Lexus RC F 10th Anniversary Edition 2018 Review
Sometimes it pays to break a few rules. Lexus' F Line range of performance cars started as an unofficial project by a rebellious group within the Japanese car maker to add some muscle to the conservative luxury brand.
Now, it is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a pair of limited edition models.
Lexus' F Line may not have quite same pedigree as BMW’s M Division and Mercedes’ AMG but it has succeeded in what engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi set out to achieve. Yaguchi-san wanted Lexus to build true performance cars, having focused solely on luxury models such as the ES, GS and LS up until the mid-2000s when he hatched his plan.
Working outside of his regular role, Yaguchi-san called on the performance expertise from Yamaha (engine), Brembo (brakes), Bridgestone (tyres) and BBS (wheels) to help him create the first F Line model - the IS F sports sedan that launched in 2008.
It was successful enough to encourage Lexus management to invest more into F Line, leading to the creation of the bespoke LFA supercar, powered by a specially developed V10 engine. That then led to the creation of the RC F and GS F, the current models on offer today which are now available as special edition celebration models.
First unveiled at the 2017 Tokyo motor show last October, the RC F 10th Anniversary has just arrived in Australia.
- Old-school V8 is charming.
- Special edition touches give it unique look.
- Fun to drive.
- No major performance upgrades.
- V8 is thirsty.
- Feels low-tech compared to rivals.
Is it right for me?
F Line changed the way Lexus was seen by many - including those who bought the cars. Originally Lexus sold on value and quality, offering plush, well-equipped cars at a sharper price than its European rivals. When the IS F arrived it spoke to a new audience, and not necessarily those who drove European sports sedans and coupes.
The new RC F 10th Anniversary is for those who really love Lexus, as it carries a price premium over the standard model and its unique look and strictly limited numbers make a bold statement that you are a big fan of the Japanese brand.
Can I afford it ?
Priced from $151,929 (plus on-road costs) the RC F 10th Anniversary is $14,200 more than the regular RC F. Part of that price difference is down to its rarity but there’s also some key new equipment that helps justify the extra spend.
What do you get for your money?
For starters this limited edition models gets unique matte grey paint, gloss black 19-inch alloy wheels and blue leather interior for a standout appearance. Then there’s a carbon fibre roof and pop-up rear wing, as previously seen on the limited-run Carbon Edition sold in 2017.
Other than that there’s the usual RC F standard equipment which includes a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, keyless entry and ignition, navigation, Bluetooth, reversing camera, autonomous emergency braking, active cruise control, lane departure and blind spot monitoring.
However, the RC F does miss out on Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which will disappoint some.
How much does it cost to maintain?
The RC F requires servicing every 12 months/15,000km and while the first visit is free from next visit you’ll be paying $720 each time until you hit 60,000km.
Is it well built?
One of the biggest selling points for Lexus since its earliest days has been its quality. The Japanese car maker raised the game in the luxury segment by bringing the same level of dependability Toyota is renowned for.
Lexus backs it up too, by offering a four-year warranty which is longer than usual in the luxury car market, where three-years remains the industry norm.
What are the Standout features?
Unquestionably, the biggest appeal of the RC F is the engine. The 5.0-litre V8 developed with Yamaha has served F Line well for its entire existence. Originally producing 311kW in the IS F it was upgraded in 2015 to make its current output of 351kW.
What does it have that others don't?
The engine is almost old-fashioned by current standards. While rivals such as the BMW M4 and Audi RS5 have switched to turbocharged six-cylinder powerplants and even AMG has added a pair of turbos to the V8 in the C63 Coupe, Lexus persists with the naturally-aspirated V8.
It may not be as powerful or as fuel efficient as its rivals but it gives the RC F a unique selling point and a soundtrack that will be music to the ears of any true petrolhead.
How practical is it?
The V8 soundtrack matches the striking exterior looks that gives the RC F a bold kerbside appearance. However, the swooping lines and coupe bodystyle means the RC F isn’t very practical, even if it has a pair of seats in the back.
If you need to carry more than two people on a regular basis then you’re better off looking at the GS F, which has the same V8 powertrain but housed in a larger, four-door body and only costs a fraction more at $155,490 (plus on-roads).
