Lexus RC (2014 – 2020) Review

November 2013

Production version of Lexus RC Coupe revealed

RC 350, with a 3.5-litre V6 engine and RC 300h hybrid, with a 2.5-litre V6. 4,695mm long, 1,840mm wide and 1,395mm high, with a 2,730mm wheelbase. The four-seat interior of the RC is also strongly influenced by Lexus’s sports concepts, reflected in the extensive use of contrasting colours, materials and lighting.

The purpose-designed lighting package gives a sense of occasion, with illumination that reflects upwards rather than down to envelop the cabin. The high-contrast trim, including a striking new colour called Clove, emphasises the elegant lines around the interior, together withshimamokuhighlights – a genuine wood finish created using an intense layering technique refined by Lexus.

The driver’s cockpit follows the established Lexus design principle of an upper operation zone and lower display zone. The upper zone houses the instrument panel and seven-inch navigation screen; lower down the layered centre console integrates the Remote Touch Interface controller. The seats are made using an integrated foaming construction, similar to the moulding technique used for racing seats, to provide excellent comfort and support.

January 2014

RC F high performance version of RC coupe unveiled

New 5.0-litre engine generating 449PS and 520Nm torque. Has 8-speed Direct Shift transmission and a Torque Vectoring Differential.

The engine has been developed exclusively for the RC F and every aspect of the powertrain has been design to deliver the highest possible driver engagement, including the transmission and exhaust system. A new system regulates induction and exhaust sound, creating a deep tone up to 3,000rpm, and a higher-pitched note at as revs rise beyond 6,000rpm under hard acceleration.

The Torque Vectoring Differential has three operating modes: - Standard, for a balance of agile performance and high-speed stability; Slalom, for an emphasis on nimble response to steering inputs; Track, for consistent, stable cornering in circuit driving, with optimum driver control. The RC F also has a recalibrated Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system with an additional vertical G-force sensor to secure even greater vehicle stability

November 2014

Lexus RC F goes on sale

The RC F is the most powerful V8 road car Lexus has yet produced. It covers 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds and can reach an electronically governed top speed of 168mph. It is also engineered to deliver exceptional grip, agility and high-speed stability with chassis, brakes, steering and suspension all specifically designed and tuned for purpose. The handling package includes and active rear wing and the availability of a Torque Vectoring Differential, technology that’s featured for the first time on a front engine/rear-wheel drive car.

In the UK two versions are on offer: the RC F (£59,995) and the RC F Carbon (£67,995), which comes with Torque Vectoring Differential and Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic composite bonnet, roof and rear spoiler as standard.

October 2015

Full RC Coupe range launched

The lower powered two-door RC range offers two powertrains: the RC 300h full hybrid with 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, and the RC 200t, the latest model to adopt Lexus’s 245PS 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The Lexus RC is available to order now, with first customer deliveries in January 2016.

Entry level Luxury grade is exclusive to the full hybrid RC 300h. Key features include 18-inch alloys, cruise control, folding/heated door mirrors, LED headlamps and daytime running lights, parking sensors, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, a six-speaker audio system with CD player, DAB, Bluetooth and two USB ports, seven-inch multimedia screen with Remote Touch controller, power-adjustable front seats, smooth leather upholstery, split-folding rear seat and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. The safety and driver assistance features include Lexus’s Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, eight airbags, pop-up hood and Hill Assist Control with Brake Hold. The RC further benefits from Lexus’s Drive Mode Select, which adjusts performance to suit conditions or driver preference, with Eco, Normal and Sport modes.

F Sport models have a different Lexus spindle grille, plus multi-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels, deep front and rear bumpers and LED headlights in a signature 'triple L' arrangement (with Automatic High Beam function). F Sport front seats are power-adjustable with heating/ventilation, driver’s side memory setting and automatic “easy access” function). Other F Sport elements include aluminium scuff plates and sports pedals and LFA-style meters that automatically change appearance according to the drive mode selected. F Sport models have Adaptive Variable Suspension and, on the 200t F Sport, a limited-slip differential. The Drive Mode Select system adds a fourth, Sport+ mode which introduces additional chassis control for an even sportier drive. Other features include rain-sensing windscreen wipers, rear-view camera and Lane Keep Assist.

