Nagoya, Japan - Let's just say that Lexus was a bit number shy when it first showed its beastly new RC F to the world.
At first we were given no power figures, then Lexus told us that it produces “more than” 335kW and now Toyota's premium division has spilled the beans completely.
According to its maker, the new 5-litre normally aspirated V8 fitted to the RC F kicks out 348kW at 7100rpm and 530Nm from 4800rpm. This “jolt to the spine” urge, Lexus claims, will launch the RC F from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds and the exhilaration will continue until you hit the speed limiter at 270km/h.
BEEFED UP V8
Though based around the 311kW engine that powered the previous-gen IS-F, Lexus redesigned many of its parts and the finished product has lighter internal parts and a higher compression ratio - now 12.3:1. The new motor can also run on the Atkinson cycle at cruising speeds when the driver wants to save some fuel.
But how will it stack up to its arch-rival, the new six-cylinder BMW M4 ?
The Beemer has a bit less power (317kW) but slightly more twisting force (550Nm) and if we go according to the official numbers then it's faster - with BMW claiming a 4.1 second 0-100km/h time.
Like the M4, the Lexus shoves its ponies through the back wheels, but in this case it's a close-ratio eight-speed autobox that does the shifting.
To keep things as tidy as possible through the bends, the RC F has a Torque Vectoring Differential with three operating modes, which is a first for a front-engined/rear-driven car.
BUILT FOR THE TRACK
Lexus' chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi said that the RC F was built to be enjoyed by all enthusiasts, no matter what their level of expertise.
The 'F' in its name stands for Fuji Speedway and it's fitting that its chassis, tyres and brakes were developed under the assumption that owners will explore their cars' limits at track day events. In fact Lexus didn't just modify the suspension system found in the regular RC coupé, it actually replaced 70 percent of the components.
The RC F's boisterous exterior design package is based around aerodynamic qualities that aid high-speed stability and the specially developed 19-inch wheel and tyre combo (which is slightly wider at the back) provides the necessary grip.
CLICK HERE for more pictures.