Does the Lexus RC F Sport Come With a V8 Engine?
No. The Lexus RC 350 F Sport does not come with a V8 engine. It is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. In the RC family, the V8 belonged to the standalone, high-performance Lexus RC F, which used a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 producing 472 horsepower.
Lexus RC 350 F Sport
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6
- Horsepower: 311 hp
- Torque: 280 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
Lexus RC F
- Engine: Naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8
- Horsepower: 472 hp
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive only
Lexus ended production of the RC and RC F after the 2025 model year, so drivers shopping for either coupe today are shopping the pre-owned market. Unless noted otherwise, the specifications on this page reflect that final 2025 model year. Earlier model years differ in some specifications, including horsepower.
While both models share aggressive exterior styling and performance-focused cabin features, their powertrains serve different drivers. The V6 in the RC 350 F Sport reaches peak horsepower at 6,600 rpm and peak torque at 4,800 rpm. Rear-wheel-drive versions pair it with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while all-wheel-drive versions use a six-speed automatic. The range-topping RC F was built for buyers who wanted raw muscle and a high-revving exhaust note, while the F Sport design treatment delivers aggressive visual cues with the V6.
If a V8 is the priority, Lexus still offers one in a two-door coupe: for 2026, the Lexus LC 500 coupe uses a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 rated at 471 horsepower. You can compare coupes in our pre-owned Lexus inventory, or stop by our Woodland Hills showroom on Ventura Blvd to talk through the differences with our sales team.
How Does the Lexus RC 350 F Sport Handle Tight Curves?
The RC 350 F Sport pairs an independent double-wishbone front suspension with a multilink rear suspension. F Sport models add Adaptive Variable Suspension, which adjusts damping to balance high-speed stability with ride comfort. Selecting the sportiest drive modes, labeled Sport S and Sport S+ on later model years, firms up the suspension to improve body control through tight turns.
For drivers navigating the north slope of the Santa Monica Mountains in Encino, this tuning helps keep the coupe planted during quick directional changes. The 2025 RC 350 F Sport weighs 3,748 pounds with rear-wheel drive and 3,891 pounds with all-wheel drive. Front and rear anti-roll bars help limit sway, and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters come standard with both transmissions.
Rather than a lightweight sports car that trades cabin comfort for agility, the RC 350 F Sport behaves like a grand touring coupe. It absorbs pavement imperfections during routine driving, yet sharper chassis feedback is available whenever you engage the sport modes on open stretches of road.
Does the Lexus RC 350 F Sport Offer All-Wheel Drive, and What Tires Come Standard?
Yes. The RC 350 F Sport was offered with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive models use a six-speed automatic transmission, while rear-wheel-drive models use an eight-speed automatic that favors classic rear-drive sports car balance.
The all-wheel-drive system uses a center differential to vary torque distribution between the front and rear axles. Under normal driving conditions, it sends 70 percent of torque to the rear wheels to preserve sporty handling characteristics. When it detects wheel slip, the system can shift to an even 50/50 front-to-rear split to help maintain control.
F Sport models ride on 19-inch alloy wheels. Rear-wheel-drive F Sport models use a staggered tire setup, with 235/40R19 tires up front and wider 265/35R19 tires at the rear, providing a larger contact patch at the drive wheels for better traction during acceleration.
For drivers who put daily commuter miles along Ventura Boulevard through Tarzana, maintaining proper tire pressure and alignment on a staggered setup helps tires wear evenly and preserves cornering grip.
Does the Lexus RC 350 F Sport Require Premium Fuel?
Yes. Lexus specifies 91-octane premium unleaded gasoline for the RC 350 F Sport. Its 3.5-liter V6 uses both direct and port fuel injection.
For the final 2025 model year, the RC 350 F Sport carries these EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings:
Rear-Wheel Drive
- EPA-estimated 20 mpg city
- EPA-estimated 28 mpg highway
- EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined
All-Wheel Drive
- EPA-estimated 19 mpg city
- EPA-estimated 26 mpg highway
- EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined
EPA-estimated ratings for earlier model years differ slightly, so confirm the figures for the specific year you are considering.
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
What Did the Lexus Dynamic Handling System and Option Packages Add?
The RC 350 F Sport offered targeted options that enhanced chassis response, interior technology, and cabin convenience. The most notable performance upgrade was the available Lexus Dynamic Handling system, offered on rear-wheel-drive F Sport models.
Key options included:
Lexus Dynamic Handling
Offered on rear-wheel-drive F Sport models only. Integrates Variable Gear-Ratio Steering with Dynamic Rear Steering, which turns the rear wheels up to two degrees, opposite the front wheels at lower speeds for tighter turning and in the same direction at higher speeds for lane-change stability.
Navigation and Mark Levinson Audio Package
Adds a 10.3-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 17-speaker, 835-watt Mark Levinson premium surround-sound audio system.
Standalone Options
A power moonroof, Intuitive Parking Assist, and painted brake calipers on rear-wheel-drive F Sport models, orange on earlier model years and red for 2025.
These options let buyers tailor the coupe toward either sharper agility or long-distance touring comfort.
Common Questions About the Lexus RC 350 F Sport
How much cargo space and rear seating room does the RC coupe offer?
The Lexus RC 350 F Sport seats four passengers, though the rear seats are compact and best suited for occasional passengers or extra interior storage. The 2025 model’s trunk provides 10.4 cubic feet of cargo volume for luggage or daily gear.
Does the RC 350 F Sport offer a manual transmission?
No. The Lexus RC was not offered with a manual transmission. Rear-wheel-drive models use an eight-speed automatic, while all-wheel-drive models use a six-speed automatic, and both transmissions include steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
What driver-assist safety tech comes standard on the F Sport?
The 2025 RC 350 F Sport came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which includes the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Automatic High Beams. Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert was also standard. Safety equipment varies on earlier model years.
What is the primary difference between the RC 350 F Sport and the RC F?
The RC 350 F Sport uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 311 horsepower and was available with all-wheel drive. The standalone RC F is a track-focused model powered exclusively by a rear-wheel-drive, naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 making 472 horsepower, with Brembo brakes and upgraded aerodynamics.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
Driver-assistance and advanced safety systems are supplemental aids and are not substitutes for safe and attentive driving. Availability, operation, and effectiveness vary by trim and equipment and depend on factors including road, weather, traffic, and vehicle condition. Always keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. See your owner’s manual for system limitations and details.
Finding a Pre-Owned Lexus RC 350 F Sport in Woodland Hills
For its final 2025 model year, Lexus offered the RC 350 F Sport in both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. Our team is ready to walk you through the colors, interior upholstery options, and feature packages to look for as you compare pre-owned coupes.
Visit us at Lexus of Woodland Hills on Ventura Blvd to sit inside the cabin, compare F Sport packages, and take a test drive, or reach our sales specialists directly at 818-276-9964.
Disclaimers
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
Driver-assistance and advanced safety systems are supplemental aids and are not substitutes for safe and attentive driving. Availability, operation, and effectiveness vary by trim and equipment and depend on factors including road, weather, traffic, and vehicle condition. Always keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. See your owner’s manual for system limitations and details.
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