Lexus is one of the few brands left that still uses a V8 in its high performance vehicles, like the IS 500 and beautiful LC 500. We’re not sure how much longer Lexus will offer the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 as it electrifies its lineup. For sports coupe enthusiasts, Lexus offers the RC F and the more track-focused 2021 RC F Fuji Speedway Edition. We love the V8, but is the RC Fuji Speedway Edition worth the extra premium over the standard RC F?
The RC F Fuji is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 generates a nice 472 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 395 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. When the engine is pushed hard the V8 turns the RC F into a beast when you reach its peak power. The only issue is that lower rpms the engine feels a bit sluggish since the V8 runs on the efficient Atkinson cycle. The Atkinson cycle is focused on fuel efficiency instead of power, which is meant to help it be a bit more efficient around town. Is that a good thing? No. Around town the RC F feels a bit boring, since you have to push it into its upper rev range to make it come alive.
The V8 is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which does a good job around town, but on a back country road it can be bit slow to respond. The RC F Fuji does get a nice Torsen locking rear differential.
The FC F Fuji gets an upgraded suspension with a front double-wishbone suspension with adaptive Sachs dampers and a front sway bar. At the rear there’s a multi-link setup. Unfortunately the suspension is too harsh around town with you and your passengers feeling every bump on the road. Does it get better on a back country road? Not really. The RC F doesn’t handle as well as the BMW M4. The suspension doesn’t give you the confidence you need to feel comfortable hitting the corners at a brisk pace. The electronic power steering also needs to give more feedback.
To keep everything under control the RC F Fuji gets 14.9-inch Brembo carbon ceramic brakes that do an excellent job with stopping the RC F.
On the outside the RC F Fuji Speedway stands out from the standard RC F with its carbon fiber hood, large rearw ing, roof, side skirts and front lip. It also gets 19-inch forged BBS wheels that are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires and a titanium exhaust system.
Inside the RCF Fuji’s interior is wrapped in leather, Alcantara and carbon fiber. The front seats are supportive for most drivers, but if you’re on the taller side it may take a bit to find a comfortable position. The interior looks the part with its red seats and red trim throughout.
The interior is showing its age a bit though, since it features an older infotainment system that doesn’t have a touchscreen, its climate controls feel dated and the old school parking brake is definitely retro. As in other older Lexus models we hate having to use the trackpad to operate the infotainment system, but at least there’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to make it look a little more modern. On the safety front, the RC F Fuji comes with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. It’s unique carbon fiber side mirrors mean that the RC F Fuji doesn’t offer a blind-spot monitor.
The pricing for the 2021 Lexus RC F Fuji Speedway Edition starts at $98,275, including the destination fee. That means that the Fuji is more than $30,000 more expensive than the standard RC F. Thanks to that extra premium, the RC F Fuji Speedway Edition really isn’t a great value compared to the standard RC F. Most of the upgrades make it less fun on regular roads and they don’t significantly improve the RC F’s performance at higher speeds.
The one thing that the RC F Fuji does offer, is that Lexus only built 60 units, so it is ultra exclusive. For the 2022 model year Lexus only plans to build 50 units.
