2018 Lexus RCF | Japan's Glorious Competitor to the M4

[@Lexrcf]

This is probably one if the best reviews on this car! This car is sadly overlooked a lot because reviewers always focus more in its competitors during the review rather than really appreciate this car and all of its great values, glad you enjoyed it!

[@AutoWisdom]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the review, it was a lot of fun to film!

[@watnw2411]

Hard not to when this car is Inferior in every way to the competition😂

[@rohanr6708]

^

[@Magkill3]

@@watnw2411 As a BMW owner I'm debating buying one. Its between an M4, M5, C63, and RCF. Its not about what's on paper/reviews its about what its like to live with, maintain, and have fun with. Id pick a reliable slower V8 over a 3.0TT any day.

[@victorkenarsy3024]

@@watnw2411 And it costs too much for what it is. All this car has going for it is the Lexus reliability factor which only matters if keeping the car for decades.

[@1800Prez]

"Lets give it a quick pull shall we" continues to do the most stunning 2nd to 4th gear RC-F pull on KZbin showing off that direct shift 8 speed hoooly

[@AutoWisdom]

Had to do this car some justice!

[@they_call_me_don9899]

Lexus vehicles are more than just transportation they are a work of art

[@esthetics4512]

Agreed

[@samaccurso]

I can't imagine how anyone especially a true car guy cannot absolutely love everything this car represents, uniquely great looks, amazing road & track capabilities, & incredible reliability!!

[@2ZZGE100]

RCF owner here. Noticed a few omissions. The dampers were not dialed to stiffest, actually. They were in the soft setting. It should feel stiff and very firm. It is because the SPORT is actually not the most aggressive setting. The SPORT+ is the most aggressive so the dial needs to be turned once more. Also, if you were not in SPORT+ then the dampers were in the soft setting. ECO/NORMAL/SPORT all have the AVS dampers in soft. Only SPORT+ stiffens up the dampers. SPORT+ also changes the steering heaviness/speed, throttle and brake response as well as faster shifts. Mine is the older 2016 model so it has the fixed dampers and it is always stiff. My passengers (including my wife) do feel the car is very stiff, but the amazing seats make up for the firm ride. Another point, TVD is not standard. Torsen LSD is standard on the base model RCF. TVD comes as part of the Carbon Fiber/TVD performance package option ($11000 option). I own and track my RCF. It does in real world, exceptionally well on the race rack (0.99g sustained on PS4S tires and 1.40g instantaneous turning is easily achievable) as well as in the straight line. I have Dragy videos of my 60 - 130 mph and at sea level, it was only 10.6 seconds. I have a couple of bolt-ons, but that is what a C8 Corvette does stock in a 60 - 130 mph at sea level. It simply takes a lot of finesse and skills to extract the best out of the car both in the straight line or in the turns around the track, but it is a very rewarding car. I never have been embarrassed by an M4 on the streets or on the track with owners driving it. Speaking of curb weight, RCF is today actually one of the lighter cars in its class. The new M4 is also close to 3900 lbs, the C63 is 4200 - 4300 lbs, Mustang GT is around 3900 - 3950 lbs, the RS5 has been 4100 lbs or thereabouts.

[@AutoWisdom]

Thanks for the feedback! During the drive I believe i did have the car in Sport+ as the center tach was white/gray with a blue dial. The B-Roll shots overlayed in the video were not in the Sport+ setting. Also when mentioning TVD, I realize it’s not standard for RCFs, rather I meant that it came as standard with every 10th anniversary edition model. Nonetheless i learned a lot of additional info from your comment!

