The 2022 Lexus RC F is a high-performance sports coupe that demands a rigorous maintenance schedule, particularly when it comes to its lubrication systems. Powered by the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter 2UR-GSE V8 engine, this vehicle delivers exceptional power, but that power translates to extreme heat and stress on the drivetrain components. Using a lubricant that meets or exceeds the original equipment manufacturer specifications is not just a recommendation; it is a necessity for preserving the precise tolerances of the engine and the longevity of the transmission.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – The ultimate choice for maximum engine protection, offering extended drain intervals up to 25,000 miles and superior resistance to shear and thermal breakdown.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A balanced option providing up to 20,000 miles of protection with enhanced cleaning power to keep the high-revving engine internals free of deposits.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Designed to meet original equipment specifications, this oil fights sludge effectively while maintaining the OEM performance standards required for the 2UR-GSE engine.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Engineered to provide 99% filtration efficiency at 20 microns, this filter traps wear-causing contaminants more effectively than standard filters to ensure clean oil flow.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Protects the AA80E 8-speed transmission against the severe thermal stress of high-performance driving while maintaining fluid viscosity for smooth shifts.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – An advanced formulation ideal for the Limited Slip Differential with a Torque Vectoring Differential, controlling thermal runaway and reducing operating temperatures.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – The recommended choice for the Limited Slip Differential without a Torque Vectoring Differential, offering extreme pressure protection for heavy loads.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Delivers stable viscosity across a wide temperature range and ensures excellent responsiveness for the RC F’s high-performance braking system.
Ensuring the correct oil viscosity and specification is critical for the 2022 Lexus RC F. The manufacturer specifies SAE 5W-30 for this engine, which provides an optimal balance between fuel economy and cold-weather starting capability. With a total capacity of 9.3 quarts including the filter, a full oil change requires a significant volume of premium synthetic lubricant. AMSOIL’s formulation for the Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil is particularly beneficial here, as it has been shown to provide 75% more engine protection against horsepower loss and wear compared to industry standards. The AMSOIL OE 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil is another excellent option for owners who prefer a product that closely mimics the properties of the fluid installed from the factory, offering robust protection against LSPI (Low-Speed Pre-Ignition) and sludge formation.
Keeping the Transmission and Differentials Lubricated
While the engine receives the most attention, the transmission and differential systems are equally critical to the performance of the Lexus RC F. The vehicle is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission (AA80E) which benefits greatly from a high-quality synthetic fluid. The capacity for a total fill is 11.8 quarts, though an initial fill only requires 3.9 quarts. AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid remains fluid even in sub-zero temperatures, ensuring quick hydraulic response, yet it also withstands the elevated temperatures generated during aggressive driving or towing.
The rear differential on the RC F is a complex assembly that varies depending on the trim. For models equipped with the Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD), the system requires a specific fill capacity and benefits from AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube. This specific viscosity ensures the clutch packs within the differential operate smoothly while the fluid resists the extreme heat and shear forces of the limited-slip mechanism. For models with a traditional limited-slip differential but no TVD, the AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is the appropriate choice. Both fluids contain friction modifiers that are essential for the proper engagement of the limited-slip clutch packs, preventing chatter and ensuring power is delivered efficiently to the road.
Cooling and Braking System Maintenance
The cooling system for the 2022 Lexus RC F requires a total capacity of 12.2 quarts. Maintaining this system is vital for an engine that produces substantial heat. AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant offers a phosphate-, nitrite-, and silicate-free formulation that provides protection up to 150,000 miles. It protects all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses from corrosion, ensuring the radiator and engine block remain clean and efficient. For those preferring a concentrated AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant that requires mixing, the product provides similar long-life protection.
Braking performance is another hallmark of the RC F. Over time, standard brake fluids can absorb moisture and boil, leading to a spongy pedal or reduced stopping power. AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid maintains a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range, preventing vapor lock during hard braking. This fluid ensures excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness, giving the driver maximum confidence when pushing the vehicle on a track or a winding road.
