Lexus RC F UK first drive - pictures

The RCF will be competing with the BMW M4. 

This is only the thrid car produced by Lexus's F-sports division. 

The interior has been given a more racy theme with Lexus adding a chunky steering wheel and body-hugging seats. 

The bootspace has a 366-litre capacity. 

Despite featuring good practicality, the rear seats are rather cramped. 

The car now features a new TFT display screen.

The Lexus's performance is let down by it's 8-speed gearbox, which is too slow to respond to shifts when operated suing the seeing wheel mounted paddles. 

The RCF's engine is naturally-aspirated and produces 471bhp, which is 46bhp more than the BMW M4.  

The Lexus accelerates to 62mph in 4.5 seconds.

Peak torque is not delievered till 4,800rpm, which means performance isn't so great at lower speeds. 

Due to the increased kerb-weight of the RCF, the car does not handle as well as the M4 on twisty back roads or on the racetrack. 

The car does not involve the driver as much as we'd like. 

The V8 makes the typical bellowing soundtrack. 

Lexus have set starting prices for the RCF at £59,995.