At the top of the RC range the Premier grade models have 19-inch alloys, Lexus Premium Navigation, 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround audio system, 'triple-L' LED headlights with Automatic High Beam function, power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with driver’s side memory setting, power steering wheel adjustment, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert , Lane Keep Assist and a rear-view camera.

The RC coupe is available in 10 exterior colours, including vibrant Sonic Red, Solar Flare and Azure Blue which are shared with the high-performance RC F. F Sport White, Solar Flare and Azure Blue are exclusive to the F Sport models.

For the interior, customers can choose from four smooth leather shades – Black, Topaz Brown, Clove and Grey for Luxury and Premier grade, with Dark Rose replacing Topaz Brown in the selection for F Sport. Contrast or toning stitching is featured on the instrument panel doors, seat bases and seatbacks, while a sporting feel is displayed in quilting of the upholstery across the centre section of the F Sport seats. Cabin inlays are black for Luxury grade, aluminium for F Sport and Shimamoku Grey for Premier.

Each new RC grade features a different alloy wheel design: five-spoke 18-inch for the RC 300h Luxury,; multi-spoke 19-inch for the F Sport models; and 10-spoke 19-inch rims for the Premier.

December 2016

RC F coupe now equipped with Adaptive Variable Suspension as standard

Driver-selectable, electronic AVS monitors and controls the damping force at each wheel, adjusting instantaneously to ensure handling stability and ride comfort according to road conditions and the driver’s preferences.

The system uses sensors that constantly monitor parameters such as G-forces, yaw rate and vehicle speed. Based on this, the AVS can adjust the level of damping force through 30 levels, ensuring optimum control on all road surfaces. This marks a significant refinement in operation compared to Lexus’s previous system, which spanned nine operating levels.

February 2018

Upgrades announced for Lexus RC Coupe

The Lexus RC 300h coupe benefits from new equipment and technology features for 2018, including the provision of Lexus Safety System+ as standard across the range. This package of active safety and driver assistance functions includes a Pre-Collision System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic High Beam and Lane Departure Alert. All RC models are also now equipped with Lexus Premium Navigation and a 10.3-inch multimedia display, operated using Lexus’ Remote Touch touchpad control.

The range structure has been adjusted to accommodate a new F Sport with Premier Pack grade, which adds a number of high-quality features to the specification, including a 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system with DVD player and DAB, a sunroof, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The Mark Levinson now benefits from ClariFi and Quantum Logic Surround technology to improve sound reproduction and the quality of compressed audio files. DAB reception has been upgraded for seamless returning when the car passes into new signal reception areas.

Detailed changes include a new “auto-away” function for the power-adjustable driver’s seat and (where fitted) steering column, for easier entry and exit, and new air conditioning display that details each individual heating and ventilation point around the cabin.

The RC is available in a new colour, Naples Yellow, a vivid finish created using Chroma mica particles.

Entry point to the RC line-up is the Luxury model, featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, Drive Mode Select (with a new Custom for the driver’s preferred settings), LED headlamps, smart entry and push-button start, dual-zone air conditioning, reversing camera, Lexus Premium Navigation, 10.3-inch multimedia screen, eight-way power-adjustable front sets with heating and ventilation functions, leather upholstery and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

The F Sport version adds a full exterior and interior F Sport styling package, triple-L LED headlights, Adaptive Variable Sports Suspension, an addition S+ mode in the Drive Mode Select menu, power steering column adjustment and auto-folding/dimming heated door mirrors with memory function.

Beyond the new F Sport with Premier Pack, the RC line-up offers a Premier grade, which extends the Luxury specification with 19-inch wheels, Mark Levinson surround sound system, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, power steering column adjustment, a memory setting for the driver’s seat and door mirror, auto-folding/dimming heated door mirrors rain-sensing wipers and LED front indicators. A sunroof can be fitted as an option.