[@2ZZGE100]

@@AutoWisdom Was going by you mentioning SPORT mode in the video, which is why I commented the dampers were in soft as they only stiffen up in SPORT+. Compared to my daily driver '19 IS350 F-Sport in SPORT+ and AVS in stiff, the RCF feels completely night/day in terms of aggression. In SPORT+ mode, the gauge cluster should be black/red with the yellow bars representing the rpms. Though, the gauge skin can be swapped between the SPORT and SPORT+ mode in the configurations so that might have been the case. Also, the car has H&R sport springs on so it depends on spring rates on lowering springs and they may have weak spring rates potentially. Mine is on stock suspension and it feels fantastic. If I was not located very far away in the west, I would gladly let you drive mine. Nonetheless, the fact that it felt rather soft to you, means something was off about the car. It is never harsh/overly stiff especially since the chassis is so rock solid, but definitely it corners very flat. Maybe, the dampers or tires are worn out as mine is still almost new with only 10,000 miles and I have new PS4S XL tires. Worn out dampers is common issue for lowered RCFs to have premature wear on dampers. One of the reasons why RCF weighs 3900+ lbs, is because of the chassis rigidity. A lot went into making it a very rigid chassis. The chassis almost has zero flex in it. Anyway, still enjoyed your opinions about the engine, transmission, TVD and they were pretty much spot on. You nailed those aspects of the car. Cheers!

[@2ZZGE100]

@@AutoWisdom FWIW, H&R does not make sport springs for the RCF. Only for the IS350 or the RC350. I think that explains it as in order to lower it, the owner might have taken the IS350 lowering springs and put it on the RCF. Issue is, RCF OEM spring rates are 40% higher than those of the OEM spring rates on the IS350 or RC350. Anyway, you might find this video interesting of a guy who takes his RCF to the track and his battle with an E92 M3 as to how easily he walks away from that older M3. The guy also wins his class (#10th out of 60 total) and only has swift springs and a square setup (Swift springs are the only good lowering springs for RCF short of coilovers). Cheers! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5fLpmlqZ5uhetk

[@AnontheGOAT]

I think the weight comparison was made against the competition available in 2015 - not now.

[@2ZZGE100]

@@AnontheGOAT Correct. F80/F30 M4 used to be 400 lbs lighter at the time, but time has evolved. Another thing is, RCF at 185 inches, is actually the smallest in size now in the class. Barely a 2 - 3 inches longer than the new M2 (the M2 at 75 inches is nearly 3 inches wider).

[@samh7982]

awesome review! 1 note to this: the UR engines are literally bulletproof with minor issues but in general, bulletproof.

[@VanCityDLLM]

Naturally Aspirated and smooth AF.

[@rhs_0938]

Have watched many RCF reviews but I didn't expect to get the best one from this "small" channel and the audio quality is also much better than other videos, keep up the good work 👍

[@AutoWisdom]

Thank you, that means a lot! Many more vehicle reviews are in the works!

[@slappagon]

I was thinking the same

[@ewiouhjohn1707]

Lol look up Simply Car Things

[@sir.dookie5827]

@@AutoWisdom i like the driving pov you have, it would be great if you could also get a shot of the road In front

[@2URLex]

I have a Nebula Gray TVD with Red interior. I will absolutely trade for that Blue interior. Blue is 100 percent my type. Thank you for keeping your foot in it lol Eco uses the Atkinson Cycle like a Prius without shutting off cylinders. People sleep on these and they’re missing out. It’s a very raw car, wouldn’t go for any other V8 and lastly our engines came 3 years before the Coyote. Thank Yamaha for the sound.

[@isaactrujillo5396]

This is my favorite RC F… it’s honestly the only one I like

[@ultrac0ckbeam113]

Can tell almost right away that this channel will blow up very quickly. High quality video and straight to the point.

[@justice.rodgers]

That thing sounds INSANE! Definitely caught me by surprise. Great video too

[@V8Brah]

I approve this message.

[@mrvantastic3106]

What a crazy coincidence! I used to watch your videos back in my college days whenever I owned my 335i. One of the many great KZbinrs that inspired me to go FBO with the N54. Now I have a 335is in the garage and am not currently cross shopping the RC F, SS 1LE, and C7 GS. Glad to see a familiar and reliable face reviewing one of the cars I’m very interested in. Great job man and keep it up!

[@AutoWisdom]

Thank you so much! Glad you stumbled upon the new channel.

[@stevekalesia7933]

Same here!!

[@aerovaportrail1392]

I have a 2015 and it's an awesome car! I'm more impressed and the smiles get bigger the more I drive it.

