2021 Lexus RC F Sport - Review by Mark Fulmer

Of Power, Style, and Control in a Bright Yellow Rocket

Mark Fulmer
The Auto Channel

With an aggressively styled body that looks like a Flare Yellow hued whale shark in devour mode, the 2021 Lexus RC F Sport rides like a thoroughbred. The carbon fiber roof, exterior accents, and interior elements add an elegantly sci-fi nuance as well as lightening the cars weight. But it is the unmatched solid feel that oozes confidence into the driver.

On startup, the RC emits a baritone and bass growl as it awakens its 5.0-liter V8 engine with 32-valve DOHC and Dual VVT-i. Engaging the 8-speed Sport Direct-Shift transmission, you've got 472 horsepower and 395 lb.-ft. torque that can take you from standstill to 60 mph in a very brief 4 seconds.

I found myself manipulating the Driving mode to the upcoming road/traffic by engaging the SPORT S+ mode when entering a freeway or when passing. That mode puts the big cat into a hunkered-down tight handling beast. Then when the road becomes freeway cruising, dialing down to ECO drops the RPM by 1000, softens up the ride, and boosts the mpg to 24 (not that it matters because if you can afford this car ($90K) your fuel costs are irrelevant. The Smart Stop Technology will save fuel at stopsigns, and it re-fires the engine at the touch of your foot.

The leather front seats leather seats are bolstered as you would expect. A10.3-inch multimedia screen responds quite well to the Dynamic Voice commands and steering wheel buttons, and I found myself only using the remote touchpad when stopped to set up presets and connect devices. The Mark Levinson audio system, a big favorite of my rock n roll wife, has an immodest 835-watt amp and 17 speakers (yes, 17, I challenged the kids to find them all).

This is the car that both epitomises and fulfills the current Lexus motto: "Experience Amazing"