Automotive

General Motors, Honda Partner For Next Generation Battery Technology

General Motors, Honda Partner For Next Generation Battery Technology General Motors and Honda have announced an agreement meant to bolster the all-electric vehicle portfolios of both companies. Engineers will be tasked with developing more advanced battery components, including the cell and module, for a next generation system that will return higher energy densities and faster charging times albeit in a smaller, lighter package.
Economies of Scale
The automakers will collaborate based on GM’s next generation battery system with the intent for Honda to source the battery modules from GM. Officials say the collaboration will support each company’s respective and distinct vehicles, while the combined scale and global manufacturing efficiencies will provide greater value to customers.
“This new, multiyear agreement with Honda further demonstrates General Motors’ capability to innovate toward a profitable electric portfolio,” explained Mark Reuss, General Motors Executive Vice President of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. “GM’s decades of electrification experience and strategic EV investments, alongside Honda’s commitment to advancing mobility, will result in better solutions for our customers and progress on our zero emissions vision.”
General Motors Vice Chairman Steve Girsky (left) and Honda North America President Tetsuo Iwamura (right) announce a long-term, definitive master agreement to co-develop fuel cell systems and hydrogen storage technologies, aiming for a 2020 release. Photo dated Tuesday, July 2nd, 2013 in New York, New York. Photo: General Motors.
Forward Momentum
A previous joint manufacturing venture between GM and Honda is already well underway. Teams from both automakers are working to make fuel cells and hydrogen storage systems more viable and affordable, and are intending to produce such a system in or around 2020.
“In addition to our ongoing joint development and production of fuel cells, this battery component collaboration will enable us to take a new step toward the realization of a sustainable society,” said Takashi Sekiguchi, Chief Officer for Automobile Operations and Managing Officer of Honda.
With regard to future electrified vehicles, both companies say this most recent announcement concerns the North American market.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Source: General Motors, Honda Motor Company.

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McLaren 570S GT4 To Debut In 2017 China GT Championship

McLaren 570S GT4 To Debut In 2017 China GT Championship

This weekend, the McLaren 570S GT4 track car will makes its debut in the first race of the 2017 China GT championship. The event at Beijing Goldenport Park circuit is expected to draw a TV and online audience of over 75 million. Since its conception last year, the China GT has become one of the most extravagant, most elite racing contests in China.
McLaren has been named Official Safety Car partner and will provide a 570S road car accordingly.
Track Attack
The 570S uses its lightweight architecture and carbon fiber Monocell II chassis to its distinct advantage. The 570S was designed for the track, and benefits especially from things like an aluminium rear wing that balances extra downforce. There are bonnet “nostrils” to improve overall airflow and a centrally mounted front radiator to encourage heat dissipation. In short, the McLaren 570S has an array of cutting-edge tech that makes it a fitting machine for the race track.
Photo: McLaren Automotive.
Winning Team
16 teams will compete in 12 races at six different locations: Beijing, Erdos, Zhuhai, Shanghai, Chengdu, and the new Zhejiang circuit. The GT4 class is new for 2017, in addition to the GT3 and GTC competitions that ran in 2016 last year.
A McLaren customer racing team named “The Winning Team” will enter a 570S GT4 piloted by two professional racers in the GT4 class, David McIntyre and Roelof Bruins. McIntyre, McLaren’s Managing Director of China, competed in the Korean Speed Festival for three years and ran the Malaysian Touring Car Championship last year. Bruins begain as a youth in karting and has 25 years of racing experience. He competed in Korean Touring Cars for the past seven years, winning five championships during that time.
The duo will race the McLaren 570S GT4 at all 12 dates on the China GT calendar.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: McLaren Automotive.
Photos & Source: About McLaren Automotive.

