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^^^ Wish I had taken more from the back and side, but I did take this front shot of this brute.
Yes, it has the carbon roof, wing, interior trim, premium hand polished 19" wheels, and TVD, all which make the $7K "Performance Package" up here in Canada. With this package (top-of-the-line), a bargain at $89k
As for my impressions, very high indeed. The car is befitting of the price without a doubt. Unlike the RC 350, the F truly sounds and feels like its own car as a "Premium GT" with no ties to the IS. When I test drove the RC 350 last week, it was nice but I felt I was driving the IS... (a good thing, but I'm looking for something different).
- The build quality, seats/comfort, and interior details especially the gauge cluster are superb.
- Steering input and handling was impressive. It felt light on its toes. It does not feel like 3960 lbs whatsoever.
- Ride quality was barely slightly firmer than my IS F Sport (non-AVS), which is an achievement considering the incredible gains in handling. This was my biggest concern and pleasant surprise as it can easily fill my IS as my daily driver.
- Power and engine note alone justify the 20K premium (here in Canada)
- Very smooth shifting tranny.
- Oh, the meaty "elliptical" steering wheel felt perfectly in my hands.
Only one negative which I was a little disappointed with and uncharacteristically Lexus.
- Lots of tire noise intrusion in the cabin. I suspect though in fairness, the meaty summer Pilot SS tires driven over below-freezing (but clear) roads probably contributed. This may not be a good road trip car for me and the Mrs if the tire noise is the norm. I'd be interested to hear more from owners regarding road noise in the warmer climates.
Thank you for your write up! Very informative. That second picture looks great. My favorite angle of the rcf; I love the huge grill. I know the feeling when you get excited see ING a car and somehow forget to take more pictures! Thanks for taking the time to share your impressions. I am hoping my local dealer gets a other rc-f in soon as the only color I have seen is the molten pearl, which is nice, but would not be my choice for the car.
That's pretty much exactly my car! Grey with PE/CF/TVD package.
I'm surprised they let you drive it without buying it. lol Over here you pretty much have to have a deal set up before you get behind the wheel - that is if you can find one on a dealer lot that hasn't been purchased already.
As far as road noise, I'm here in California winter (see: Canadian summer ) and the road noise is pretty minimal IMO. Granted, I usually have music on, but even when not, I hear the engine hum more than I hear tire noise. I bet with the right tires for the season you'd be ok.
Only one negative which I was a little disappointed with and uncharacteristically Lexus.
- Lots of tire noise intrusion in the cabin. I suspect though in fairness, the meaty summer Pilot SS tires driven over below-freezing (but clear) roads probably contributed. This may not be a good road trip car for me and the Mrs if the tire noise is the norm. I'd be interested to hear more from owners regarding road noise in the warmer climates.
I change the tire to Michelin PS A/S 3 all season which is much better suited for cold weather driving. No noticeable tire noise at all.
Only one negative which I was a little disappointed with and uncharacteristically Lexus.
- Lots of tire noise intrusion in the cabin. I suspect though in fairness, the meaty summer Pilot SS tires driven over below-freezing (but clear) roads probably contributed. This may not be a good road trip car for me and the Mrs if the tire noise is the norm. I'd be interested to hear more from owners regarding road noise in the warmer climates.
That is not an issue. It only means the tires are brand new. Michelin Pilot Super Sport are noisy as hell when they are brand new before the compound begins to wear off and so sticky that they catch every gravel on the road and then spit it out in the fender well (making crackling noises in the cabin).
My Michelin Pilot Super Sport became substantially quieter towards the end of the summer.
03-23-15, 06:29 PM
I suspect though in fairness, the meaty summer Pilot SS tires driven over below-freezing (but clear) roads probably contributed. This may not be a good road trip car for me and the Mrs if the tire noise is the norm. I'd be interested to hear more from owners regarding road noise in the warmer climates.
) and the road noise is pretty minimal IMO. Granted, I usually have music on, but even when not, I hear the engine hum more than I hear tire noise. I bet with the right tires for the season you'd be ok.
