroke, meaning the engine has wrung every bit of energy out of the fuel. Drop the hammer, and those valves shut in time to give you the full 12.3:1 compression (up from 11.8:1) and 5.0 liters of furious power -- 480 horses' worth (up substantially from the IS F's 416). A newly modified version of the current D4S direct-injection with secondary port injection helps make all this work. Torque ratings and further specifications are pending.

Power and twist route aft through a similar eight-speed automatic, upgraded with different control logic for D-mode operation, and a track-optimized Sport-plus shift schedule. Naturally, a manual mode relinquishes full control to the driver's shift-paddling or stick-rowing pleasure. At the rear axle is a torque-vectoring differential that can be programmed via the TVD switch on the console for standard, slalom, or track vectoring. That middle position optimizes for very quick side-to-side transitions found in magazine slalom tests and autocross courses. The rotary knob marked Eco, Normal, Sport controls throttle response, shift-schedule in Drive, and the electric power steering feel. The suspension is not adjustable

Speaking of suspenders, 70 percent of the hardware is altered from that of the IS F sedan, with new geometry and more use of aluminum. It rides 0.2 inch lower than the RC 350 coupe. Relative to the IS F's Brembo brake system, the RC F's is upgraded in front by increasing size from 14.2 to 15.0 inches in diameter and adding 0.15 inch in thickness, and in back by doubling the caliper piston count from two to four. Cross-drilling is ditched in favor of grooves all around; no carbon-ceramic option will be offered. Three designs of forged 19-inch wheels are available -- one of which is hand-polished -- and they're wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sports sized 255/35 in front, 275/35 in back. Yasuo Kajino designed the striking RC coupe and oversaw its F transformation, which alters everything forward of the A-pillar from the functionally vented hood and front fenders to the more aggressive front fascia incorporating oil cooler inlets for the engine (left) and transmission (right), and a more aggressive spindle grille, the mesh of which is composed of little Fs from the bumper level down. Moving rearward we find a BMW homage carbon-fiber roof panel (saving 13 pounds), bolder rocker panels, a decklid incorporating a wing that rises at 50 mph to reduce lift and create downforce at high speeds, and a rear fascia incorporating two pair of stacked exhaust outlets

Inside, carbon-fiber trim adorns the door panels and passenger dash and Alcantara accents the doors and heavily bolstered sport bucket seats. A special steering wheel gets an oval-section rim, and a unique thin-film transistor gauge cluster places a fixed tachometer ring in its center, a smaller speedometer ring to the right, and offers a choice of four display themes for conveying various sport and touring information such as g circle, track lap timing, tire pressures, etc. Making its debut on the RC is a new infotainment controller that swaps the old haptic mouse for a haptic touchpad. You can't write letters on it with your fingers like in an Audi, but as you swipe across it, the pad provides vibrations and feedback to ease menu selections. Bigger wheels, brakes, and bodywork mean the RC F will weigh more than the IS F, but Yaguchi-san assures us the coupe will handily outperform its sedan predecessor on the dragstrip and the Nürburgring, and that the way its naturally aspirated V-8 delivers torque, combined with its aggressive and distinctive appearance, will draw its own unique audience. We look forward to joining said audience for a preview performance and sharing our review with you forthwith.

Pics of 2015 RC-F Lexus








Some comparison pic's of M4

[swanson]

[Black Gold]

heres some math

m4 = 3300 lbs manual or dct
RC-F = 3900+ lbs and auto only

HMMMM wonder which one I will pick?

there will be no comparison imo

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by KennyPowers

heres some math

m4 = 3300 lbs manual or dct
RC-F = 3900+ lbs and auto only

HMMMM wonder which one I will pick?

there will be no comparison imo

Yeah auto only and that front end. Wont even bother driving one.

[lsmkr01]

Originally Posted by KennyPowers

heres some math

m4 = 3300 lbs manual or dct
RC-F = 3900+ lbs and auto only

HMMMM wonder which one I will pick?

there will be no comparison imo

Where is the 3900lb figure coming from?

The styling alone would have me NOT visit a Lexus showroom though I do like the idea of combined port and direct injection to mitigate carbon build up of valves.

[Black Gold]

Originally Posted by lsmkr01

Where is the 3900lb figure coming from?