[@vlevyx]

I very rarely compliment a video. But this, this video deserves recognition. Keep up the amazing work.

[@AutoWisdom]

Thanks for the kind words! Many more reviews will be coming to the channel soon!

[@greatestever4886]

This video is literally so good bruh. Lowkey better than most KZbinrs.. keep it up bro!!!

[@AutoWisdom]

Thank you so much!

[@Midwest..]

Beautiful ride and sound great V8 bulletproof engine we have IS350, NX200T, RCF is on the list 😊👍

[@JohnBlazeZero]

The rcf will make you smile. I love mine . It grabs attention !

[@prestonp7949]

300K mile motor without a hiccup!

[@truckingjamaicans5045]

Not its not more like 400k saw a isf doing nearly 500k though

[@frederickschulze8014]

@@truckingjamaicans5045 I know of an IS F that had to get a timing chain done around 170k miles, but other than that, it was an occasional track car that made it well over 200k.

[@truckingjamaicans5045]

@frederickschulze8014 yea

[@matthewwaldrup149]

The best thing about that car is the way it sounds bouncing off the rev limiter

[@AutoWisdom]

Agreed!

[@Ragilbert2004]

I love bouncing mine off the limiter. Total flex.

[@VPBOYZ904]

2018 Lexus RC F looks nicer than current 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Zforpres]

He explained the exhaust perfectly 😂 that’s exactly what i think of this car

[@mysterious2283]

Glad the algorithm is finally giving you attention

[@zacharyparis]

Been through a lot of cars including an ISF. Gunning for an RCF in the near future!

[@geogeo2506]

Imagine 2018 Lexus RCF with LFA V10 Engine

[@lostalx]

Superb review. Esp the note of the 2UR-GSE is on dot. You did a great justice to the RC F. I have an IS 500, 2UR is a master class engine. But when I test drove an RC F, its a totally different experience. The chassis is extremely solid. Lexus sadly downgraded it in 2023+ they removed the Driver Memory, Engine Bracing, Ambient lighting, Door cup lighting etc also key component TVD is also gone. I would love to swap my IS 500 for an RC F new but the downgrades are really unfortunate. Fingers crossed to own one of the RC F hopefully.

[@AutoWisdom]

Thanks! Didn’t know they downgraded the car for 2023, that’s a bizarre move and truly unfortunate.

[@lostalx]

@@AutoWisdom It is sadly. My guess is they are just keeping it barely alive to get the last ounce of the platform as the sales are very low and to just have it homologated for the GT3 RC F Race car mandate. In 2026 they are getting a new GT3 Race car that will replace the RC F. The new one will be Twin Turbo V8 and probably will be limited quantity and over $150K for sure. World will truly miss it then and many will realize what it was. I believe they will kill the 2UR-GSE engine as a whole for good.

[@verde629]

I didn’t like the looks at first but man does it look beautiful now

[@stevekalesia7933]

Haven’t seen your channel since my BMW days. Ended up getting rid of the 535I for a GSF and haven’t looked back. BMW left me stranded twice due to electric water pump failure. Great review!!

[@AutoWisdom]

Welcome back! Congrats on the GSF, I'm hoping to review one in the future.

[@alecwhatshisname5170]

LOVE the limiter bangs! Shortlisted!

[@paulgregroy1986]

Im a Lexus Fan because im age 65 and love them

[@navaho5430]

That spec would almost make me trade my ISF cheers from OZ.

[@RandenMontalvo]

A rare spec indeed. I totally dig this spec.

[@joshy_squashyy]

Loved watching this! That spec is my dream RCF, honestly. Gained a new subscriber 😄 Keep it up, man! Definitely going to check out your other vids.

[@AutoWisdom]

Thank you for the support!

[@yungactivist]

The 2015 to I think 19 or 20 were the best model year I want an rc F so bad but most of them have been in accidents and are overpriced I’m still thinking about buy an rc f gt 350 or a c7

[@lexiboy_rcf]

Amazing video! I own a 2018 RCF and I have a Borla exhaust on it and it be breaking necks everyday! 💯

[@nairb1214]

Great vid. Was looking to also purchase this car a couple weeks back when owner posted it up for sale. Glad you're loving it man!

