What's the news?

Well, we've long suspected that Lexus was going to, partially, put aside its obsession with hybrid in order to try and give the BMW M3 (M4 actually) and Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG a pair of bloody noses, and here's the proof. Five years ago, the V8-engined IS F had a good go at taking the fight to the hot Germans, and now that task falls to its successor, the RC F. It's based on the new RC coupé, which Lexus first showed off late last year, but it ditches the hybrid and conventional V6 petrol powertrains in favour of a proper, big, powerful V8.

Exterior

There are ducts and special flaps under the front bumper to funnel air under and around the car, as well as special vents in the front wings that feed air down the side of the car.

The bonnet line is slightly higher, as it was on the old IS F, and the RC F also copies that car's stacked exhaust system - also a nod to the LFA supercar. Another LFA touch is the pop-up boot spoiler that extends at 50mph and drops back down when you go back under 25mph.

There are three designs of 19-inch alloy wheel including one option that, in typical Lexus style, is polished and finished by hand.

Inside there are specific seats, new dials, gearshift paddles and a customisable centre display that alters colour and layout depending on whether you have the car switched into Sport or Comfort mode.

"The form of each component is carefully designed to contribute to performance," Lexus RC F chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi said. "Unique air outlets in the hood and rear section of the front fenders contribute to optimum engine cooling and handling stability. They create an aggressive look that immediately conveys the expectation of a dynamic driving experience."

Mechanicals

Lexus isn't precisely confirming how much power the RC F develops, merely saying for now that it will have more than 450hp, which should put it well into contention with BMW's new turbocharged straight-six unit. To control the prodigious grunt of this new 5.0-litre engine Lexus has radically reworked the RC to cope.

Anything else?

Lexus is really pushing the boat out in terms of detailing, so the RC F gets a special steering wheel with an elliptically shaped rim (nicer to hold, apparently) and metal pedals inlaid with rubber L shapes to help your feet grip them properly. Nice.

The Lexus RC F gets it world debut at the Detroit Auto Show next week.