2015 Lexus RC F gets 'more than' 450 hp and in-your-face styling

We got a good look at the 2015 Lexus RC F coupe last week, but its official Detroit auto show reveal answered a few of the questions we still had about the aggressively styled two-door.

First and foremost? Output. Lexus calls the RC F's V8 its most powerful production eight-cylinder ever; it will get "more than" 450 hp and "more than" 383 lb-ft of torque. So we're still not entirely sure about what this thing will be capable of, but at least we have something to go on. There's no word on 0-60 times, either, but Lexus says it's trying to do better than the IS F. That means it needs to beat 4.6 seconds.

With a target weight of 3,968, the RC F is considerably heavier than the 3,780-pound IS F -- hopefully its higher-output V8 can handle the extra heft. For what it's worth, the gas mileage is also supposed to be better than that of the IS F, which achieves 18 mpg combined, but no official numbers have been announced.

You won't get to opt out of the eight-speed automatic transmission (naturally, there are paddle shifters), but Lexus VP Jeff Bracken emphasized that the car will only be available in rear-wheel drive. And while it isn't quite a mini LFA, Lexus sure seems to be trying hard to convince us otherwise with the large retractable rear spoiler and scoops and vents galore.

There is, of course, the matter of that spindle grille -- you'll either love it or hate it, but this is one of the strongest applications of that controversial styling feature yet.

The RC F is expected to arrive this fall alongside the RC 350. We'll know more about pricing as that date approaches.

The North American International Auto Show, known to most as the Detroit auto show, continues to serve as a barometer for the entire industry. This year, we'll expect to see the new Chevrolet Corvette Z06, the 2015 Ford Mustang and the BMW M3 and M4. The 2014 Detroit auto show is held at Cobo Hall in Detroit, Mich., and is open to the public from Jan. 18-26.

By Graham Kozak