[@AutoWisdom]

Thank you! It was a joy to drive for the day that I had it.

[@kevinbrugh7150]

Buying my RC F tomorrow and this review is really helpful. Keep up the amazing work man!

[@AutoWisdom]

Thanks so much, congrats on the car!

[@TheJMedia]

Great review of the RCF! Just picked mine up about a week ago and loving every moment of ownership!

[@AutoWisdom]

Congrats on the RCF! Great choice.

[@ichiroudesu_.]

All Toyota/Lexus Needed was a DCT and it would've been the perfect M4 competitor.

[@thijs5931]

True, would have loved to see a Toyota DCT, but I'm afraid it's not going to happen.

[@linkylion9060]

Love your review..you have gotten a new subscriber..I love the fact you speak about the transmission the why it really should have been look at and spoke about and not s h I t on it as most reviewers do ..a truly unbias opinion you gave and I thank you for it

[@AutoWisdom]

Much appreciated, thanks for supporting the channel!

[@mnmz6934]

Interesting, first review to compare the sound of the Lexus v8 and the coyote. IMO they sound very very similar, too bad no other reviewers were mentioning this

[@carsonbrummell4715]

honestly great video had my like in 10 seconds with that intro!

[@AutoWisdom]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed.

[@Aerospacegod]

Awesome so awesome I love my RCF and I’m happy your giving it some light

[@89jmills]

Great review of an awesome car. Keep up the good work man, I hope your channel blows up.

[@AutoWisdom]

Thank you, I appreciate it a lot!

[@Israeli_Prince]

This Lexus would probably last 10 more lives than the m4 and I say this as an M fan 😂

[@SELFMADEMILLS-500sport]

Best audio ever

[@RolanTHUNDER]

You did a really great job with this video. Thank you! I love JDM cars, Toyota/Lexus, Honda/Acura, etc so seeing a thorough review of the RCF, a car I like a lot, was enjoyable to say the least. It looks and sounds great. On top of all that goodness it has legendary Toyota reliability to boot so you can hoon all day with confidence ;) Another cool thing is, since it's so JDM its tunable too. Imagine ITB's with a tune via AEM Infinity or Haltech Platinum 😉

[@AutoWisdom]

Glad you enjoyed it! It’s a sweet car for sure.

[@jdmbren13]

according to mr rcf calculator that first pull was a unmentionable speed lollll and the rcf bans the limiter, good review

[@oki_m135i]

Nice!!! I can't afford the RCF (now) so I got the ISF for the next year's 😊

[@Twopointslow]

This sounds AMAZING!!!

[@sixskill]

what?! I didn’t know simply car things had another channel. of course he would review this car out of everything else 😅

[@AutoWisdom]

Yes sir! Welcome to the new channel!

[@allenzillmer1917]

Excellent review my friend. Subbed! I've got a 2020 RCF (almost got the 10th edition but wanted the newer body style)

[@AutoWisdom]

Thank you for the support! I love the face lifted headlights on the 2020+ models!

[@allenzillmer1917]

@@AutoWisdom Absolutely agree!

[@luispriego510]

Have one, all my boiis w m3 m4 we be cruising/racing in Mexico but I always tell ‘em can y’all go 110-130 for more than 5-10min hell nahh cause the engine light gone turn on 😂😂

[@eXileris]

Whoa! Stumbled upon this review and its like a mini Throttlehouse. Keep it up!

[@AutoWisdom]

Thank you! That’s a huge compliment to receive.

[@nebula_rcf]

This is 2019 rcf since it's the 10th anniversary edition ! I only know this because I humbly own this bad boy

[@VinceFung]

So glad to see you posting again - the algorithm put me in the right place lol!!

[@AutoWisdom]

Welcome to the new channel brotha!

[@diegoguerrero3588]

amazing video well done, such good quality and depth.

[@AutoWisdom]

Thank you very much!

