The coming-out party for the Lexus RC has been canceled in its home market of Japan. Apparently, Japanese journalists just aren’t interested.
Automotive News reports that the media launch for the RC and the V8-powered RC-F was canned due to “insufficient attendance” on the part of Japan’s automotive press.
As former EIC Bertel Schmitt frequently noted, Japanese events are far more austere than the all-expenses paid junkets that North American journalists are accustomed to. Many scribes end up paying their own way to and from the event, and a bottle of water is considered a generous freebie.
Even so, AN‘s Hans Greimel touched on one likely reason for the low attendance. Quoting one fellow journalist who remarked “Why would I go all the way to Yokohama to test drive a sports car like the RC and just sit in traffic?”, the RC’s launch may have been as much a victim of poor planning as any other factor.
In my childhood Dagmars were rounded and soft. Now they’re steel and pointy. We are a doomed species.
…and they were a lot bigger
*toes curl with joy*
Somebody’s showing their age by just mentioning Dagmars. Given her short entertainment life as a television personality, we’re talking a very short lived cultural icon. But she was quite important, as I was 5-8 years old at her height, and still know what the term means.
Her career may have been short-lived, but her attributes are legendary
“Somebody’s showing their age”
I always do. I’m proud to have made it this far with so few skills and even less common sense.
Doing More With Less Since 1954
I thought the two things on the front of Cadillacs of that era were called “dagmars.”
You thought right.
I guess “bumper tits” was too risque at the time.
True fact: Ivory soap was developed to wash-out the mouths of kids who said that.
Maximum yuck, minimal toxicity.
I prefer Lifebouy. It has a nice, piquant after taste.
Just please, never try Dove.
Wow, for all of you on this topic, I have no idea what you’re talking about.
@energetik9:
http://www.motorcities.org/uploaded_pics/cmsimages/image-20091005150401.jpg
and
http://vintage45.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/dagmar20pic.jpg
Doing more with more, since 1947.
And poor Jayne Mansfield gets her name attached to a truck bumper instead of convertibles.
I always thought she was attributed to the Buick Electra.
Now, an Electra with Dagmars on the bumpers… Now we’re talking!
‘merica!
Hey! Somebody get that Lexus grille off that Altima coupe this instant!
Toyota/Nissan mash-up
I just sent a link for the RC on the Lexus site to my buddy who has been hounding me about wanting to get a sporty coupe last night.
It would be prefect for him since he’s more about the pretense of high performance than actually driving spiritedly. He jokingly (I think) suggested he would get an A5 and peel off the A and put in an S. So he really just wants to look the part.
The Lexus site did not excite me about the car, though I would consider a used one in 5 to 6 years. The links they direct you to so you can read reviews all went to smoldering reviews as opposed to glowing.
[Obligatory Accord Coupe Quarter Window/C-Pillar Reference]
You leave the Accord Coupe alone, Sir.
Is that the little plastic cover-up thingy, or a different obligatory C-pillar reference
C-Pillar has a kink, like the Accord coupe. Therefore, this car looks like an Accord coupe. /Jalopnik.
Oh, the Hofmeister kink obligatory C-pillar reference, I was thinking of the Camry plastic thingy obligatory C-pillar reference
The exaggerated Hoffmeister kink is so common now, it’s hardly noticed. Accord, Mustang, Elantra, FR-S, tC, Charger (pre-refresh).
I was surprised to learn that this is based on the IS… The lines look more like a FR-S/BRZ.
I’d buy an RC F over an M4. However, I’d buy the next SVT Mustang (or possibly the Alpha Camaro) over either one.
Yah, I dont need the luxury. If Ford could match the Camaro’s spool/magnetorheological shocks and general suspension calibration that would be my pick as well.
Let’s be honest, the interior of the new Mustang, and probably the next Camaro, is a pretty nice place to be. It’s not Lexus quality, but the Recaro seats are great and the interior is much improved.
I’m with you, I don’t need the extra luxury above what the mainstream brands offer. I would love something similar to the GM magnetic suspension on the Mustang. Ford is having some sort of SVT/Mustang GT350 annoucement on 11/17. The wait is killing me…
If they announce a NA 5.2L V8 with a flat plane crank with 100+ HP per L, I’ll have to call into work.
