In a way, the Lexus RC-F is more like the previous generation BMW M3 Coupe than the current M4 and that is obviously due to its naturally-aspirated V8 engine.
However, the 5.0-liter V8 engine produces 471hp, slightly more than the M4, which settles for 425hp from a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine. Clearly, Lexus’ V8 sounds much better than BMW’s force-fed engine, but is the Japanese car better to drive than the German coupe?
Well, if one doesn’t count the engine’s sound, not at all. Autocar magazine’s Steve Sutcliffe found that the RC-F feels quite big and heavy on a racetrack and noted that the brakes are not as sharp as they should be.
On the other hand, the 8-speed paddle-shift automatic gearbox and the V8 engine make the RC-F experience pleasant enough on the circuit.
The RC-F’s big problem is its weight (1,840 kg/4,056.5 lbs), with the Japanese coupe being around 200 kg (551 lbs) heavier than the BMW M4. Still, on the road Sutcliffe says the RC-F is much nicer to drive.
Scroll down for the full video review.