Banking on the success of its debuting RC line for 2015, Lexus offers this 4-seat compact luxury coupe in an up-powered RC F trim that pours on the panache for the new model year. Both the V8-powered RC F and its V6-toting RC 350 sibling are based on the fairly successful IS sedan line, but each borrows heavily from the Japanese automaker's GS and IS C (convertible) brands for powertrain, suspension, and chassis foundations. The major difference between the IS and RC lineups is that the latter offers 2 fewer doors.

Those interested merely in a high-end commuter car might choose the RC 350, which is covered in a separate overview. Those looking for a performance-oriented ride to the theatre or the country club, however, ought to take a look at the significantly more athletic RC F with its 161 additional horsepower and adaptive sport-tuned suspension. Furthermore, like its lesser sibling, the new RC F comes in the standard rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration, but if wintry weather is in your future, all-wheel drive (AWD) is an available alternative.

Be advised, however, that for growing families, a coupe in any brand might not be such a great idea. Although roomy enough in front, the 2015 RC F is a bit cramped in the rear, and trying to tie down an infant seat in back can be a challenge with only two doors. Oh, and the compact size of this high-end screamer allows a mere 10.4 cubic feet of trunk space.

Perhaps mitigating all of that, however, is the standard 467-hp 5.0-liter V8 that you’ll find under the RC F’s sloping hood. Mated with the standard 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, this formidable V8 throws out 389 lb-ft of torque, to the tune of 16 mpg city/25 highway, at least in RWD garb, with AWD figures currently unavailable. In any case, according to Lexus, all this grunt translates into a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds and a top end of 170 mph.

In keeping with this compact luxury coupe’s dedication to the combination of comfort and performance, standard appearance goodies aboard the debuting 2015 RC F include 19-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and heated power-adjustable mirrors. Inside, look for leatherette upholstery, power-adjustable sport front seats, full power accessories, memory for driver's settings, cruise control, and telescoping tilt-wheel steering. Further cabin amenities, meantime, include a remote garage door opener, a rear-view camera, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and dual-zone auto climate control.

Techno-wise, look for the 2015 RC F to be delivered with standard Bluetooth hands-free calling and a 256-watt audio system, complete with a CD player, 10 speakers, satellite radio, and auxiliary audio input (USB connectivity). All of this, by the way, is integrated via Lexus’ Enform infotainment technology, boasting a 7-inch touchscreen display. Topping off this impressive list of bling, by the way, is the standard adaptive sport-tuned suspension that eases you and all these bells and whistles though corners and straightaways with admirable aplomb.

Options for the 2015 RC F include a newly introduced console-mounted remote touchpad that eases the use of infotainment functions, as well as a navigation package that boasts hard-drive-based navigation and a Mark Levinson premium stereo cranking 835 watts through 17 Surround Sound speakers. Also included in this power-packed package are Siri Eyes-Free technology and Enform smartphone apps with enhanced Bluetooth capabilities. Further options, meantime, include the F Sport package with upgrades to the front fascia, wheels, and interior adornments, while standalone extras include a power moonroof, LED fog lights, front and rear parking sensors, and a torque-vectoring rear differential that eases cornering moves even further.

Standard safety equipment, finally, includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, daytime running lights, and Enform-based Safety Connect telematics. Further standard safety and security equipment includes a post-collision safety system and a remote antitheft alarm, while blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control with pre-collision brake preparation are each optional.