Your forgetting the lead/emphasis here on the new generation Mustang. An SVT will be an Ecotec. V8’s are not where it’s at in the automotive corporate world. Global warming/fuel efficiency and all that.
Noooooooooo!!!!!!!!!
LMAoff! I hear you, but……
When my local Ford guy’s new Mustang(Ecotec) arrives here, we are loading it in my hauler and we are off to Thunder Hill for a day of track work. The Conti’s are already mounted on the Forgestar wheels.
I am fine with the 2.3T Mustang. I would even like to see a Mustang with an uprated 3.5EB.
The Camaro is nice to be inside, but terrible to see out of. Spy shots indicate the next one will be even worse. Mustang is not much better, but it’s better.
Luxury is nice, but for my money I’d go with whatever Ford has coming above the GT over the M3/M4 any day of the week, even for a non-huge discount.
And no way will they go Eco BS for this.
The best looking Lexus since the SC400. Somehow their latest stupid grille works on this one.
“The best looking Lexus since the SC400”
Ha, ha… You forgot the “/sarcasm”
You’re thinking of the SC430. 400 was a nice looking car.
er, OK, a jellybean’s a jellybean
I like ‘Jelly Beans’.
I think it is a damn good looking car, dramatically so, and that is all that matters to me.
Someones negative comments on vehicle stylings, don’t bother me, as I realize that most people see and think in 2D and are handicapped when it comes to how something looks. If you can’t visualize 3D constructs through points in mind space and fly through and around them, you probably have no good sense of real time shapes, especially when you view 2D with limited 2D mind functions.
When I ask someone who has just expressed a negative comment on a design/car, on why they don’t like it and they can’t verbalize that opinion, I know I’m dealing with an unsophisticated mind handicapped by spatial issues, and that we’re not going to have a substantial discussion about the design.
It is easy to say you don’t like something, now explain it.
If you can’t, probably best to keep your opinions to yourself or some will think your just another yahoo talking through a paper ass-hole. Just another time waster out-gassing stupid noise.
A jellybean is a 3D shape that I don’t much care for on some of the older Lexus cars. Don’t try and high-brow beat me with your 2D, 3D intellectual BS. Also, jellybean as one word is a totally correct spelling, so when you quote me spell it the way I did.
Heh.. alcohol fueled funny guys come out at night.
Reminds me of the HVAC tech I always try to avoid for seasonal check-ups. He *knows everything* and recently discovered testosterone supplements, too!
Testosterone supplements? So, it wasn’t good enough that he knew everything, now he wants to f*ck everything
Worse, he wants YOU to join him in the crusade against Low-T. Doesn’t matter what your own labs show because doctors all lie!
And you CAN’T. SHUT. HIM. UP.
Hmmm…. maybe I should tell him about TTAC.
“Hmmm…. maybe I should tell him about TTAC.”
Why, does he think he can pee the farthest too?
I think he’d fit right in with the Single-Malt Midnight Maundering Society here.
Reg; ” Don’t try and high-brow beat me with your 2D, 3D intellectually BS. … That would be ‘intellectual’.
The first part of my comment was meant for you, Lie2me. The comment on how we view objects(scientifically based) was for a general audience. Due to your sensitivity on the subject(s), I will forthwith make ‘General Comments’ separately’ and spare you any mental distortions due to a perceived attack on your strongly held and unassailable opinions. And, you have my apologize for causing you such unnecessary distress.
PS! I prefer ‘Gobshite’ to “BS”.
@_Lie2me Reg; ” Also, jellybean as one word is a totally correct spelling, so when you quote me spell it the way I did.”
I wasn’t quoting or correcting you. Apparently you don’t know a quotation mark from an Apostrophes used as bracketing, though, I can understand your confusion, as they’re some times used as such. When
I quote someone on this site, I directly copy from their comment and add “-“/quotation marks. I was using my spelling of Jelly bean, though, I like your spelling and may use it in the future, so thanks for apprising me of another way to spell it.
