2018 Lexus RC F

Japan's answer to some of Germany's best-known sports cars takes the form of this Lexus two-door, the RC F. It's a high-performance version of the RC, which itself is the coupe counterpart to this brand's IS compact sedan.

Regular versions of the RC are covered in a separate buyer's guide entry, so this piece will stick to the stuff that makes the RC F special: namely, its 5.0L V8 and its 467 hp and 388 lb-ft of torque.

The RC F's basics are carried over from last year, but this extroverted coupe does gain some new safety equipment in the Lexus Safety System +, which adds a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, radar cruise control and lane departure alert with lane keep assist.

Lexus's Enform connectivity suite also debuts in the RC F this year, making it easier to enjoy music and your favourite apps, while also making things safer with a collision notification system, stolen vehicle locator and emergency and roadside assistance.

What makes the RC F so interesting to us is that while Lexus's Toyota parent company is a poster child for fuel efficiency with its wide range of hybrid models, Lexus sticks with a no-replacement-for-displacement philosophy with this car's big engine. Meanwhile, the BMW M4 and Audi RS5 years ago switched to smaller turbocharged engines to make big power and speed while managing fuel consumption. That's a trend Cadillac followed, too, with its ATS-V.

While we're on that topic, the RC F's consumption estimates are 15.2/9.5 L/100 km (city/highway). Meanwhile, the M4 is rated 13.5/9.9, the ATS-V 13.9/9.4 and the RS 5 at 12.9/8.9.

Lexus sends the RC F's power to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The RC F's cabin hosts a heated, power telescoping leather wheel with paddle shifters, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, 7.0-inch screen for the infotainment and navigation, eight-way power heated and ventilated leather front seats, sport gauges with a full TFT display, push-button start, keyless access, parking assist and radar cruise control. You'll also get blind spot warning, LED brake lights, and lane departure and cross traffic alerts. The RC F has LED headlights and, interestingly, water repelling glass for the windows.

Among the more ridiculous features include a g-force meter that shows you how much cornering grip the car is producing at any given time. Best bring a passenger along to monitor that while you hoon.

The performance package adds a torque vectoring rear differential, unique alloy wheels and, most notably, a full carbon fibre roof to save weight (it eliminates the sunroof), and an active rear spoiler.