My heartbeat has always been in sync with the sound of powerful engines—especially the distinctive rumble of a V8. Since childhood, the harmony of eight cylinders firing in unison has been the soundtrack to my automotive dreams. As the industry races toward electric silence, the V8’s roar feels like a rare treasure on the verge of extinction.
In this emotional atmosphere, I find myself face to face with the closing chapter of a modern legend—the Lexus RC-F Final Edition—a car that marks the end of a golden age of naturally aspirated performance. From the perspective of an automotive journalist, I will share my personal impressions of this mechanical masterpiece and the bittersweet mix of excitement and nostalgia it evokes. This is not just a sports coupe; it’s a poem of roar, with its final verses written by a V8 engine before the curtain falls on an era.
Lexus announced it will end production of the RC and RC-F by the end of 2025, concluding a decade-long run in the market . Throughout this journey, the “RC” badge became synonymous with both performance and luxury. The RC-F Final Edition is the official farewell—a special model that brings together every ounce of engineering passion to create a very exclusive send-off for speed lovers and collectors alike. Production is strictly limited—around 200 units reserved for Japan and the United States —making it a rare gem in the modern automotive world. Even our region has seen a handful reach showrooms in early 2025, offering Lexus enthusiasts the chance to own “a piece of history.”
Exterior Design – Aggressive Elegance with Exclusive Touches
At first glance, the Lexus RC-F Final Edition captivates with its imposing stance and unique details. It retains the bold spirit of the RC-F family, but with sharper, more distinctive touches. The front end features Lexus’s iconic spindle grille, flanked by triple-beam LED headlights with L-shaped daytime running lights—giving the car a piercing, confident look.
The long hood and flowing side lines sweep toward the rear, balancing a sleek coupe silhouette with muscular presence. But the real exclusivity lies in the race-inspired materials and elements. Lexus has gone heavy on lightweight carbon fiber to boost performance and shed weight . You’ll find it on the roof, the prominent active rear wing, the front splitter, side skirts, and the rear diffuser—not just for style, but for real aerodynamic gains and improved stability at speed.
Other unique details include black-finished door mirrors with a smoky tint, part of the black-and-silver theme. The Final Edition is available in a limited palette (seven colors for Japan), with the standout being Sonic Iridium Silver, a sleek, eye-catching finish .
Enhancing its sporty stance are lightweight BBS forged 19-inch wheels in glossy black, behind which sit bright red Brembo calipers with the F logo . These high-performance brakes aren’t just for looks—they bring the RC F to a stop from high speeds with reassuring authority. In short, the exterior is a masterclass in marrying sportiness with modern luxury—every line, every material, designed to speak to both the eye and the heart.
Interior – Red and Black Luxury with a Racing Soul
Open the door and you step from racetrack aggression into a luxurious lounge—without losing the thrill of sportiness. Lexus crafted the RC-F Final Edition’s cabin as a fine balance between high-end comfort and pure driver focus . The dominant theme is a bold mix of black and deep crimson. The seats are upholstered in semi-aniline leather with Alcantara accents in black and dark red —hugging you firmly during spirited drives yet providing the comfort expected of a Lexus.
Even the dashboard is wrapped in premium “Grandlux” suede , complemented by carbon fiber trim across the dash and center console for a dynamic touch. A special carbon plaque on the center console bears the “Final Edition” badge and the car’s production number , making each unit truly unique.
When you press the start button, the digital cluster greets you with a special Final Edition startup animation, reminding you you’re in something extraordinary. At night, puddle lamps project the F logo onto the ground—a small but satisfying touch.
Technology is modern and complete: a 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with a Mark Levinson premium audio system with 17 speakers . The driver’s display blends analog and digital, showing performance data like G-force and launch control alongside a traditional speedometer . Lexus’s Safety System+ 2.5 suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and pre-collision warning —proof that this car balances thrill with safety.
On-Road Performance – A Symphony of V8 Power
On track, the RC F Final Edition unleashes its V8 like a wild beast, roaring as if playing a symphony of power and passion. Under the long hood lies a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 hand-assembled with Takumi craftsmanship . Known to enthusiasts as the 2UR-GSE, this engine has been fine-tuned for even smoother response and a richer, more thrilling sound at high RPM .
No turbos, no electric assistance—just pure mechanical engineering. Power peaks at around 472 hp (475 metric hp) at 7,100 rpm, with 530 Nm of torque delivered mid-range . This means 0–100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of about 270 km/h . The sound is deep and commanding, recalling classic muscle cars but with Lexus refinement.
The 8-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatic sends power to the rear wheels, with lightning-quick shifts and rev-matching on downshifts . Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires (255mm front, 275mm rear) deliver grip in abundance , while adaptive F-tuned suspension keeps the car flat through corners . The Brembo brakes—six-piston front, four-piston rear—offer immense stopping power .
Driving it is a sensory experience: you hear the roar, feel the Alcantara wheel, see the aggressive lines, and even smell the new leather. It’s a rare blend of raw excitement and precise control.
A Historical Stamp at the End of the V8 Era
In Lexus’s modern history, high-performance “F” models—starting from the IS F, to the legendary LFA, to the RC F and GS F—proved the brand could stir the hearts of speed enthusiasts. The RC F Final Edition crowns this legacy, serving as a symbolic end to Lexus’s naturally aspirated V8s.
With stricter emissions laws and a global shift toward hybrid and electric, the V8 is becoming a rarity. This car feels like a phoenix’s last cry before fading. Years from now, it will be displayed at classic car gatherings as “the last of its kind.” Production numbers are low, making it a future collectible—especially as the last Lexus sports coupe with a V8.
In my eyes, it’s a fitting farewell: a car that celebrates the past, honors the present, and sends a message to the future—that passion will survive, even if its form changes.
Conclusion
The Lexus RC-F Final Edition is no ordinary car—it’s a farewell anthem to speed lovers, the last song of a V8 before the world turns the page on this thundering soundtrack. Its high price—around $94,000 in the U.S. (roughly 390,000 AED with taxes in our local markets )—hasn’t deterred collectors. For them, it’s not just transportation, but an emotional and historical investment.
As I watch the RC F Final Edition disappear into the horizon, I’m reminded of a sunset—beautiful in its goodbye, promising a different dawn ahead. The future may be electric and silent, but the memory of the last V8 roar will remain forever in my mind and heart. Glory to the V8 and its soul-stirring sound… and glory to Lexus for giving us a farewell worthy of legends.
