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Lexus is gunning for the BMW M4, Mercedes C63 AMG Coupe and Audi RS5 with its new RC F. On paper, the new two-door should be a fierce and individual rival for the other contenders. It matches or beats them for sheer power, comes loaded with kit and costs from £59,995. 

The M4, which starts at £56,635, is perhaps the most worthy choice in this class, but add the auto gearbox and the prices are basically identical. Moreover, the Lexus treads its own path, and the brand claims it’s applied lessons learned on the LFA supercar project to ensure the RC F has track-ready dynamism and an unrivalled breadth of comfort and ability.

While the BMW has moved down to a 3.0-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder, Lexus has stuck to a big, naturally aspirated V8 for the RC F. Its 5.0-litre engine produces 471bhp at 7,100rpm, and the company claims this will help launch the RC F from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and storm on to a 168mph top speed.

In more relaxed driving, the big engine switches to the Atkinson combustion cycle for improved fuel economy. Even so, the Lexus’ 26.2mpg returns and 252g/km emissions are on the high side – the M4 claims 32.1mpg and 204g/km respectively. That might be partly due to the RC F’s sheer weight – at 1,765kg, it’s a huge 228kg heavier than the BMW.

If that sounds disappointing, don’t despair – because the rest of the spec is mouth-watering. The V8 drives through an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the chassis features double wishbones at the front, plus a multilink rear axle, and has a host of electronic aids to allow all of its potential to be exploited. 

A four-stage traction control system offers Normal, Sport, Off and Expert modes, the latter only stepping in to prevent a spin. As standard, the car comes with a Torsen limited-slip differential, but there’s an optional torque vectoring differential (standard on the £67,995, 10kg lighter RC F Carbon, which features a composite bonnet, roof and rear spoiler) that continuously sends power to the wheel with the most grip.

Inside, the RC F feels special. The seats are superb, if a little high, and the dash architecture has hints of the LFA about it. The instrument screen has various modes that change as you alter the car’s set-up by selecting Eco, Normal, Sport S or Sport S+ settings via a rotary dial on the centre console. The torque vectoring differential has three separate modes, too: Standard, Slalom and Track.