[Lex Luther]

I've been reading over a few Lexus RC F Sport reviews and have noticed that there is some disappointment with the Sport+ drive and suspension modes. I thought that I'd lay out what the complaints are here and see if some owners could give me their two cents as to whether or not these complaints have merit.

The complaints basically come down to the same thing, the Sport+ mode doesn't really feel all that different from the normal drive mode. Check out what one reviewer had to say about this:

With the drive mode and the transmission in their sportiest settings, I found that the Lexus is still just a little lazy. Despite having quite a bit of power on hand, the transmission always seemed to find itself in a gear or two taller than I would have chosen for spirited driving on a twisty road. Selective use of the manual-shift mode with steering wheel's paddle shifters largely remedied this, giving me better access to the upper reaches of the tachometer's swing.

So it seems like the Sport+ mode doesn't really do all that much and the only way to remedy the situation is to take control yourself with the manual-shift mode and those awesome paddle shifters.

A similar problem is pointed out when it comes to the Sport suspension mode. The Sport+ suspension mode is labeled "a bit floaty and soft." That's not exactly what I would expect from a Sport+ driving mode. The reviewer in this case says that the RC F Sport's handling feels like the Lexus GS 350 F Sport, which is a great car, though it is also much larger and heavier. The RC F Sport should, consequently, be more nimble.

Basically they argue that the RC F Sport should feel more connected to the road, and that is what I would expect as well.

Would be happy to get you guys to chime in and let me know what your own experiences are with the Sport+ mode.

 

[spoonful]

Fair points, this is where it gets interesting with expectations. RC is more of a GT car then an out and out track car. I think you hear alot of this in comparison to M4 or RS4...

 

[soarer]

Fair points, this is where it gets interesting with expectations. RC is more of a GT car then an out and out track car. I think you hear alot of this in comparison to M4 or RS4...

Yup, being more connected to the road isn't what the RC is about, performance houses like the M4 do that. That's the mistake people make, thinking the RC is a direct 4 series rival or worse, RC-F a true M4 rival.

 

[Lex Luther]

I mean Lexus itself advertises the RC F as an M4 competitor. They even put out a video comparing the two. So I think that it is by their own doing.

 

[Mickey]

I'd say the RC-f and M4 are very close rivals when it comes to performance and handling. Yes, the M4 is a bit more perky off the line and has a more involved racing feel but the RC-F isn't far behind. Both cars have solid pros and are well put together performance coupes.

 

[soarer]

If Lexus can put the RC-F on a diet to trim some of it's weight, that will help do it some good, but still, they have some catching up to do. Still a good start for them.

 

[Lex Luther]

If Lexus can put the RC-F on a diet to trim some of it's weight, that will help do it some good, but still, they have some catching up to do. Still a good start for them.

It is a very heavy vehicle. I wonder how they can cut down on weight. Do you think they can use some more light weight materials, or is it more to do with the amount of tech and features in the car instead?

 

[Mickey]

IMO, they could definitely replace certain materials and parts with lightweight materials. Maybe also altering the structural integrity in such a way that less materials will have to be used to create the same amount of structural strength. Maybe even a smaller more light weight engine that generates identical power. Small details for weight loss will help out the RC-f's overweight problem.

 

[Lex Luther]

A new lightweight engine would be cool to see. I bet that the next generation of the RC350 will tackle this problem more head on. It seems like the best way to improve the car.

 

[Payden19]

I a fully loaded 350f. When I put it in sport plus I notice a huge difference in steering, handling and ride.