Lexus RC F: Last of its kind

Who would’ve thought that Lexus would be the final proponent of naturally aspirated V8 goodness?

The Japanese manufacturer has just announced prices for its upcoming RC F performance coupé, ready to battle it out armed with the hypnotic Yamaha-tuned 5.0-litre V8 we all know and love from the old, discontinued IS F.

In Europe, the car will start from a relatively modest Dh370,000, but the one you really want will be the Dh415,000 RC F Carbon, with a standard torque-vectoring differential, carbon-fibre bonnet, roof and active rear spoiler, exclusive 19in forged wheels, Alcantara interiors and metallic paint.

Even at that price, the RC F Carbon is still cheaper than the new Dh420,000-BMW M4. In fact all of the Lexus’ rivals are pricier, and both the M4 and Jag’s F-Type R Coupé, of course, eschew naturally aspirated revviness in favour of force-feeding.

Yamaha’s finest will deliver up to 460bhp and 520Nm of torque to the rear wheels via Lexus’ eight-speed automatic transmission (no double-clutch gizmos here) with paddle shifters.

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