Lexus shows not one, but three RC coupés at Geneva

The RC F GT3 racing concept will headline the Lexus stand at next week’s Geneva Motor Show, alongside the new RC F Sport and 450bhp V8-powered RC F.

Based on the RC F coupé, the GT3 version is powered by a modified version of its V8 engine developing some 532bhp in a stripped out racing car weighing just 1,250kg.

Sharing the same 2,730 mm wheelbase, the RC F GT3 concept is wider (+150 mm) and lower (-120 mm) than the standard RC F and will race in series such as the Nürburgring 24 Hours and the Japanese Super GT series.

While the Lexus RC F may be the most potent V8-powered Lexus to date, it faces strong competition outside the Japanese brand.

The V8-powered RC F competes against the 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine in BMW’s M3, and while 450bhp and 520Nm of torque sounds impressive against the M3’s 425bhp and 550Nm, the RC F unfortunately weighs around 1,800 kg compared to the M3’s 1,520kg.

Nevertheless, Lexus say it’s better in every possible way than the now-discontinued IS F, and that was a very good car indeed.

One thing clearly in its favour is that V8 engine and Lexus have worked hard to make this virtue even more evident on the move; the RC F’s engine management system regulates its induction and exhaust sound to deliver a deep tone up to 3,000rpm while shifting to a higher-pitched wail as the revs rise beyond 6,00rpm at full load.

That’s not all. The RC F is the first front engine/rear-wheel drive car to use a torque vectoring rear differential — normally used on all-wheel drive cars to quell understeer. To increase the entertainment, they’re providing it with three operating modes; standard for balanced road use, slalom for more responsive steering inputs, and track for maximum agility and rear-end fun.

Inspired by the Lexus LFA supercar, the RC F is fitted with an active rear wing, incorporated in the bootlid. This combines with a flat underbody and a series of strategically placed aero fins and ducts to provides additional downforce at speeds above 50mph.

If you can’t quite stretch to the GT3 or V8-powered RC F, there’s a third option for fans of Lexus’ new coupé; the RC F Sport is powered by the 2.5-litre full hybrid powertrain of the IS 300h with a series of exclusive design features and dynamic upgrades over the standard car.

Featuring a 176 bhp dual-injection 4-cylinder petrol engine combined with a 141bhp electric motor, the RC F Sport delivers a peak of 217 bhp through its rear-wheel drive drivetrain.