Lexus RC F from under $134K

Lexus Australia has announced a sharp $133,500 starting price for its all-new RC F Coupe, which is now rolling into selected dealerships and will become available from February.

That makes it more expensive than its predecessor, the $126,300 IS F sedan, but significantly cheaper than its key mid-size German two-door performance rivals, the Audi RS 5 Coupe (from $156,400), Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG ($159,500) and BMW M4 ($166,430).

A more highly specified 'Carbon' model will also be available, adding a lightweight carbon-fibre boot spoiler, bonnet, roof panel and interior trim as well as Alcantara seat fabric, for $147,500 plus on-road costs.

Lexus says both models will come with high levels of standard equipment, "many of which are only available as extra cost options on competitor brand vehicles".

"Everything about the RC F symbolises the passion Lexus designers and engineers have for their vehicles and puts the cherry on top of the RC line following the launch of RC 350 in November," said Lexus Australia chief executive Sean Hanley.

"RC F matches a great sounding, high output 5.0-litre V8 with a fantastic chassis that rewards the performance-minded buyer with an incredible driving experience. It also provides drivers and their passengers with high levels of safety on top of aggressive styling that is ideally suited to the vehicle's high performance intentions."

Both RC Fs are powered by a grunty 5.0-litre petrol V8 generating 351kW and 530Nm – significantly more than the V6-powered RC 350 released in Australia last month.

That makes it more powerful than the RS 5 and M4, but the RC F doesn't match the power or torque of Mercedes' run-out 507 Edition C 63 coupe, which runs a 373kW/610Nm 6.2-litre V8.

The RC F is claimed to hit 100km/h in 4.4 seconds, which makes it marginally slower than the BMW (4.1 seconds) and Benz (4.2) but one-tenth quicker than the Audi (4.5).

It's thirstier than all but the 12.1L/100km Mercedes, however, at 10.9L/100km. Audi claims 10.5L/100km for its 4.2-litre V8, while the BMW's downsized 3.0-litre turbo-six is way ahead at 8.3L/100km.

Weighing in at 1760kg in its lightest form, the RC F is at least 250kg heavier than the M4, 65kg heavier than the RS 5 and 50kg up on the C 63.

The RC F is rear-wheel drive like all of its German rivals except the all-wheel drive RS 5, but eschews the dual-clutch transmission trend for an eight-speed torque converter auto with four driver-selectable modes including manual, which is operated at the lever or via paddles on the steering wheel.

Its double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension features 70 per cent new hardware compared to the RC 350, and does away with its split/folding rear seat to incorporate extra rear bracing.

The RC F also features a Torsen limited-slip differential, a brake package including 380x34mm spiral-fin front discs and six-piston opposed callipers, and a 19-inch Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyre package developed specifically for the RC F.

There's also a new Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) system, which monitors the various drive-turn-brake functions. There are four modes, including a new track-oriented Expert setting which only activates when it senses the car is about to spin.

In addition to its more aggressive body kit, the RC F comes standard with eight airbags, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, reversing camera, tyre pressure monitoring and automatic high-beam.