[@derricksmith6104]

Truly one of the most honest reviews of one of the best vehicles on the. Looking to buy a 2022 Fuji Speedway here in Canada. Does anyone know how many 2022 Fujis were imported to Canada? Thank you!

[@StillDrxw]

gained a sub! i was on the edge if i should get the rcf or not and you convinced me

[@AutoWisdom]

Thank you for the support! It's truly a wonderful car, especially with the right upgrades.

[@kubemaster]

This car was more of a competitor/copy to the Audi RS5 B8.5, than them M4. RS5 is a high revving v8 with DCT.

[@fridgeman81]

Nope

[@kubemaster]

@@fridgeman81 Exactly, you know nothing.

[@AutoWisdom]

While they both have V8 powerplants I don’t necessarily think Lexus aimed at the RS5. When the RCF was just entering production, the B8 RS5 was at the end of the line for its generation. The M4 started production at a very similar time to the RCF & I believe Lexus used it as a benchmark to compete with.

[@ZhengZL69]

Shame they dont sell sporty lexuses in Spain, I love the F badge.

[@chrysalisendeavors]

Channel going to the top

[@vincentxtran]

Wait a minute, I recognize you from your old channel but can’t remember the name. Welcome back to the KZbin game!

[@AutoWisdom]

Thanks man! This channel is my new KZbin project.

[@JLeeno]

Great video! Liked and subscribed!

[@MrDaymien1]

Great review , really good run through ,,,,, car of dreams. The car reviewed looked absolutely stunning. With the earlier model of the RCF being very reasonable in price do you feel an earlier model are worth looking at or are the later models the ones to go for.

[@AutoWisdom]

Thank you! The earlier models are definitely worth looking into as they offer the same performance and driving experience that this one I reviewed had!

[@LexusV8JapanMuscle]

Nice RC-F ❤❤❤What brand are the side ones for the footbridge and the front splitter?I will buy for my RC-F

[@AutoWisdom]

Thanks! Unfortunately I'm not sure, but they suit the car quite nicely.

[@micahcornett8386]

I own this 10th anniversary car with the special matte finish paint and blue interior. It's NOT a 2018, it's a 2019.

[@MR_Garage]

Loved the review, well done!

[@AutoWisdom]

Thank you very much!

[@i.d.6492]

The V8 is the only reason I'd ever consider this over M4. M4 is just better in every other way but the V8 exhaust note is special

[@AutoWisdom]

Agreed!

[@vsm351]

I'll be proud to say that when you reach 100k subs, I watched your videos when you had 23. KEEP IT UP BROTHA!

[@AutoWisdom]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@esteve72]

That was very articulate and well-spoken.👍

[@AutoWisdom]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@marvi1515]

Great review! Subscribed

[@AutoWisdom]

Thanks for supporting the channel!

[@beninvestments3477]

Good review

[@carlosaraujo59]

Hummm I have owned both cars, in reality I couldn’t tell you which was better because I live in New York and we got way to many speeding camas to go anywhere over 30mph, but I will say the RCF just feels good, it feels exciting the seats hug you the way it sounds… if you keep it stock not to many pops just the sound of the V8 , goes without saying m4 is a great car but I got pulled over and (for tints) and the cop just really wanted to see the car, I think the car just looks nice and fast standing still

[@carlosaraujo59]

Oh yeah the infotainment system on the RCF does suck bmw wins that by far

[@wdtest5718]

The color is Matte Nebula Gray, not mercury gray

[@chrissantos2481]

Anyone information on the carbon fiber trim kit installed on the car?

[@LCculater]

Yes but the BMW will be in the shop all the time like my older M4 and cost you a fortune 😂😂 no thanks I’ll take the LEXUS hands down !! Own a LC 500 and wow what a car !!!!

[@QuattroTheMobster]

Great video

[@ywsaechao]

Great video and review! Wanted to let you know the transmission will upshift for you, even in manual mode, if it isn't warmed up yet. Will be a year at the end of the month since I got mine (2015 model) and plan to keep it as long as I can :)

[@SmokieTRW]

Getting one in 3 months

[@johnclark7973]

What's the 0-60? Sorry if I forgot. Awesome car.