Also… I promise that in the future, I will be much more sensitive to your Narcissistic condition…
More BS. You were taking a word I used out of context to describe the design of certain Lexus automobiles to make a condescending snarky remark, thus quoting me incorrectly. Your attempt to take the intellectual high road failed miserable.
As for your ability to recognized personality disorders in others, I’ll have to s*de with pete on this one and suggest that you stay away from the keyboard when indulging in heavy drinking
Don’t get the hate here. Guess I have to see one in the flesh and take it for a spin. I do also like the IS series, so maybe I’m just blind.
Definitely a big fan of long nosed, overpowered coupes. Enjoyed the Infiniti G35 – a decent commuter but godawful in the snow. Loved my 1st generation Audi S5 – great for just about everything, even the semi-occasional track day (although understeer was an issue). Currently driving a 997.1 C4S. A bit tough as a commuter on rough roads, but tons of fun.
Looking forward to sizing this one up.
Because it doesn’t come in brown with a diesel I suppose?
Once Toyota overtook GM as the worlds largest automaker, it became the prime target. It’s the same reason McDonalds, WalMart, and Bank of America take so much abuse – we love an underdog.
If the Mazda3 and Mazda6 were the top selling compact and midsize cars, this site would rage-post about how boring and vanilla the seem, and call them heartless appliances.
??
Toyota has always been boring and has always been critiqued for that even when the underdog. The mz3 isn’t the darling of the media now because they sell a fraction if what the corolla dose. They are considered fun and sporty because they are fun and sporty. The rolla is not because it is not. From chassis layout and construction to suspension geometry to the software controlling everything the mazda was built to entertain and the toyota was built to absolutely not entertain. I have also not seen the media or enthusiasts pull punches when mazda droops a dud.
I think in general it’s because the IS-F has always been in catch up mode with the M3/4. It’s always looks good on paper, but always falls short to the other performers in the class. It’s also true, and noted by many, that the IS-F is invisible in traffic. Common packaging. I’ve always seen it compared to an M3/4, but in the end, never a winner. It probably also doesn’t help that the base model gets average reviews.
btw, I drive a 997.2 C4S. Nice choice and yes, tons of fun :)
A V8 car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If it doesn’t have at least 708 horsepower, it is not news.
I know… still I figured people would be jumping for joy. V8 + Coupe = win. It even looks OK, as someone else mentioned the stupid grill seems to work here. Does it come with a 6 speed or flappy paddles? I fear I know the answer and thus the reason nobody cares about this ride.
I’m okay with it generally except for the awful squinty headlamps. Imagine how much better it would look if the vacant red between headlamp and running lamp was all headlamp.
For some reason, I see some of the iconic Toyota 2000 in this design. I like it.
According to AutoWeek:
“Lexus uses an 8-speed sport direct shift transmission with a torque converter that fully locks in gears 2 through 8 when driven in manual mode.”
So no.
A V8 car that is 400 pounds heavier than a 2015 Corvette convertible… amazing no hatred on the almost 4,000 pound curb weight.
They are ignoring that because of the B&B’s current infatuation with the piggy HellCat.
Clearly, this is a pig and will wallow like one because nothing over 3,000 pounds in curb weight can handle.
Depends on how your define handling. A lot vehicles over 3,000 can get quickly around a corner, but is there any pleasure in it?
Oh, and it’s not a shooting brake.
Now that is serious misstep on the part of Lexus… off to the penalty box.
And it doesn’t come in brown.
What! It doesn’t match the BS, here?
And it doesn’t offer a manual.
Now we have a serious omission, the B&B must stand tall and firm on that issue… time is running out on the manual.
And the V8 runs on gasoline not diesel.
Ya! What’s with that. Oh! About 400 more pounds.
And it costs more than $12000. A lot more and probably worth every pretty penny, to the lucky dog who can step up to the plate and pull the trigger on this awesome V8 personal luxury Coupe…. thank you Lexus… I ‘might’ be one of them since I couldn’t afford the LFA, but only if it doesn’t cost more then a 6-series or SL500.
