The Porsche 911 GT3 RS flew by me at high revs and then exited Highway 27. Cute. ... Oh, and here it comes again, charging back up the on-ramp in my direction.
Hmm. It has settled in behind me, as if examining the quad exhausts of our Lexus RC F tester - which looks otherwise benign in its Ultra White paint.
Instantly, I felt a powerful urge to blow some leaves off the hood of our Lexus so I encouraged the RC-Fs 5.0-liter V-8 to propel us a wee bit faster. Consequently, the Porsche suddenly started to shrink in my rear-view mirror. After a few rounds of leap-frog both cars went their separate ways like panting puppies.
Good times.
If not for moments like this, though, what good is a Lexus muscle car? And indeed, that's exactly what the RC F is - a huge hunk of Japanese muscle. The non-turbocharged V-8 rumbles under the domed hood like a caged animal. The high-backed sports seats, which can be lowered to inches above the pavement, put you in racing posture.
Staff Photo by Mark Kennedy/ A black and white interior cocoons the driver.FAST FACTS
* Model: 2020 Lexus RC F Coupe* Exterior color: Ultra White* Interior color: Black and white* Engine: 5.0-liter, V-8* Horsepower: 472* Transmission: 8-speed automatic* Fuel economy: 24 mpg highway, 16 mpg city* Local Dealer: Lexus of Chattanooga* Price (as tested): $78,849
WHAT IS IT?
The Lexus RC F is the performance version of the Lexus RC Coupe, which was introduced about five years ago. It has back seats, but don't plan on using them for regular-sized humans. Check Lexus of Chattanooga on Lee Highway for availability. The RC F is not a high-volume model.
Staff Photo by Mark Kennedy/ The blacked-out spindle grille gives the 2020 Lexus RC F a menacing look.WHAT WE LIKED
The snarling, normally-aspirated engine raises the hair on the back of your neck. The styling - which includes the domed hood and cooling ducts that look like fish gills - is cutting edge. We also like that you can ease back on the throttle and you'll feel like you are driving a completely civilized Lexus automobile that will get you back and forth to work in style. Also, the base price of $64,750, is only about $137 per horsepower. Our tester, with options, rings up at $78,849.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
The architecture of the hood makes the blind-spots a bother. We suggest the $5,350 premium package for its blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert features. Meanwhile, the bolsters on the sports seats are a little too tight for our tastes.
Online
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DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
The RC F is a fun machine capable of a 4.1-second 0-60 mph dash. It competes with the BMW M4 among others, and has the chops to hang with other cars in the class. Its 3,902-pound weight makes it grounded and relatively easy to handle. Big Brembo brakes handle the stopping chores with aplomb.
Staff Photo by Mark Kennedy/ A quad exhaust hints at the performance of the RC F.
BOTTOM LINE
The Lexus RC F Coupe makes for a great weekend playmate. Just ask the Porsche.
Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6645. Follow him on Twitter @TFPCOLUMNIST. Subscribe to his Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/mkennedycolumnist.
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