Rompy

Hmmm, no mention of any replacement pads from Lexus today, unless my 2017 came already fitted with an upgrade on the original 2015 model? The Toyota street pad that they mentioned for the USA market was dismissed for the Uk for several reasons including stopping distance.

OK so our 2017 RCF has reached 10k miles and now sounds like a 1970s ford with the pads down to the metal when braking. Car was serviced 2 months ago. Took it in to Lexus dealer last week and had the problem investigated including a full stripdown and clean of all the brake components (at my expense). Brake pads and discs were deemed to be in good condition with minimal wear. Dust was cleaned away. (Remember the service was only a few weeks before) Car came back quiet, but only for a couple of days. Noise is now back with a vengeance. It really does sound like an old car that someone’s forgotten to put the anti squeal shims in. Have been onto the dealer again today and had the matter referred to Technical Field Manager. Got the expected response about sintered pad material and normal for high performance car brakes to squeal. I did mention the Lexus USA technical bulletin on this matter, but due to different safety regulations, longer stopping distances etc we don’t get the option of having Lexus fit the Toyota street compound pads to resolve the issue under warranty here in the UK. It looks like the only way to stop the screech every time I brake is to change the pads to aftermarket ones. EBC yellow look favourite compromise although they are showing out of stock for the rears at the moment. Anyone else here in the UK that’s suffered the same problem and managed to resolve it, either with Lexus or via aftermarket pads? I know there are previous threads about this problem on various forums, but given the response today I thought it worth a mention. I will ensure that I count how many supercars sound this bad when I go to Beaulieu next month. If all the cars there sound similar when braking, I probably owe Lexus an apology! J

Trying not to derail this thread, but thought I’d confirm that whilst I can’t do the Simply Japanese weekend, I have had the RCF accepted into the Beaulieu SuperCar weekend the following week. (The first Lexus accepted into this years event). So looks like there will examples of our cars at both events If anyone else on here attends or displays at the Supercar weekend look us up. Odds are we will be with the noisy TVR group in the corner of the site! I managed to flat spot the tyres on my TVR doing demo runs last year. Not sure if we will be asked again this year. 😂 I haven’t discussed doing demo runs in the RCF with them as yet. I’m not sure that, even with the Quicksilver fitted, it’s got the noise or the acceleration to be a crowd pleaser? That said last years event included a few cars with similar performance doing demonstrations, so who knows? (And it does look stunning). So, just in case, I’d better look up how to turn all that traction stuff off Then Mash the throttle with right foot as releasing left foot from brake pedal.......and repeat 😇 J

Just to throw in a spanner..... Its super cars at Beaulieu the following weekend. I’m going with my TVR through the TVRCC and waiting to see if I’ve made the cut for doing demo runs again.😎 This might be a better option. Free entry if you book and display your car. I think they’re trying to raise their game this year by concentrating on top end super cars but still might be worth an email if say a number of Fs were prepared to display. We will be there all weekend so there’s no problem in Mrs Rompy taking the RCF as well. Just an option to consider. And might I say slightly more exotic car company. I’m my opinion 471bhp is enough to qualify for entry!! J

Thanks to BigRat I now have a Quicksilver exhaust on the RCF. First impressions are that it’s a little louder inside the car under normal driving with the windows shut, but obviously a lot louder outside given the looks I got when accelerating up and over the Itchen bridge earlier. And it looks so much better on the car Thanks to Paul for dropping the exhaust off today. Just need an opportunity to clear its throat properly now.