So it sucks.
Pretty much… at least here with the B&B, but potential buyers won’t give a flying hoot what the B&B thinks about the RC-F, and their superior wisdom on all things automotive. Sarcasm and rejection here means superiority over everything… and that is important, at least in the TTAC’s B&B’s sandbox.
Forget the Corvette, it’s a different kind of car, and yes the first dozen or more comments here are utter drivel, anyway. Apparently weak ha, ha quips are the best these people can manage.
But I take your post seriously that this new Lexus RC F- Sport is a beached whale of epic proportion for its size. Car and Driver, the only outfit that actually weighs its test cars give the following weights:
Lexus RC F-Sport: 4048 lbs
BMW M4: 3541 lbs
So, the Lexus struggles with 500 lbs of extra avoirdupois, which seems like complete waste to me.
However, a startling exchange took place between the Lexus Chief Engineer and an Autocar mag staffer, reported on his blog:
http://m.autocar.co.uk/;fitScript=0/blogs/new-cars/why-does-new-lexus-rc-f-weigh-so-much
To summarize, the Lexus guy proclaims the RC F is the stiffest chassis car out there, the reporter asks him how much stiffer it is than an M3, and the silly twit says he doesn’t know because they haven’t measured the M3. WTF.
It’s worth a quick read to get the mindset of the Lexus engineering department.
A V8 car that is 400 pounds heavier than a 2015 Corvette convertible…amazing no hatred on the almost 4,000 pound curb weight.
Clearly, this is a pig and will wallow like one because nothing over 3,000 pounds in curb weight can handle.
Oh, and it’s not a shooting brake.
And it doesn’t come in brown.
And it doesn’t offer a manual.
And the V8 runs on gasoline not diesel.
And it costs more than $12000
So it sucks.
Gentleman, what we have here is an update of the SC series.
What’s not to like?
A V8 Coupe? WITH *WITH* rear axle steering?
(Not to be confused with 4-wheel steering, I presume…)
Hmmm… drive the front wheels, steer the rear. No more CV joints to wear out. I like it.
That idea has worked before in the past. Drive the front wheels, and steer the rear ones.
What you sir, have just created, is this:
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o313/rockislandfan/6600combine038.jpg
It’s diesel. You can buy it for less than $12000. It doesn’t use CV joints. It would do well in low speed collisions.
I’m not aware of any in brown, though. For that reason, it’ll never work.
I’m not willing to call this the successor of the SC just yet. I find the RC design to be very busy, as if they’re aiming at the 20-something crowd. It’s not quite simple enough to be elegant.
The original SC was a personal luxury coupe and never competed against sports cars. It’s competition at the time was the SEC, 8-series, Mk. VII, and Eldorado. I still see jalopy J-spec SC400’s on the roads, but at least they’re still on the road, unlike the SC’s competitors.
Might be because the majority of SC buyers were suburban housewives who kept them in the garage. I still to this day remember Top Gear talking about how terrible that car was. Not sure I agree with your BMW 8-series comment. Those are moving toward collectors car status in BMW circles.
Is this the 2015 Charger SXT comparo :)?
I wanted to mock Lexus, but I’m overcome by a powerful impulse to buy some Nikes.
Does it come in a drop-top with a proper manual transmission?
If not, it’ll be just another Santa Barbara 2nd-wife-mobile.
Yep it will be grouped with the IS-C.
No manual yet.
The obligatory stupid grille looks like the cowcatcher on a Wild West era steam locomotive.
I kind of like the “been there done that it’s all just a bore anyway” attitude emanating from Japan these days. To the detriment of cool aid pushers everywhere, It’ll be getting here soon enough as well.
I mean, why sit in traffic, just because some sales schlub tells you the car you’re sitting in, is supposedly fast when there’s no traffic?
Who was it that said it’s more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow?
Both speeds are the same and are usually dictated by traffic. I guess the same holds true in Japan.
I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but gadzooks, that thing is FUGLY^10.
Give me the original 400, the one that made Mercedes shake in their boots.
It is a very interesting car, but it’s much too expensive for my budget. Also, I’m not very hot on gadgetry such as rear axle steering.
