Lexus took the wraps off its hot new coupe, the RC F, at the Detroit Motor Show. As a two-door version of the IS F, the car is powered by a 5.0 liter V8 engine developing 450bhp. That makes Lexus RC F a formidable rival for cars like Mercedes SL500 and BMW 650i.

The engine in the RC F also makes 520Nm of torque, which is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed Sports Direct Shift transmission and a Torque Vectoring differential. Lexus has also fitted a new system that regulates induction and exhaust sound, creating a deep tone up to 3,000rpm, and a higher-pitched note at as revs rise beyond 6,000rpm under hard acceleration. That makes the noise you hear from the car fake, which is OK, as long as it’s a nice noise.

Lexus RC F’s sport suspension is complemented with a set of 19-inch forged aluminium alloy wheels and clever aerodynamics featuring an active rear wing to make the best of the engine’s performance. The active wing, inspired by the LFA super car, is also part of the car’s styling features, including large air intakes, a massive spindle grille, flared wheelarches, and a rear diffuser. The RC F is a prime example of form following function, as every single styling element contributes to the car’s performance.

The body of the Lexus RC F is fairly lightweight too, as carbon fiber is used to make the roof, bonnet and active rear wing. The interior is less dramatic in terms of design, but it excels at quality, ergonomics and luxury. It has a thick-grip steering wheel with an elliptical cross-section, design to provide greater control during performance driving, and seats modeled on tight-fitting sportswear. Needless to say, the RC F is blessed with the latest connectivity and safety technologies.