--- title: "The Lexus RC Is Going Away, and It’s Taking the V8 RC F With It" date: "2025-01-16" modified: "2025-01-16" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-lexus-rc-is-going-away-and-its-taking-the-v8-rc-f-with-it" categories: - "Lexus News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "Lexus" - "RC F" - "sports car" --- # The Lexus RC Is Going Away, and It’s Taking the V8 RC F With It ![]() *Lexus* I've always admired the [Lexus RC]() from afar. While I've never driven one, I adore the way it looks, the fact that it’s rear-wheel-drive-based, and that it offers both a naturally aspirated V6 *and* V8. So it's a little bit sad, even if unsurprising, that Lexus is finally killing the RC off after its 11-year run. Unfortunately, most of the RC lineup is going out with a whimper, not a bang. Only mild changes will be made for the final year of the RC's life, like F Sport RWD models getting red brake calipers instead of orange. Still, for loyal Lexus fans, those little changes will prove your car is the final model year, making it somewhat special. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() However, there is a Lexus RC F Final Edition—the only version of the RC F sold for 2025—which lets the brand's stylish coupe go out in a cloud of tire smoke. Its glorious 5.0-liter,. free-breathing V8 still makes 472 horsepower, which is still sent through an eight-speed automatic to just the rear wheels. But it now has 19-inch forged aluminum BBS wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires, carbon fiber aero bits, and four new colors: Incognito, Radiant Red, Sonic Iridium, and Ultra White. Lexus also says the engine and rear differential have been retuned for smoother operation. The RC has been showing its age for years, progressively getting more old-fashioned as newer competition came out. Modern rivals like the [BMW 4 Series]() and [Audi S5]() made the RC feel like the dinosaur of the segment. But that's always what made it charming; it stuck to the old-school recipe of larger, naturally aspirated engines up front and drive going to the back. Sure, there's a turbo-four model and even a hybrid, but the Lexus RC never ditched the V8. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() While it makes sense that this is the RC's final year in production, as Lexus needs to move on finally, that doesn't mean it’ll leave without a few tears being shed. Its kick-ass styling and raucous engines will be sorely missed. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()