Lexus F Cars: What We Know So Far

Lexus has been teasing us with the prospect of more F cars for years. While the RC F has been around since 2015, it’s been the only F car in the lineup. But what exactly is an F car, and why are we so excited about them?

What is an F Car?

In Lexus’ lineup, an F car is a high-performance version of an existing model. It’s designed to offer more power, better handling, and a more engaging driving experience. The F stands for “flagship,” as these cars are meant to represent the pinnacle of Lexus’ engineering and design.

The first F car was the IS F, which debuted in 2007. It was followed by the LFA supercar in 2010, and then the RC F in 2015. While the LFA was a limited-edition model, the IS F and RC F were both meant to be more accessible performance cars.

So far, Lexus has only released one new F car in the past six years: the RC F. But there are rumors of more to come.

What We Know About the RC F

The RC F is a two-door coupe that’s based on the Lexus RC. It’s powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.

The RC F also features a number of performance upgrades over the standard RC, including a sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and a torque-vectoring differential. It also has a more aggressive exterior design, with a larger grille, wider fenders, and quad exhaust tips.

Overall, the RC F is a well-rounded performance car that offers plenty of power and handling prowess. But it’s also starting to show its age, as it hasn’t received any major updates since its debut in 2015.

What We Know About the IS500 F Sport Performance

In 2021, Lexus introduced the IS500 F Sport Performance. While it’s not technically an F car, it’s still worth mentioning in this context.

The IS500 is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, just like the RC F.

However, the IS500 doesn’t have all of the performance upgrades that the RC F does. It has a sport-tuned suspension and larger brakes, but it doesn’t have a torque-vectoring differential or as aggressive of an exterior design.

So why isn’t the IS500 considered an F car? According to Lexus, the F Sport Performance designation is meant to bridge the gap between the standard models and the full-blown F cars. It’s a way for Lexus to offer more performance without going all-in on a dedicated performance model.

What We Hope to See in Future F Cars

So what can we expect from future F cars? While Lexus hasn’t given us any official information, there are a few things we’d like to see.

First and foremost, we’d like to see more models. The RC F is a great car, but it’s been around for six years without any major updates. We’d love to see Lexus expand its F lineup with new models, such as a high-performance version of the LS sedan or the UX crossover.

We’d also like to see more power. While the 5.0-liter V8 in the RC F and IS500 is certainly potent, it’s starting to feel a bit dated compared to some of the turbocharged engines offered by other automakers. We’d love to see Lexus develop a new engine that can compete with the likes of BMW’s M division or Mercedes-AMG.

Finally, we’d like to see more technology. While Lexus has always been known for its reliability and build quality, it hasn’t always been at the forefront of automotive technology. We’d love to see Lexus incorporate more advanced features into its F cars, such as adaptive suspension, active aerodynamics, and advanced driver assistance systems.

Conclusion

Lexus’ F cars are some of the most exciting models in the brand’s lineup. While we’ve only seen a handful of them so far, we’re hopeful that Lexus will continue to expand its F lineup with new models and more advanced technology. Whether you’re a performance enthusiast or just a fan of great cars, the F cars are definitely worth keeping an eye on.