If it sounds like we are being harsh keep in mind the RC-F has the same old 5.0 liter V8 (with some tweaks of course) that we have seen since the days of the IS-F and back then it was not exactly impressive. The redline is raised to 7300 rpm from 6800 rpm and the motor gets a compression ration bump to 12.3:1 from 11.8:1. This results in 467 horsepower and 389 lb-ft of torque at the crank.
This motor is asked to move 4045 pounds Lexus coupe. Why is it so heavy? Who knows but the M4 suddenly looks like a lightweight with its 3604 lb curb weight. The weight loss of the M models has been overstated but considering the bloated Lexus we will not be so hard on the BMW that manages to continue being the lightest car in its class.
The weight distribution figures are not pretty for either car. The M4 amanges 52/48 front to back while the RC-F is an even worse 54/46. BMW is shying away from 50/50 and should not be let off the hook for it but they still do not go as nose heavy even with the turbo motors as many of their competitors.
Although the RC-F is more powerful on paper we seriously doubt it in practice with how the M4 S55 3.0 liter turbo inline-6 is underrated. Put both of these cars on a dyno and the M4 smoking the RC-F will become more apparent than just by looking at the crank paper figures along with the curb weight. The DCT transmission of course is a factor and helps compared to the Lexus 8-speed automatic.
The M4 runs a 12.2 @ 117.8 1/4 mile to the RC-F 12.7 @ 112.2. The longer the race goes the worse it gets for the Lexus. As stated, the RC-F feels like it is a generation too late as it would struggle with the previous generation E92 M3 let alone the much more powerful F82 M4.
Ok what about track performance? Well, the RC-F loses there too with the M4 beating its laptime. It is fairly close with the M4 1:23.73 laptime to the RC-F 1:24.05. The Streets of Willow is not exactly a big power track as it is fairly tight and technical which will make the cars appear closer than they really are. Put the M4 on a track where it can stretch its legs a bit and the gap will widen.
Really, this isn't a contest. MotorTrend prefers basically everything about the M4 and they should. It's more fun to drive, it's faster, brakes better, handles better, offers greater efficiency, is more modable, better balanced, and it is at the top of its game while the RC-F is playing catch up. I guess we can give Lexus a pat on the back and tell them good effort. Maybe they will have a worthy competitor next decade.
| 2015 BMW M4 | 2015 Lexus RC F | |
| POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS | ||
| DRIVETRAIN LAYOUT | Front-engine, RWD | Front-engine, RWD |
| ENGINE TYPE | Twin-turbo I-6, alum block/head | 90-deg V-8, alum block/heads |
| VALVETRAIN | DOHC, 4 valves/cyl | DOHC, 4 valves/cyl |
| DISPLACEMENT | 181.8 cu in/2,979 cc | 303.2 cu in/4,969 cc |
| COMPRESSION RATIO | 10.2:1 | 12.3:1 |
| POWER (SAE NET) | 425 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 467 hp @ 7,100 rpm |
| TORQUE (SAE NET) | 406 lb-ft @ 1,850 rpm | 389 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm |
| REDLINE | 7,500 rpm | 7,300 rpm |
| WEIGHT TO POWER | 8.5 lb/hp | 8.7 lb/hp |
| TRANSMISSION | 7-speed twin-clutch auto. | 8-speed automatic |
| AXLE/FINAL-DRIVE RATIO | 3.46:1/2.32:1 | 2.94:1/2.01:1 |
| SUSPENSION, FRONT; REAR | Control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar | Control arms, coil springs, adj shocks, anti-roll bar; multi-link, coil springs, adj shocks, anti-roll bar |
| STEERING RATIO | 15.0:1 | 14.0:1 |
| TURNS LOCK-TO-LOCK | 2.3 | 2.8 |
| BRAKES, F;R | 15.8-in vented, drilled, carbon-ceramic disc; 15.0-in vented, drilled, carbon-ceramic disc, ABS | 15.0-in vented, slotted disc; 13.6-in vented, slotted disc, ABS |
| WHEELS, F;R | 9.0 x 19-in; 10.0 x 19-in forged aluminum | 9.0 x 19-in; 10.0 x 19-in forged aluminum |
| TIRES, F;R | 255/35ZR19 92Y; 275/35ZR19 100Y Michelin Pilot Super Sport | 255/35R19 93Y; 275/35R19 96Y Bridgestone Potenza |
| DIMENSIONS | ||
| WHEELBASE | 110.7 in | 107.5 in |
| TRACK, F/R | 62.2/63.1 in | 61.2/61.4 in |
| LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT | 184.5 x 73.6 x 54.4 in | 185.2 x 72.6 x 54.7 in |
| TURNING CIRCLE | 40.0 ft | 35.4 ft |
| CURB WEIGHT | 3,604 lb | 4,045 lb |
| WEIGHT DIST., F/R | 52/48% | 54/46% |
| SEATING CAPACITY | 4 | 4 |
| HEADROOM, F/R | 39.8/36.1 in | 37.8/35.0 in |
| LEGROOM, F/R | 42.2/33.7 in | 45.4/27.3 in |
| SHOULDER ROOM, F/R | 55.3/51.7 in | 50.7/46.1 in |
| CARGO VOLUME | 11.0 cu ft | 10.1 cu ft |
| TEST DATA | ||
| ACCELERATION TO MPH | ||
| 0-30 | 1.7 sec | 1.7 sec |
| 0-40 | 2.5 | 2.4 |
| 0-50 | 3.2 | 3.3 |
| 0-60 | 4.0 | 4.3 |
| 0-70 | 5.0 | 5.5 |
| 0-80 | 6.1 | 6.9 |
| 0-90 | 7.4 | 8.4 |
| 0-100 | 8.9 | 10.2 |
| PASSING, 45-65 MPH | 1.7 | 2.0 |
| QUARTER MILE | 12.2 sec @ 117.8 mph | 12.7 sec @ 112.2 mph |
| BRAKING, 60-0 MPH | 98 ft | 107 ft |
| LATERAL ACCELERATION | 0.98 g (avg) | 0.92 g (avg) |
| MT FIGURE EIGHT | 24.2 sec @ 0.84 g (avg) | 24.9 sec @ 0.80 g (avg) |
| 1.6-MI ROAD COURSE LAP | 83.73 sec | 84.05 sec |
| TOP-GEAR REVS @ 60 MPH | 1,750 rpm | 1,550 rpm |
| CONSUMER INFO | ||
| BASE PRICE | $65,150 | $63,325 |
| PRICE AS TESTED | $85,225 | $73,225 |
| STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL | Yes/yes | Yes/yes |
| AIRBAGS | Dual front, front side, f/r curtain, front knee | Dual front, front side, f/r curtain, front knee |
| BASIC WARRANTY | 4 yrs/50,000 miles | 4 yrs/50,000 miles |
| POWERTRAIN WARRANTY | 4 yrs/50,000 miles | 6 yrs/70,000 miles |
| ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE | 4 yrs/unlimited | 4 yrs/unlimited |
| FUEL CAPACITY | 15.8 gal | 17.4 gal |
| EPA CITY/HWY/COMB.ECON | 17/24/19 mpg | 16/25/19 mpg |
| ENERGY CONS., CITY/HWY | 198/140 kW-hrs/100 miles | 211/135 kW-hrs/100 miles |
| CO2 EMISSIONS, CoMB. | 0.99 lb/mile | 1.02 lb/mile |
| RECOMMENDED FUEL | Unleaded premium | Unleaded premium |
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