Looks fantastic. I’m sure you are going to love it. Just be careful of your speed. 80 is the new 60 in these!! Have fun J

Thanks for the heads up on the exhaust and fitting. As it’s axle back it should be a nice little job. Just need to wait for a system to come up for sale second hand. Yes, know Steve, he’s been busy with D day commemorations recently. Port Solent it is then. Once the weather improves we can have our own mini Hampshire F club meet. Yes I think mine has AVS as it’s March 2017. It’s an ex Toyota press vehicle and featured in a few videos. With I understand only 23 carbon versions in the uk these cars are pretty rare. Can’t say the same of the alternative German offerings. I’m surprised the interest it generates. I probably get more comments on this vehicle than the mustang. I put this down to people double taking what it is and the red paintwork colour just popping in sunlight. Sounds like we have had similar taste in vehicle history. Maybe there’s a typical RCF owner profile?? J

Mrs Rompy is under 5’ and has had no problem driving our larger cars. She loves the Lexus. Electric seat adjustment is essential for us. Interesting that you’re in an Alfa. I have fond memories of a sud and a 146. Both of which fell apart. I would still have another one though. Clarkson was right about them. Briefly entertained the idea of a 4c but seats don’t adjust vertically without a spanner so that put the lid on that. Hope you get an RCF sorted. But whatever you get, just ensure it’s got 8 cylinders and remember turbos are for vacuum cleaners not cars. J

Had a C63 saloon in 2010 and a coupe in 2014. The later car had the better gearbox. The sound of these on full power is awesome (crackling lightening to a mustang rolling thunder). But, whilst the engine and gearbox are quick and fun, the whole package isn’t so refined as the Lexus. Build quality and after sales are excellent, but the Lexus has the edge on materials and lack of squeaks and rattles. Access to the rear is easier in the Lexus, which might be an issue? Southampton Merc are very good and we enjoyed the experience (buying a E cab and A45 from them as well. We tried to get a C63 507 model last year but they are all thrashed by now. Be careful taking a C63 for a test drive as the learning gearbox can seem poor if it’s been sat for any length of time. It takes a good run to wake up. Budget for rear tyres every 4 to 6k with a C63 and that’s driving normally. I’m hoping for better from the RCF. However, if running costs are a concern don’t buy! We had to sell the 2010 C63 after 12 months and 22k as we were spending more on that than we could afford

Oooh £600 is too tempting! I must start a serious search. Let me know if you spot another one..... Intersting how RCF drivers seem to have another car for throwing around. Mines a Tamora and I’m active in Hampshire TVR club. I’m usually around at the back end of a week. Looks like Port Solent is midway between us. Just saying.... Having had two C63 (proper ones) and a stang, I can honestly say the RCF is the best of the bunch. Bonus is that Mrs Rompy (who is the real petrolhead) gives it the thumbs up after a blast up the A43 to the midlands. Really sticks when powering out of roundabouts and can get the power down hard from the apex. The TVD seems more than a gimmick John

Chopped my 5.0l Lucari mustang in for the RCF. The mustang clutch soon becomes hard work on any commute. I understand the lure of a manual V8 and when paired to a Borla Atak they sound incredible. But we are talking chalk and cheese. The build quality of the Ford is excellent for its price point, but believe me the Lexus is streets ahead. Stangs don’t corner too well in standard set up!

Owned our 2017 RCF carbon for just over a month now, (Swindon Lexus sold 2 RCFs on the same day) These cars are very smooth and easy to drive. The exhaust noise is subdued compared to other V8s. Ignore all the bull about weight and a slow gearbox - I haven’t noticed either. My only real niggle is the 1990s sat nav and interface. But I seldom use it. These cars come fully loaded and there doesn’t seem that much need to enhance them further (except exhaust). I must catch up with B1RMA and hear his sometime- we must be close (I’m SO31). Expect around 25mpg mixed use which is strangely spot on what I’ve got out of previous V8s between 5.0 & 6.2l Mine is used as a daily and will rack up around 12k per year. Service plan seemed sensible for me to spread costs (it’s just a savings plan). Paint is soft and multi layered (red). Im off to a local detailer soon for advice on best treatment to try and harden the top surface. With the cost of these cars and paint complexity it does make sense to try and protect it. Build quality is superb. You will not be disappointed. I hope it all comes together and you get the car! Just be prepared for odd looks when you tell people what you drive. “A Lexus? Is it a hybrid? NO 2nd day of ownership I “played” with a couple of tuned up BMWs on the ring road and they followed me into Morrison’s to find out what it was, as they were genuinely surprised a Lexus could move like these can when wound up.