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2017 Nissan Rogue Sport: Priced Right For Buyers On The Go

2017 Nissan Rogue Sport: Priced Right For Buyers On The Go

The new 2017 Rogue Sport, that would be Nissan’s small-ish SUV crossover thingo, the one you saw a while back with all those Star Wars/Rogue One commercial tie-ins, finally has its specs and pricing set. As one would expect, it is loaded with tons of standard features, and won’t break your bank account.
Nissan’s new Rogue Sport is the slightly smaller, sportier and more affordable version of the normal Rogue.
Emotional Cues
The Rogue Sport is designed for younger, urban SUV buyers, so you know Nissan will market this thing as being as hip as they can get away with, and that it will be covered in tech features. The Rogue Sport has many of the design, utility, and technology features of the normal Rogue, which is probably a very good move since the Rogue is Nissan’s best-selling vehicle in the United States.
The Rogue Sport’s design mixes a compact body with strong fender volumes and an aggressive “wheel-oriented stance” to convey “a feeling of robust agility.” Nissan calls it an “emotional geometry,” but to me, there’s nothing very special or overly distinctive here. Moving on.
Creature Comforts
Comfort and convenience features? Oh my yes. By the car load. The seating is leather-appointed (meaning it’s only leather where you touch it) and the front seats are heated. There is an available Divide-N-Hide Cargo System (whatever that might be), a RearView Monitor, Siri Eyes Free, and NissanConnect with Navigation and Mobile Apps. There’s a 7.0-inch color touchscreen display and a Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant. Also available is the advanced Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection and Intelligent Cruise Control, plus SiriusXM.
Photo: Nissan North America.

Safety & Security
There is a complete suite of Nissan Intelligent Safety Shield technologies, gizmos, goodies, and gee-whizzers. This includes Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Forward Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Departure Prevention.
Power & Performance
Running gear wise, a 141 horsepower, 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder plant is standard. It’s mated to an Xtronic gear box with an Eco Mode switch and a 4-wheel independent suspension. Nothing really earth shattering there, or anything to write home about, but there’s the specs for those of you that want to know. You can get your 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Cargo Capacity
The Rogue Sport provides a lot of room inside, considering its small road footprint. There’s seating for five and up to 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seat in the way back. Flop that second row of seats down and you get up to 61.1 cubic feet which is enough for a drum set or a DJ setup and PA – that sort of stuff.
Pricing & Availability
Pricing starts at $21,420 for the Rogue Sport S model in front-wheel drive configuration and goes all the way up to $27,420 for the full zoot, all the features all the time Rogue Sport SL AWD. So roughly speaking, between 20 and 30 large, there’s a small(ish) SUV/crossover thing out there waiting for you young, on the go, urban professional types. The new 2017 Rogue Sport is at Nissan dealers now.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Photo: Nissan North America.
Photos & Source: Nissan North America.

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Toyota, On the Road Lending Team For Underserved Communities

Toyota, On the Road Lending Team For Underserved Communities

Toyota is partnering with Dallas-based On the Road Lending to provide transportation and mobility options to underserved populations. On the Road Lending offers an array of services, from vehicle selection assistance and low-interest auto loans, to long-term financial mentoring for low-income individuals.
On the Road Lending, with a character-based model, helps clients build a financial foundation before signing for a vehicle. Then, through an affiliated financial entity, On the Road Lending will provide a fuel efficient vehicle, still under warranty, to clients.
Lasting Relationships
The organization works with clients through the life of the loan, providing additional mentoring and guidance. In order to help facilitate this process, Toyota has provided three grants totaling over $1 million. The money will help On the Road Lending build their IT infrastructures, streamline their processes, and expand their services.
“The ability to move freely and easily opens up a world of possibilities, and On the Road Lending is an excellent example of helping people overcome transportation barriers so that they can access jobs and improve their quality of life,” said Al Smith, Group Vice President, Toyota Social Innovation.
On The Road Lending Founder and CEO Michelle Corson with client Ericka Griffin. Through the program, Griffin is the proud owner of a certified pre-owned 2009 Toyota Corolla. Photo: John B. Sutton, Jr.
Big Impacts, Better Life
Toyota, although one of the world’s largest automakers, is looking to make an even bigger impact on society.
“It is also representative of the types of social innovation programs we aim to implement, helping solve societal issues by sharing our resources and know-how,” Smith said.
Michelle Corson, On The Road Lending Founder and CEO believes access to quality transportation is directly proportional to an individual’s success and happiness.
“We truly believe that a better car leads to a better life, and are pleased to partner with Toyota to help improve quality of life in our communities through mobility,” she said. “Through our model, we helped single parents, domestic violence survivors, veterans, working families, and many others improve their credit and purchase fuel-efficient, reliable cars.”
To learn more about applying or to make a donation, visit On the Road Lending here.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Infiniti Announces Pricing For 2017 QX80 Signature Edition, 2018 QX30