Is it comfortable?
If you do prefer the coupe looks of the RC F then the good news is the front seats are great; supportive, comfortable and, in the 10th Anniversary special, are trimmed in bold blue leather with white highlights.
The RC F feels solidly built and genuinely premium with good quality materials used throughout. One of the biggest early criticisms of Lexus was its carryover switches, dials and buttons from Toyota, which made the cabin feel cheap in places. But the RC F has bespoke Lexus switchgear so it looks and feels suitably unique.
The blue leather trim continues onto the dashboard to make the interior of the 10th Anniversary really stand out from the regular model. Unfortunately though the back seats miss out, and are instead still covered in black leather which looks out-of-place with the rest of the interior.
Easy in, easy out?
The colour of the leather is the least of the issues with the back seats, ultimately. Accessing them is relatively easy, as the front sports seats simply fold forward and power themselves out of the way when you pull the lever on the back. But, even squeezing kids in is a challenge as there’s minimal legroom, and headroom is compromised by the steeply tapered roofline.
Space and versatility?
The boot opening is relatively narrow but the space inside is surprisingly generous for such a sporty looking coupe. It can swallow a large suitcase and some soft bags or a week’s worth of shopping with ease.
What's the engine like?
As mentioned earlier this is the star of the show thanks to its growling, loveable soundtrack. It’s an endearing engine that endows the RC F 10th Anniversary with pretty good performance.
It needs plenty of revs to access its best though, with peak power not arriving until 7100rpm, but when it does it feels as fast as it looks.
The eight-speed automatic transmission is nicely matched to the engine, offering smooth, easy-going shifts when you’re cruising but acting sharper and responding quickly to the paddles on the wheel when you slot into into manual mode.
However, the engine is far from perfect. For starters it could do with more torque, even if Lexus claims it has a generous 530Nm. In an era where rivals are boasting more than 700Nm, the RC F feels a bit behind the times, lacking shove low down in the rev range. That means the RC F doesn't have the same ability to slam you back in your seat as, say, an AMG C63 or even the RS5.
The other disappointing element of the engine is it’s the same as the regular RC F. Lexus missed an opportunity to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of F Line in style, with a more potent engine that would have really made this feel like a special edition.
How much fuel does it consume?
This is the other big problem with the old-fashioned 5.0-litre V8. Official claimed fuel consumption is rated at 10.9-litres per 100km, which is already well behind its rivals. It’s also a ambitious figure as we saw returns in the high teens and even low 20L/100km during our time with the RC F.
Having said that, while a smaller, turbocharged V6 engine would be a more frugal option and could easily match the V8 for performance, it wouldn’t create the same emotional response as this old-school engine.
Is it enjoyable to drive?
Putting the engine aside, the RC F is a loveable car to drive. It feels comfortable and easy to live with day-to-day but get out of town into some open country roads and it’s responsive and engaging for the driver.
For the 10th Anniversary edition there are new front dampers that are stiffer for improved handling and sharper steering. Certainly the steering is nicely sorted and direct but F Line didn’t need to make the ride any firmer.
It has excellent grip on smooth tarmac and feels stable thanks to the Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres and taut suspension, but as soon as there are any imperfections in the road the RC F starts to feel too stiff. It struggles to settle over bumps and that can make it feel skittish when you’re really pressing on.
What the suspension really needs is more compliance so it smooths out the bumps in the road for a more confidence inspiring drive on a wider variety of surfaces.
Ultimately it falls short of the likes of the C63 but it’s still a fun sports coupe to drive.
Does it perform as you expect?
The RC F 10th Anniversary performs just like the regular RC F, because suspension modifications aside, that’s what it is. While the unique paint job and interior fit-out give it visual punch it would have been better if the F Line team had given it more grunt to make it more special from behind-the-wheel. For a brand that began by breaking the rules, this one feels like they played it safe.
Ultimately though, the RC F 10th Anniversary does serves as a suitable reminder that Yaguchi-san was right to toughen up Lexus’ reputation.
2018 Lexus RC F 10th Anniversary Edition price and specifications
Price: From $151,929 plus on-road costs
Engine: 5.0-litre V8 petrol
Power: 351kW
Torque: 530Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Fuel use: 10.9L/100km