Beauty is a funny thing how it works. We all enjoy surveying it in its many forms. Sometimes the longer you look at something the more its flaws stand out. Then, if you look long enough sometimes those flaws become beautiful. Well, this isn’t about that. This is about missing a total sum of beauty altogether. For years I personally held a slight “not enough” attitude against Lexus. I really just used them as a marker with which to criticize Acura’s lack of performance, however unsportsmanlike of me that was. I recognized the IS & GS for what they were. I ignored the ES for what it was. I loved the LFA regardless of what it wasn’t. But I never gave them more than a glancing of interest; nor would they ever make my personal shortlist. Only now, in this wake of car price surges, turbo invasions, electric storm clouds, and stock crisis have I realized the importance of the role this brand will play.
I won’t go into the details of my maniacal ravings about the future of the automobile industry; even if I am 110% correct. For the moment, let’s just say, that a solid market selection of performant preowned vehicles is paramount. That’s a mouthful I know, but it will be crucial. Especially considering recent news about industry sales figures and price points. Not to mention inventory shortages. So how does Lexus play into all this? First, we have to ignore the letter “X”. Well, that’s easy, done! I been ignoring those hideous SUVs for years! Now what?
Lexus GS… F?
We start here that’s what! I will say it again, “simple works, always”. Front-mounted, 8 cylinder engine on a rear-wheel-drive chassis. There really is no better place to start, and that’s too bad. Because this isn’t about starting.
This is about ending. 2020 marked the end of the line for the GS. This should be expected with its concept versus market direction. While the news carries with it, at first sniff, another waft of the stink of “days gone by”, a longer, deeper whiff reveals the truth “This is a good thing”. The new car market always needs to move forward or it dies, and as it shifts, it leaves an impact on the used market. This is especially important to the “Impractically New” car enthusiast.
So what does all that mean? It means the L10 GS, running from 2015 to 2020 presents something of substance to add to a selection list. Previously being a vehicle I would have written off for such infractions as, un-competitive class performance or dated technology, and most of all, those typical Lexus interior quirks (there’s always one goofy quirk in each Lexus model I swear). I believe those matter less now than ever.
Looking at the GS F now, I clearly see its point. I even see the point of the GS 350. Heavy on luxury, good on comfort. These two variations will carry the daily driver well, albeit one with more “well that didn’t take long” attitude. Both have solid acceptable performance numbers; and yes, you won’t beat the comparable BMW or Audi to the next off-ramp. But while those preowned time bombs are certainly sitting in the shop, it’s likely you won’t be. That’s not just optimism or goofy old school hearsay. Lexus tops lists on this fact. “Peace of mind” is a check box that matters even if you think it doesn’t. Trust me, few know better than I, it does.
Depending on your need… and wants. Either of these could feel a big gap and do it daily without worry. The GS F, with its 460+hp, will still cost you $45k or more. If you don’t need all the horse-ing around, look at the GS 350. At just over 300hp, you can slip into one of these for around $30k currently. It will be interesting to watch what the market does price-wise with these cars. I know if I needed 4 doors these would be on my list. But I don’t need 4 doors which brings me to the title of this article.
That old “Radical Coupe“
It should be said that an “Impractically New” car doesn’t have to be the best, it just has to be special. It should also be stated that “special” is an adjective that lives at a very “personal” address. The RC, derived from the IS, debuted in 2014 with a facelift in 2018. Let’s be clear, the RC doesn’t stand in a class of its own. In fact, it’s more of a trail runner to be harshly honest. But I think that does its potential buyers a service in a way. With the mob’s eyes firmly planted on its higher marked competition, the RC could be sitting on lots longer. I think we all know what that means. The RC at least deserves a longer harder look than it would a few years ago. Running the same engine as the GS F, the RC F also tumbles out 460+hp with the RC 350 handing off a dribble over 300hp. Also, just like the GS, you would not be winning any stoplight dashes against its direct competition. BUT! Not only is that not the point of this car, but it also wouldn’t matter if it was. This car is about looks and comfort and class all with a touch of speed and a naturally aspirated soundtrack you can’t find much of today. Speaking looks.
I think the RC wears the Lexus hourglass front end better than any other model. But it’s missing something in its width. This is a typical Japanese sedan issue for my eye, so some people may not see it that way. The interior is of course well appointed. If you’re eyeing the F variant, the decerning buyer may agree with my assessment of a disconnected design theme. This is less prevalent in the 350. If the plethora of conceptual styles doesn’t catch your eye then the geometry of the seats certainly will, and for the better. They give the F a more aggressive sport style than any other feature inside or out.
But this isn’t a review and I’m not writing this to give a thumbs up or down on either of these. It’s my poor attempt to explain that we as buyers or collectors have to start ringing every last drop of “special” from the current market. Cause it doesn’t seem to be getting better or cheaper. The most important part of this is; “what you are coming from will dictate your impression of how special something is”. Coming from the right rides, the RC F could be more than just a satisfying car.
So yes, the RC F made it onto my personal list. It just so happens to be at the bottom. But it is on there. Which is no small feat. If it gets dropped then no harm done, but it needs to be there to balance the competition. To give a variation of purpose and relationship potential. Sounds all weird, I know. But the Lexus brings a different game and attitude as each car on my list does and any buyer should know; “that when you’re buying an “Impractically New” car, it’s always about more than the car itself. It’s about your life with it”.
I think Lexus has enough to offer in this current environment. And the season of this market makes it hard for me to overlook it anymore. I think it makes it hard for anyone to overlook them anymore. I mean if these two don’t float your boat there is always the LS! I argue that few larger sedans look as good as the LS and if you don’t think so then I’m pretty sure you’ve lost your eyesight.
Photos provided by:
Lexus USA