Infiniti Announces Pricing For 2017 QX80 Signature Edition, 2018 QX30

Infiniti announced pricing for both the 2017 QX80 Signature Edition and the 2018 QX30. Both vehicles feature the automaker’s latest performance, safety, and infotainment technology. The QX80 Signature Edition returns for its second year while the QX30 sees no significant content or equipment enhancements for 2018. The QX80 is a luxurious family hauler, available in a seven- or eight-passenger configuration, while the smaller QX30 is meant to bring in new buyers.
2017 QX80 Signature Edition
This special packaging option provides a $2,500 savings versus its contents being added individually. The Signature Edition includes an exclusive Saddle Tan interior, chrome outside rearview mirror caps, and dark-finish 22-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels with 275/50R22 all-season performance tires.
Active safety features include Backup Collision Intervention, Blind Spot Warning, Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), Distance Control Assist, Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Intervention, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Departure Prevention.
Under the hood sits a 400 horsepower, 5.6-liter DOHC V8 with Direct Injection Gasoline and Variable Valve Event and Lift technologies. QX80 4WD models feature an advanced, computer-controlled transfer case with three settings (Auto, 4H, and 4L).
The QX80 Signature Edition has an MSRP of $67,335 for the 2WD and $70,435 for the 4WD. It comes in four colors: Hermosa Blue, Graphic Shadow, Black Obsidian, and Majestic White.
2018 Infiniti QX30. Photo: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.

2018 QX30
The 2018 QX30 is aimed at young singles or recent couples who lead active lives but have not considered Infiniti before. The vehicle is set apart by its sculpted and chiseled appearance, along with its signature LED lighting. A panoramic moonroof and roof rails are offered for a combination of luxury and style. Drivers are treated to a modern, Nappa leather interior with Bluetooth capability, RearView Monitor, INFINITI Intelligent Key, and three 12-volt power outlets. Available options include a Bose system, HD radio, and an Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection.
A 2.0-liter I4 turbocharged engine with 208 horsepower motivates the 2018 Infiniti QX30. The engine is paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters. Like the QX80 Signature Edition, the QX30 offers an array of safety technologies like Intelligent Park Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Cruise Control, and Forward Emergency Braking.
MSRP for the 2018 Infiniti QX30 is unchanged from the 2017 models. The base QX30 FWD starts at $29,950 with the Luxury FWD starting at $32,600, and the Premium FWD at $35,300. By comparison, the Luxury AWD comes in at $34,400 while the Premium AWD starts at $37,700. The QX30 Sport starts at $38,500, which features a lower ride height, gloss black grille, dark chrome exhaust finishers, and 19-inch Gun Metallic aluminum-alloy wheels.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
2017 QX80 Signature Edition Gallery

2018 QX30 Gallery

Photos & Source: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.

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Bugatti Opens Brand’s Largest Showroom In Dubai

Bugatti Opens Brand’s Largest Showroom In Dubai

Bugatti’s newest showroom just opened its doors on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, the most populated city in the United Arab Emirates. The new showroom, now Bugatti’s largest, is the 15th in their global dealership network. The Arabian peninsula is one of Bugatti’s most lucrative markets, with the region accounting for 26 percent of Chiron sales. So far, 30 orders have been placed for the Chiron making Bugatti UAE the brand’s most successful dealership.
Bugatti’s longstanding sales and service partner in the UAE is Al Habtoor Motors.
“A location of this significance and appeal for our brand has earned a superlative showroom,” said Dr. Stefan Brungs, Member of the Board of Management of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. responsible for Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service.
Automotive Excellence
Al Habtoor Motors has been the official dealer partner of Bugatti for the UAE since 2006 and a Bugatti Service Partner of Excellence since 2013. The dealership is known for its impressive Veyron fleet which numbers about 55. Al Habtoor Motors began in 1983, expanding rapidly with their reputation for professionalism and top notch customer service. In 2013, the dealer group was named “Best Bugatti Partner” and received a similar partnership award in 2011. Sultan Al Habtoor, President of the company, underscored the importance of having Bugatti in the UAE and building upon prior successes.
“The UAE is always striving to be the best. Our target was therefore to bring the largest, most beautiful Bugatti showroom to the heart of Dubai,” he said. “Here, our exquisite clientele can experience the unique nature of this fantastic brand in all its facets.”
“We would like to thank Al Habtoor Motors for this convincing testimony to our brand,” Brungs added. “The success of Al Habtoor Motors is based on the considerable passion and professionalism with which our partner represents Bugatti in the United Arab Emirates.”
Bugatti UAE on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. The entrance pays homage to the iconic horseshoe design found on a Bugatti’s radiator grille. Photo: Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.
Luxurious Headquarters
Inside Bugatti UAE, clients are treated to a unique lounge area with furniture from the Bugatti Home Collection. Customers can configure their Chiron in a private and comfortable atmosphere; the Chiron itself is presented through exhibits and animations. A heritage section is also a favorite where visitors can learn about Bugatti’s values.
“Many Bugatti customers who have been the closest and most loyal ambassadors of our brand for many years live in this region,” Brungs explained. “Some of them are proud owners of car collections with even several Bugatti super sports cars – a passion for ultimate performance, luxury, and individuality is especially in evidence here.”
Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and by individual appointment. The address is Sheikh Zayed Road, Umm Al Sheif Exit 41, Dubai. To mark the inauguration of the new showroom, the Bugatti Chiron will tour the Arabian peninsula.
“The new showroom will not only be the perfect platform for the Chiron but also honors our special customers,” Brungs added.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Photos & Source: Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S., Al Habtoor Motors.