The styling alone would have me NOT visit a Lexus showroom though I do like the idea of combined port and direct injection to mitigate carbon build up of valves.

the last gen was 3800 lbs, the article states the rc-f will be heavier, and automobile mag (read this in another thread) said the weight target was 39xx lbs

[Craigy]

I think the car looks great, inside and out. Well that front-end is a little much.

If it's really going to be 3,900 pounds though, who are they kidding? It would have to be faster than the current M3 to make it even worth a hint of consideration.... going to be awfully difficult to keep up with the M4 when the M4 is losing weight.

But a 5.0L naturally aspirated V8 sounds pretty fantastic...

Hope they can keep the price down.

[Raja Ventureshield]

I take the M3.

[Groundpilot]

Originally Posted by KennyPowers

heres some math

m4 = 3300 lbs manual or dct
RC-F = 3900+ lbs and auto only

HMMMM wonder which one I will pick?

there will be no comparison imo

Why is this car so heavy? Is it awd?
It looks good, but front is . I dont know who would pick this car over m4 if they are in the same price bracket.
That weight alone is more than enough for me to stay away from it.
This car is not going to be competitive on any track, i can tell you right now, without even looking at the test results.

[Soorena]

So it's basically some body parts attached to a grill?

UGLY.

[325rider]

its 2014 and an M3 competitor is coming in at 3,9xx.

DAFUQ. I don't care what nannies or engineering they put in the car to help it get around the track "as fast" as the M3 with that added weight… No thanks Jeffrey

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by 325rider

its 2014 and an M3 competitor is coming in at 3,9xx.

DAFUQ. I don't care what nannies or engineering they put in the car to help it get around the track "as fast" as the M3 with that added weight… No thanks Jeffrey

Isn't a GT-R almost 3900lb tho?

[Alex07M3]

Originally Posted by dmk08

Isn't a GT-R almost 3900lb tho?

Yes it is, but it has AWD and a shit load of torque tho!

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by Alex07M3

Yes it is, but it has AWD and a shit load of torque tho!

My point was that if it's as fast around a track will anyone care how much it weighs? No one cares how much the GTR weighs cause it's fast.

[quiksi]

looks awesome... hopefully they've got the fuel delivery issues that the 86's had sorted out

[Craigy]

Originally Posted by dmk08

My point was that if it's as fast around a track will anyone care how much it weighs? No one cares how much the GTR weighs cause it's fast.

We'll see, but I'd doubt that it's anywhere near as quick as a GT-R around a track, on the street, wherever. GT-R has an extra 50+ horses, and the 09-11 cars with "480 hp" were supposedly underrated. GT-R has tons of grip, tons of torque, real dual clutch transmission, etc.

Even with more power, it'll be hard to keep up with an M4 which weighs in 500-600 lbs less.

Still, fat & fast cars can still be fun

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by Craigy

We'll see, but I'd doubt that it's anywhere near as quick as a GT-R around a track, on the street, wherever. GT-R has an extra 50+ horses, and the 09-11 cars with "480 hp" were supposedly underrated. GT-R has tons of grip, tons of torque, real dual clutch transmission, etc.

Even with more power, it'll be hard to keep up with an M4 which weighs in 500-600 lbs less.

Still, fat & fast cars can still be fun

No and it's not in the same class as a GT-R. I know it won't compete with one. But as long as it competes in its class it will be fine.

[206_m3]

that front end is hideous. I think i just threw up a little....

[325rider]

Originally Posted by dmk08

Isn't a GT-R almost 3900lb tho?

The GTR doesn't compete with an e9x M3, and the 2014/2015 GTRs won't compete with an Fxx M either. MY point is, I wouldn't buy a car that competes with a 3300lb car if its both 3900lbs and a lexus…. and is full auto. PUKE

[USCTrojanMan29]

The front looks horrible and it's a fat pig....I'd much rather buy an E92 M3 or an E46 M3.

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by 325rider

The GTR doesn't compete with an e9x M3, and the 2014/2015 GTRs won't compete with an Fxx M either. MY point is, I wouldn't buy a car that competes with a 3300lb car if its both 3900lbs and a lexus…. and is full auto. PUKE

Yeah who wants a Lexus. Those things are too damn reliable. BMW for life!

[Ashley Schaeffer BMW]

Now that looks like a car that stands apart from the base model cars from lexus. The M4 looks like a 4 series M-sport with a quad exhaust and features an engine built around cost cutting.