Not only Lexus but many manufacturers have done an astonishing job providing that glossy, dog-d1ck red. Mazda especially comes to mind.
I always liked the bright red on mid 90s Grand Cherokees with the gold trim package, and mesh wheels.
Edit: The Limited trim, apparently.
http://www.alpinemotorswyoming.com/car/1996_Jeep_Grand_Cherokee_Limited.html
There’s three colors I like my vehicles wearing. They’ve all got really exotic names, as follows:
*White
*Silver
*Black
On true off road vehicles, I prefer that sand beige or mossy green color.
I tried finger painting once. The end result was uninspiring.
Woe is me.
Oh yeah, “red” is horrific.
I’m sorry, but I’ll take red in a heartbeat over silver. I know plenty of people like those three colors, but silver, white and black seem to make up 99% of car rental fleets.
“silver, white and black seem to make up 99% of car rental fleets.”
And *sigh* Honda lots. I’m including gray under silver as just a dirty variant.
Say what you want but the Lexus red is one of the better ones. So is the Cadillac crimson.
+2
If Toyota and BMW are still working on some supposed Supra successor (as has been reported elsewhere), what is the point of this car?
The Supra, when and if it ever appears will be at a higher price point than this car and certainly with higher performance levels. Lexus, to a degree, HAD to produce this car. To continue to try and compete with the BMW M cars (now with a M3 and M4 variant) and to be taken serious by this segment, Lexus had to provide a F in coupe form. Don’t quote me, but I think I read somewhere that BMW sells about 60-70% of their M (M3 coupe and now M4) as coupes. This is a big segment and has always been lacking from Lexus. Again, I don’t think they had a choice.
Am I alone in wishing for a rwd cellica revival more so than a return of the bloated land guppy?
A Lexus coupe making 460+ hp from a naturally aspirated V-8. I think that’s a great thing and don’t understand the condescension. I do find it interesting that after the brouhaha over the Z06’s weight that nary a mention was made of the 4000 lbs this car, an M4 competitor, is carrying.
Other than that (and a lack of a manual) this is a car that I think most enthusiasts would be glad is being made. Especially when it comes from Lexus.
I don’t understand the under current of if it’s more than a Camry, Sonata, Accord, Soul or CR-V (of all things) then it’s a suspect purchase and those making the purchase are of questionable intelligence.
“Condescension” Equals _ Superiority! Very important.
” then it’s a suspect purchase and those making the purchase are of questionable intelligence.”
Hardly! Along with luck and grit, making serious money usually takes a good deal of intelligence. Dummies need not apply, they have lotto tickets.
The problem with this car is exactly what you just stated. “enthusiast” This car won’t appeal to enthusiasts. Overall weight, no manual, just to start. Lexus also has a tendency to remove manual control and locking out a driver from disengaging systems on their cars. 460hp or not, its heavy and has a 0-60 time of 4.4s. That’s average for a car of this class and essentially the same performance as the previous generation IS-F. Let’s face it, serious car enthusiasts do NOT look to Lexus when it comes to cars. Too many compromises.
Its a Personal Luxury coupe with sporty intentions…think 58′ T-Bird. It is not sports car, and I haven’t found any claims by Lexus that it is.
The RC-350/RC-350F with the 300+ V6 weighs about 3,700 pds. and has a better instrument cluster or sportier in a classic sense. Plenty of power and better MPG makes for a great GT. The price is reasonable.
The RC’s should be popular.
Wow, a ’58 t-bird. That’s quite a bit before my time. I really don’t know, but always thought of a t-bird as a sports car of it’s day? I don’t really have the ability to use a ’58 t-bird as a reference and I’m not attempting to be funny.
As far as the RC, I don’t know. I am looking forward to some reviews and to see one in person. I am suspect that this will be “popular” as you say. Dn’t quote me, but I seem to recall that the majority of IS cars were sold in the 250 variant. It’s an assumption, but I would guess that would be the case here for the RC. I just don’t think this will be a high volume car. I’m not trying to say it’s not a good car, but based on history with the IS and Lexus’ sports car history in general, I don’t think (pending some final reviews) that enthusiasts will latch onto this car.