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2009 Aston Martin Vantage V8 Convertible 2009 Aston Martin Vantage V8 Convertible Midnight Blue

$25,123.00 (10 Bids)
End Date: Tuesday Jul-9-2019 22:14:38 PDT
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Automoblog Book Garage: Supercar Revolution

Automoblog Book Garage: Supercar Revolution Supercar Revolution chronicles the battle for performance supremacy among the world’s fastest cars.
Our Book Garage series showcases what every gearhead and enthusiast should have in their library.
What exactly is a sports car? Not that long ago, within my lifetime, that was an easy question to answer. Now things become much more hazy. We no longer have just sports cars because now we have to add “supercars” into that discussion; and, as of late, “hypercars” are all over the automotive world. A gorgeous book by John Lamm, Supercar Revolution, traces the history of when sports cars became supercars, then became hypercars. In essence, it chronicles the battle for performance supremacy among these high-dollar machines.
Supercar Revolution: The Fastest Cars of All Time
This is all Lamborghini’s fault. Being the young upstart company they were, back in 1967, engineering conservatism was not in their vocabulary. It was clear from a performance standpoint a mid-engine car was the way to go. Yet a decade or so since John Cooper and Jack Brabham drove that point home, the high-end sports car world was still replete with big, front engine, rear-wheel drive choices.
The Lamborghini Miura blew that notion into a cocked hat. While Ferrari’s Daytona (really called the 365 GTB/4) was the king of the mountain, the Miura was a clean sheet of paper; new idea from new minds. It was also, arguably, the first supercar. It is with this event, starting with the old chestnut retelling of Enzo and Ferruccio’s fight about how to build sports cars, that our book in question – Supercar Revolution: The Fastest Cars of All Time, written by John Lamm – starts.
Supercar Revolution: The Fastest Cars of All Time, page 10: Lamborghini Miura & Ferrari Daytona. Photo: John Lamm.
On The Prowl
Lambo’s shot across the bow of Ferrari, and any other traditionally-oriented car maker of the time, sent us on the path to where we find ourselves today: staring down the barrel of something as strange and beautiful and terrible as a La Ferrari or a Porsche 918 or a McLaren P1. These are not sports cars. These are not even supercars (book title notwithstanding). No, these are hypercars. Cars of such technological aspiration and execution; such physics-bending performance that it is almost insane they sell them to anyone with a licence and a good check.
But here they are, out on the street; our streets, rolling among us; looking side-to-side, waiting, waiting for that next gap in traffic, that next open stretch of road, that next green light.
Related: This book about the Monaco Grand Prix captures it perfectly.
Stunning Illustrations
And this is a point Supercar Revolution drives home, page after page, and photo after photo. While we’re on the subject: Dig these shots man! The photos within the 240 page book are gorgeous art shots of two types. Either they are in-studio photos set against a black limbo background; or they’re outdoor, in situ shots of staggeringly-beautiful cars poised on race tracks, or parked just so out in front of villas of olde, or gardens verdant, or race tracks beckoning. You’ve seen Top Gear, right? The BBC program is known (primarily) for two things: doing foolishly-entertaining stuff with cars, and two – really good photography. Supercar Revolution is like the second, only in still form.
The horrible expectation is that with both the subject matter and the glorious photography, evidenced by the cover’s fantastic, rain-dappled three-quarter shot of a La Ferrari, this would be a coffee table book. A book that looks great, but has all the written flair of a vacuum cleaner manual. But no! This is not the case! Supercar Revolution is rather wonderfully-written by Lamm, a longtime notable car scribe and photographer. He is an alumnus of Road & Track and Motor Trend, and has created other nicely-done books and special pieces found hither and yon.
Supercar Revolution: The Fastest Cars of All Time, page 137: McLaren F1. Photo: John Lamm.
Star Power
Indeed the R&T connection runs deep throughout Supercar Revolution. Not only does Lamm get his two cents in about high performance cars of the last 50 years, but he talks with a bunch of well-known gearheads, fellow writers, drivers, and outright racers. Jay Leno gives his opinion here and there, pipe-hitting champions like Phil Hill and Paul Frère are mentioned; René Dreyfus gets a shot. He even gives space to Jerry Wiegert, that half-huckster/hudry-gurdy man that gave (or said he was going to give) the world the Vector Aeromotive W2.
Pride of The Coffee Table
It’s a really good book, in both words and pictures, and the downsides are pretty minimal. One is how the cars covered get more frequent as time gets closer to our present day – but that just reflects how there are more super and hyper cars available now. Consider Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, and Aston Martin; and boutique makers like Pagani, Bugatti, Saleen, and Ultima. The other miss is, apart from that gorgeous cover, the La Ferrari is not within the book itself. Sort of like writing a book about mountains and failing to mention Mount Everest.
But really, overall, Supercar Revolution is a great book. It will look good on your shelf or “left out” on your coffee table.
Supercar Revolution by John Lamm
Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: Motorbooks; 1 edition (November 13, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 076036334X
ISBN-13: 978-0760363348
Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 1 x 11.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds
Price at the time of this writing: from $21.22 (hardcover) on Amazon.
About The Author
John Lamm is an award-winning automotive journalist and photographer who covers sports and racing cars for Road & Track. After attending a road race at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, he decided to become an automotive journalist and began his career with Motor Trend magazine in Los Angeles. In 1975, he moved to Road & Track, where he remains editor-at-large to this day. Lamm has won the International Motor Press Association’s Ken Purdy Award and the Motor Press Guild’s Dean Batchelor Award.
Supercar Revolution Gallery

