An updated Lexus RC coupe has arrived in Australia displaying a new-found sense of elegance with refinements to its styling, dynamics and equipment levels.
Subtle detail changes inspired by Lexus LC design cues include a new front bumper, restyled LED headlamps, revised rear bumper, updated spindle grille mesh pattern, newly designed alloy wheels and outer mirrors shared with LC.
New shock absorbers and stiffer suspension bushings contribute to a flatter, more supple ride quality and even sharper handling characteristics, supported by enhanced aerodynamics that improve handling stability and air flow.
Lexus Australia chief executive Scott Thompson said the latest updates had further enhanced the RC’s reputation as the ideal grand tourer.
“The latest RC Line’s sporty appearance and versatile driving character have been inspired by our flagship LC coupe, consolidating its position as an outstanding premium luxury coupe in the market,” Mr Thompson said.
Equipment levels for the Luxury variants of the V6 RC 350 and turbo RC 300 have been expanded to include blind-spot monitor with lane-change alert, rear cross-traffic alert, rain-sensing wipers, cornering lamps and exterior mirrors with a wider field of view with electro-chromatic auto dimming and memory. RC 350 Luxury gains adaptive variable suspension.
Cabin details also exude maximum driving pleasure with attention to detail reflected in larger and higher knee pads on either side of the centre cluster, creating a heightened sense of space.
A higher sense of quality is evident from the new brushed treatment applied to the heater control and audio panels. A new analogue clock, identical to the one in the LC, sits high on the instrument panel – an identifying feature of Lexus coupes.
There are seven exterior colours for the Luxury variants including the new Sparkling Meteor (blue) and nine paint hues for F Sport including four exclusive finishes – Lava Mica, Zinnia Yellow, Cobalt Mica and White Nova.
The F Sport – distinguished by its exclusive F Sport styling features – gains newly designed 10-spoke 19-inch alloys inspired by those on the LS and LC, new LED headlights in a triple eye arrangement with automatic high beam and, in the cabin, Naguri aluminium trim inlays.
Luxury variants have four trim colours, two of which are new – ochre and dark rose. On F Sport, three of the four trim options are new – F Sport Flare Red, F Sport Black/Tuscan Sun (yellow) and F Sport White.
Prices* for the new RC range reflect the additional specification with RC 300 Luxury up $845, RC 350 Luxury up $1,845 and the F Sport variants up just $200.
Two enhancement packs are available for the Luxury grades. The first adds 19-inch alloy wheels and a premium 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. It is priced at $1,990*. The second enhancement pack includes these features plus a tilt-and-slide moonroof and smart-key card for $4,690*. The moonroof is available on F Sport variants for $2,500*.
The RC 300 features the potent Lexus 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine, offering 180kW and 350Nm. An ultra-responsive 232kW/380Nm 3.5-litre quad-cam direct-injection V6 powers the RC 350. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed Sports Direct Shift transmission.
Luxury variants feature newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels, leather-accented trim, heated and ventilated front seats with memory function, power front seats and steering-column adjustment, keyless smart entry and start, satellite navigation, 10-speaker audio system, clearance and back sonar, eight airbags and a front performance damper.
F Sport variants builds on the Luxury specification to offer 19-inch F Sport alloy wheels, adaptive variable suspension, 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio, F Sport steering wheel, sports power front seats, limited slip differential, and acceleration sound control.
All RC models feature Lexus Safety Sense+ including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, active cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assist, and automatic high beam.
* Recommended retail price provided for general media release purposes only. Excludes dealer delivery, statutory charges and premium paint. Optional extras at additional cost.
Source: Lexus
Featured Image: New Lexus RC luxury coupe (RC 350 F Sport shown)