Well the 58 Tbird wasn’t a coupe for one, for another it was a bit of a confused animal. Kinda made to take on corvette but not really. Kinda meant to take on the Brits but not hardly. I wouldn’t call it a sports car at all though it had real performance chops in the day it was probably doomed from day one to bloat its way through history.
I really like the hood, windscreen, roof lines. I wonder what it will look like with a bumper to break up that manta mouth. Where can I find a rear 3/4 shot of it, the haunch looks promising in this shot.
Who’s going to test the GS450 F-sport hybrid that WB3 wished for and Lexus is promising? I’m of mixed feelings on adding hybrid torque and weight to the GS F and would like to hear which effect won out.
Went to my Lexus dealer today to get a battery for my GS400 and they had just unloaded their first RC-F. Wow, that thing is gorgeous in the flesh. Blah, blah spindle-grille, I hated it too, but the stupid thing has not only grown on me, but Lexus is making it work. It has presence and menace and packs good-old-fashioned non-turbo power. Love the RC-F
Reg; : unloaded their first RC-F.: Uh! What planet was that? You can’t even ‘Build’ one on the Lexus website.
>> You can’t even ‘Build’ one on the Lexus website.
Just saw an ad for it on tv.
Here it is> http://www.ispot.tv/ad/7u3r/lexus-rc-f-from-road-to-race-circuit
“The all new Lexus RCF shatters limits, breaks barriers and crosses the line. Once you drive a Lexus RCF, there’s no going back.”
Recently Aired: 39m ago on ESPN2
during College Football …more
Advertiser: Lexus
Actors: George Gee Alexander …more
Products: RC F
Did you try to build a ‘RC-F’ at Lexus> http://www.lexus.com/models/RC
He also claims he went to the dealer for a battery on his 14+ year old GS400. Not likely.
Or at least not smart.
Just read a review article of RC from website of Japan’s most respected motor magazine CarGraphic.
Apparently Lexus invited 10 motor journalists to Oita AutoPolice circuit, given 7 cars and allowed flat out for 4 hours, hosted by chief engineer.
if interested in photos
http://www.webcg.net/articles/-/31570
This canceled show seems to be for general media and bloggers who don’t know how to drive or praise cars.
A bit overwrought, really. Will probably result in a few lawsuits for shin damage from walking too close.
Ouch!
I owned and loved a 2008 IS-F, in spite of the fact that it didn’t have the Torsen LSD and it drove very much like a rumbly video game. That said, I have no idea what to make of the RC-F. It’s heavier than the old IS-F with no real explanation as to why, and it appears that Lexus took every complaint about the IS-F’s styling and multiplied them all x2. The front end is just ridiculous, and yes it’s ridiculous from all angles, not just the one pictured. And it isn’t much faster (if at all).
I’m thinking STi when I return to the states; maybe Subaru will have released the hatchback version by then…
Whatever you do, don’t tell Alex Dykes. He has nothing but the highest regard for every Lexus & Acura out there, and often times, when reviewing them, can find nary a fault with them.
On a more broad note, we’re at a point where automakers are stretching to distinguish their higher priced wares from their lower priced wares increasingly by bizarre styling and infotainment/electronic gadgetry.
And horsepower. Which, as a genuine differentiating factor, is defensible. And here, one must credit Lexus with keeping strong V8s and some strong 6 cylinders (despite some weak ones, too) alive under the bonnet, at a time when much of the competitors have chosen to go with inducted 4 bangers (or in the case of sad Cadillac, 2.5 liter 4 bangers that belong in a pure rental grade Chevy).
It may be too soon and in bad taste, due to recent events, but since it’s a Lexus, I have to say this:
It’s styling is clearly based on Joan Rivers. Can they stretch it any more?
Actually, I think Joan would approve of the joke…
“Lexus RC, Joan Rivers Commemorative Edition”
Comes with luggage in the trunk, but you must trim it up with scissors before use.
The front end already looks like it was designed by Edward Scissorhands