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2019 Lexus RC F Review: Come For The Luxury, Stay For The Soundtrack

2019 Lexus RC F Review: Come For The Luxury, Stay For The Soundtrack 91Solid 2019 Lexus RC FOverall Impression Strong tech features.Stylish and luxurious.ProsPowerful V8 Engine Interior Fit & Finish ConsTech Interface Small Backseat Lexus isn’t your boring luxury car company any longer. Things have changed in a big way the past few years, and Toyota’s luxury division is now on par with the German brands when it comes to performance cars. This was the goal when Akio Toyoda took over, and he’s given the brand a new identity. This new identity is apparent in Lexus’ product line today, including the 2019 Lexus RC F.
This week, we checked out the latest version of the RC F and we were not disappointed.
2019 Lexus RC F: What’s New?
There aren’t many changes for 2019, but the RC does get a limited 10th Anniversary Edition package. Highlights include Matte Nebula Gray paint, blue Brembo brake calipers, black 19-inch BBS forged wheels, and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. Only 240 vehicles in the United States received the package.
Features & Options: Tech & Safety
Our 2019 Lexus RC F Sport tester ($64,650) came standard with LED headlights, automatic high beams, auto-dimming mirrors, and adjustable drive modes. The Lexus Display Audio interface pairs with a seven-inch screen and knob controller for the infotainment and climate settings. The RC F is standard with Scout GPS Link, a USB port, and a 10-speaker sound system with HD and satellite radio, and a CD player. Other features include power-adjustable front seats with memory settings, simulated leather upholstery, a power-adjustable steering wheel, and a rearview camera.
Safety tech includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane keeping assist (Lexus Safety System+ package). Lexus Enform Safety Connect is complimentary for the first 10 years of ownership and gives you access to response centers during an emergency. Automatic collision notification, an emergency assist button, and a stolen vehicle locator gave us the most peace of mind.
2019 Lexus RC F.
Features & Options: Safety & Style
This RC F tester included the Premium package ($3,240), adding blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, automatic wipers, auto-dimming side mirrors, parking sensors, heated and ventilated front seats, and carbon-fiber interior trim. There’s also the Performance package ($5,500) with a torque-vectoring rear differential, carbon-fiber roof, and a speed-activated, carbon-fiber rear spoiler.
The navigation system ($2,725) came with the Remote Touch interface (a 10.3-inch screen and touchpad controller), two USB ports, voice controls, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, and six-CD/DVD changer. Upgraded LED headlights, leather upholstery, 19-inch hand-polished BBS 20-spoke alloy wheels, and orange Brembo brake calipers were among the stand-alone options.
Total MSRP including destination: $80,900. By comparison, the 2019 Lexus RC F starts at $47,860.
2019 Lexus RC F interior layout.
Related: The 2019 Lexus GS F is the lion of the Lexus den.
Interior Highlights: Sporty Yet Luxurious
The RC F cabin is practical yet contemporary with unique, sharp curves and angles that match the sport coupe’s exterior design. A protruding curved dash reminds us of the sporty front end that you either love or hate. The F Spec Sport front seats hugged us tight, working especially well during our more spirited driving through mountain corners. The leather seats with the optional Premium package are ventilated for extra comfort. We used them liberally as temperatures reached near 90 degrees in Denver this week.
