Video: 2015 Lexus RC F storms up Goodwood hill
Lexus’s 467bhp RC F coupe made a dramatic appearance at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed, showing off its V8 power and aggressive styling to a UK crowd.
Lexus brought its flagship RC F coupe to the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed, putting the 467bhp V8 through its paces on the famous hillclimb. The event gave UK fans a close look at the most powerful V8 Lexus had built to date, as the RC F joined a field dominated by established European rivals.
RC F technical highlights
Under the bonnet sits a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8, producing 467hp at 7100rpm and 389lb ft at 4800rpm. The engine, a heavily revised version of the IS F’s 2UR-GSE, features titanium valves, a lighter crankshaft and connecting rods, and a raised redline of 7300rpm. Lexus claims a 0–60mph time of 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 170mph. Power is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox with manual shift mode.
| Engine | 5.0-litre V8, DOHC, 32-valve, 467hp |
|---|---|
| Torque | 389lb ft @ 4800rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic, RWD |
| 0–60mph (claimed) | 4.4 seconds |
| Top speed (claimed) | 170mph |
| Curb weight (est.) | 1814kg |
| Fuel economy (est.) | 16/25mpg (city/highway, US) |
Chassis and design for the hill
The RC F’s chassis is a composite of Lexus GS, IS C and IS sedan components, with extra bracing and laser screw welding for additional stiffness. The F model’s bodywork is wider and more aggressive than the standard RC, with functional bonnet vents, wider wheels and tyres, and a speed-sensitive rear spoiler that deploys above 50mph. Carbon-fibre options and stacked quad tailpipes mark out the car’s performance intent.
Goodwood appearance and market context
Goodwood’s hillclimb put the RC F in front of an audience that typically favours German coupes. Lexus aimed to challenge the likes of BMW’s M4 and Audi’s RS5, offering a naturally aspirated alternative in a segment increasingly dominated by turbocharged engines. The RC F’s 5.0-litre V8, while powerful, must also move a curb weight just over 1800kg, making it heavier than some rivals. Still, the car’s showmanship and distinctive styling drew attention on the Sussex course.
- 5.0-litre V8 is Lexus’s most powerful production engine to date
- Chassis combines elements from three Lexus models for rigidity
- Active aerodynamics feature on the RC F for the first time
Cabin and usability
Inside, the RC F features a snug cockpit with heavily bolstered seats and a high centre console. The digital instrument cluster adapts to four drive modes, and the infotainment system swaps the old IS’s mouse controller for a more straightforward rotary knob or a touchpad with navigation. Rear seat space is limited, as expected for a coupe of these proportions.
Position in the Lexus range and UK pricing