February 2018

Special Black Edition of Lexus RC F Sport launched

The F Sport spindle grille, with graduated “L” motif mesh pattern, has a new dark chrome finish, as do the new-design, circular LED fog lights, positioned on the margins of the lower grille section, adding to the car’s powerful front lighting signature.

19-inch F Sport alloy wheels have a contrast matt black and bright machined finish, while the window mouldings are in black stainless steel, toning smartly with the coupe’s Graphite Black metallic paintwork. Inside the F Sport seats and steering wheel are upholstered in smooth black leather, with detailing picked out in vibrant orange stitching – an eye-catching detail that is also applied to the inner door panels. There are also new wood trim inserts with a deep black colour achieved through staining with sumi ink, plus a black headlining

August 2018

Lexus RC revised for 2019

Enhancements have been made to the RC’s aerodynamics, tyres and suspension, and there are also improvements to engine response and steering feel, all of which reflect the “sharper and more refined” drive philosophy that was introduced by the LC. The new RC is more stable than ever under a wide variety of driving conditions.

This provides a high level of driver confidence and a reassuringly flat ride quality, making the coupe an ideal grand tourer, whether you’re negotiating a twisty mountain road or simply making a long-distance commute on the open highway.

Distinctive design elements include a new front bumper corner that flows down from the headlamps and a grille mesh pattern comprising shapes that gradually transform from top to bottom. The vertical arrangement of the extra-small triple LED headlamps and new L-shaped LED clearance lamps add to the car’s appearance. Air ducts have been added to the corners of the rear bumper, resulting in better handling stability and enhanced overall driving response.

A wider stance and lower centre of gravity reflect the car’s high ability to maintain grip in different road conditions. The rear combination lamps now house more pronounced L-shaped lenses that are a new signature design feature for Lexus coupes.

Eleven different exterior colours are available for the RC, including Naples Yellow and Sky Blue, shades which perfectly communicate the car’s dynamic nature.

The new RC F Sport features the same grille mesh pattern that graces all Lexus F Sport models, together with many other custom exterior and interior items that are exclusive to this special grade. These include powerfully styled 19-inch alloy wheels, inspired by those used by the LS and LC luxury flagship sedan and coupe.

New 19-inch wheels shod with higher-grip tyres support excellent steering response. New shock absorbers, which provide significant damping force from low suspension stroke speeds, and stiffer suspension bushings have also been introduced. The new RC underwent extensive real-world testing, with chassis engineers constantly fine-tuning performance, to improve ride and handling.

January 2019

Updated Lexus RC F and RC F Track Edition announced

The Lexus RC F has been updated for 2019 while a new focused Track Edition has been launched.

The 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 petrol engine now produces 449PS along with maximum torque of 520Nm, while a higher drive ratio in the eight-speed automatic transmission helps off-the-line acceleration. Electronic launch control is standard, helping the RC F accelerate to 62mph in 4.5 seconds.

New Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres have been designed specifically for the RC F. Compared to the standard Michelin specifications, the RC F’s tyres have a unique profile, tread pattern and rubber compound. The changes are designed to reduce understeer, improve overall lateral grip and increase durability under extreme conditions.

There are also subtle changes to the RC F’s styling. The headlights have been updated to a design featuring stacked LEDs and integrated daytime running lights. The shape of the signature spindle grille has been altered by adding a lower lip opening that stretches across the bottom to create a visually shorter front facia. At the rear, new tail lights are neatly integrated into a reshaped bumper, giving a cleaner, more chiselled appearance.

The hot RC F Track Edition boasts an improved aerodynamic signature, says Lexus, designed to increase front-end downforce for better grip and more precise steering. At the rear, a fixed carbon fibre wing replaces the active spoiler offered on the standard RC F.

Every Track Edition model features Brembo carbon ceramic brake discs, surrounded by a set of lightweight 19-inch BBS forged alloy wheels. Inside, there's a red leather interior with Alcantara seat upholstery accents and red carbon trim.

Production of the new RC F and RC F Track Edition will begin in March 2019. Pricing and further details will be announced closer to their on-sale dates.