[@AutoWisdom]

Roughly 4.1 - 4.3 seconds!

[@lexusrcf2441]

Way better than the m4 in every single way 💯

[@IgitsKev]

Nah 2018 m4 design looks way better, much better interior too Lexus is a good car tho

[@baoquoc3710]

The M4 has a B58 motor which even Lexus's mother brand Toyota put one in the new Supra, which means people still like the M4 more

[@lexusrcf2441]

The Lexus RCF is a pink elephant it’s a unicorn it turn heads so much it’s like Michael Jackson in his Thriller, Billie jean days. It’s reliable and so appealing. You have to live it to know it. I’m keeping mines ☺️

[@LavshBeatsTMlavishbeats]

@@baoquoc3710 The M4 does not have a B58 tho…

[@Mrwaffleandmilk]

The seats will get destroyed interior pleather is really bad. The arm rest will also get destroyed. Infotainment is absolutely terrible think 2009 windows media player. Things you gotta live with everyday.

[@KVIZZZZLE]

i was test driving a RC F and the delay in shift made me think the transmission was messed up and i didnt buy it lol lost my opportunity

[@kashkarti8869]

Best intro

[@brandnrode7377]

this is definitely a 2019 10th anniversary

[@eyegouger77]

Would like to hear your thoughts on the LC 500

[@AutoWisdom]

If I can get my hands on one I will surely review it!

[@edcain9492]

Same Eng.But Much Bigger & Heavier Lexus.

[@DONDAO-o8e]

What is the brand of the splitters u got on this car ?

[@king5k96]

You look super similar to this other guy on KZbin called Simply Car things! Are you guys related 🌚

[@AutoWisdom]

Oh I know that guy! He's my identical twin brother.

[@riship2500]

I appreciated this review man keep it up. Your channel will definitely get traction!! I’d be happy to let you review my car it would be cool. Keep it up!

[@AutoWisdom]

Really appreciate your support, thank you for the offer!

[@BenR99]

I’m surprised the 0-60 is so poor if it was closer to 4 I’m sure they would sell many more

[@frankroselli7963]

I bought a 2015 in Dec I adore that car till death do us part so gorgeous n fun well worth it

[@AutoWisdom]

Congratulations on the RCF!

[@Schwabz33]

The day that a Lexus can get around the track like a BMW M car then I will say it’s better…. This war was over years ago..

[@cblaze662]

What spacers is he running?

[@Destroyer-Grizzly-BIH]

There’s one up on campus and when I tell you it sounds better than a McLaren, I ain’t bullshittin! There’s actually a kid with a McLaren there also and it doesn’t hold a candle to this Lexus.

[@matthewwaldrup149]

I was looking at these last year but ended up going with an m3. The prices for parts on this car is absurd. 12-16k for an exhaust is nuts. Lambo and other high end manufacturers doesn’t mark up prices that goddamn high. The same exhaust for my m3 cost 5k. Same ine for the rcf is double that. There’s no need in that shit it’s not worth it.

[@coredaqqer6197]

You really just didn’t want the car, i’m sure you could have a custom exhaust for a fraction of that cost lol.

[@aliab6213]

Not sure where you are getting those prices from my Borla exhaust was 2k you can get all sorts of exhausts well under 5k

[@chase8855]

Weren’t many of these in production hence the cost

[@purplesean_6967]

i think thats price u r looking at toms and novel？rcf have invidia just like 1400 and also sounds great i got borla sounds insame to me and also u can choose gthaus for around 4k+

[@titancheat]

Honda should make a v8..

[@Bornindafire]

I thought you stopped making videos

[@AutoWisdom]

Nope, this is my new project for now.

[@TheCinderellaman10]

With a supercharger it would be perfect

[@lexist2112]

Sadly, as had as Toyota tried to compete with the Germans the G82 can still take this car in stock form. The RCF lacks handling, steering and overall driver experience. What the G80-G82 delivers is simply amazing. Don’t believe me , drive one and compare it