What we don’t like is the Lexus knob controller on the tech interface. It’s still too difficult just changing the radio channel. Once we did find the right station, the optional Mark Levinson premium sound system is excellent, providing clear audio that doesn’t distort with volume. We cranked the 835-watt, 17-speaker system up and kept the noisy world outside while we jammed.
Those using the RC F for their daily commute will appreciate the numerous predictive traffic data features offered through the navigation system. Likewise, the Lexus Enform App Suite eases those longer commutes, allowing access to popular apps like iHeartRadio, Slacker, and Yelp. However, the RC F isn’t the car for you if you need to haul adults regularly. The backseat is small and useful really just for storage but could accommodate two small children.
2019 Lexus RC F rear layout.
Related: On the road with the 2019 Lexus ES 350 F Sport.
2019 Lexus RC F: Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
A sweet-sounding, 5.0-liter V8 that pumps out an impressive 467 horsepower and 389 lb-ft. of torque powers the 2019 Lexus RC F. The naturally-aspirated engine uses a combination of direct injection and port fuel injectors to achieve a 12.3:1 compression ratio. The V8 is mated to an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift gearbox with paddle shifters for those wanting to shift manually.
The fuel mileage for the RC F is an EPA-estimated 16/25 city/highway and 19 combined mpg. You can probably achieve that if you keep your foot out of it.
Driving Dynamics: A Word of Caution
You will want the 2019 Lexus RC F if you enjoy driving fast! Once you step on the gas, all 467 horses come to life. On the high-performance meter, it pegs! You need to be careful; the RC F is explosive and can get you in trouble quickly, especially on wet or slick surfaces. The summer performance tires are meant for just that, summer. This is not a car for those who live in colder climates!
Driving Dynamics: Sweet, Sweet Sounds
The RC F was developed at places like Fuji Speedway in Japan and the legendary Nürburgring in Germany. We could tell as we swept through the mountain corners near Denver this week. The RC F’s torque-vectoring differential changes left-right torque distribution within 1/1000th of a second, based on the throttle, braking, yaw rate, and longitudinal and lateral G-forces. Combine that with the Linear Adaptive Variable Suspension and SPORT S+ mode, and you have one of the most fun sports cars on the market today.
But the best part? When we stomped on the gas, the sound generator that pipes engine noise into the cabin filled our ears with an amazing exhaust note. When we needed to stop, the Brembo brakes halted us just as quickly as we took off.
The RC F’s torque-vectoring differential changes left-right torque distribution within 1/1000th of a second.
Conclusion: A Worthy Competitor
The 2019 Lexus RC F is able to challenge the best luxury performance coupes in the world. It makes a statement that Lexus can bring serious performance to the game. Lexus also has strong quality and reliability ratings, something the competitors don’t always have.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his firsthand reviews are archived on our test drives page. Follow Denis on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Lexus RC F Gallery

Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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