Why AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oil Is Essential
Using a synthetic motor oil is not merely an upgrade; it is the only way to achieve the service intervals AMSOIL guarantees. Conventional oils degrade under the high shear and thermal stress found in high-revving engines. The 2UR-GSE engine in the RC F operates under high stress, and AMSOIL’s advanced additive package fights wear, varnish, and sludge better than conventional or synthetic blend alternatives. The Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil is formulated to reduce oil consumption and extend the life of the engine’s internal components, ensuring that the vehicle remains responsive and powerful for years to come.
Additional Products for Peak Performance
For owners looking to maximize fuel economy and engine cleanliness, AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver is an excellent addition to the fuel tank. This gasoline additive restores up to 14% horsepower and cleans GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) fuel injectors, restoring them to 100% flow rate after just one tank of treated fuel. It also helps prevent carbon buildup, which is a common issue in modern direct-injection engines. For seasonal storage, AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil and AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer ensure that the vehicle remains protected against corrosion and rust during periods of inactivity.
About the Vehicle
The 2022 Lexus RC F represents the pinnacle of Japanese performance luxury, serving as the halo vehicle for Lexus’s sports coupe lineup. Based on the Lexus IS platform but heavily modified for high-performance use, the RC F distinguishes itself through its combination of raw power, precision handling, and luxurious interior appointments. It is widely regarded as one of the most engaging sports coupes available on the market, offering a driving experience that rivals European rivals like the Mercedes-AMG C63 or the BMW M4, albeit with a distinctively smooth and refined Japanese character.
Under the hood lies the legendary 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, known internally as the 2UR-GSE. This powertrain is a marvel of engineering, featuring Dual VVT-iE (electronic control on the intake cam) and a direct injection system to maximize both power and efficiency. The engine produces roughly 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, delivering a linear and aggressive power delivery that is characteristic of a naturally aspirated V8. Unlike many modern performance cars that rely on turbochargers for boost, the RC F offers immediate throttle response with no lag, a trait highly prized by driving enthusiasts who prefer a visceral connection to the road.
Complementing the powertrain is a robust chassis and a sophisticated drive-by-wire transmission. The RC F features a rear-wheel-drive layout with a limited-slip differential (LSD) to manage traction effectively. Depending on the specific configuration, owners may have access to a Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD), which can actively brake individual rear wheels to help rotate the car through corners, enhancing agility and reducing understeer. The steering is also weighted to provide substantial feedback, allowing the driver to feel exactly what the front tires are doing.
Despite its track-ready capabilities, the RC F remains a comfortable daily driver. The interior is upholstered in high-quality leather with supportive bolstered seats, and the dashboard layout prioritizes driver-focused ergonomics. The sound system is tuned to amplify the natural exhaust note of the V8 without being overwhelming, creating an immersive auditory experience that enthusiasts crave. This blend of daily usability and high-performance capability is what makes the RC F such a popular choice among car lovers who refuse to compromise.
However, the performance potential of the RC F does come with certain mechanical challenges that owners should be aware of. One of the most common issues involves the engine cooling system, where the plastic components of the radiator and reservoirs can become brittle over time due to the intense heat generated by the V8. Another frequent problem is the premature wear of the rear differential components, particularly in limited-slip models where the clutch packs can degrade if the fluid breaks down under thermal stress. Additionally, some owners have reported issues with the drive shafts, which can develop vibrations if the universal joints or balance is affected by harsh driving conditions. A final area of concern is the engine itself, where carbon buildup on the intake valves can occur due to the direct injection system, potentially affecting performance and fuel economy. Using high-quality AMSOIL lubricants can significantly mitigate these issues by providing superior thermal stability, better sealing properties to protect aging gaskets, and superior cleaning power to keep the fuel system and internal engine components free of harmful deposits.