2019 Lexus RC Facelift
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 794
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From: CA
With the RC F I actually see a few good reasons compared to the other high-performance options. Reliability is strong (or at least expected to be). You get a naturally-aspirated V8... getting a V8 in a premium coupe or sedan isn't an option aside from the C63 or something else entirely like the Camaro or Mustang. The styling sets it apart from other offerings in the class as well. And, the RC is reportedly a bit more daily-driver-friendly than other options according to the vast majority of reviews I have watched/read. So, I see it as the safe, reliable, and usable choice in its segment, if not the most exciting ever. At least you do get 8 cylinders.
However, I think the regular RC isn't nearly as appealing. It doesn't have a ton of space in the trunk or the cabin and doesn't perform nearly as well as competitors. Even the base A5 will beat the RC 350, the RC's quickest trim outside of the F - in a drag race - or at least from 0 to 60, and will likely hold the road better, too. I mean it's really down to the reliability and availability of a naturally-aspirated V6 power plant. TBH, I could see myself getting one, but it would be for purely emotional/superficial reasons, not because it's a better car than the other choices.
Basically, the RC buyer doesn't want an entry-luxury coupe. They want a Lexus.
However, I think the regular RC isn't nearly as appealing. It doesn't have a ton of space in the trunk or the cabin and doesn't perform nearly as well as competitors. Even the base A5 will beat the RC 350, the RC's quickest trim outside of the F - in a drag race - or at least from 0 to 60, and will likely hold the road better, too. I mean it's really down to the reliability and availability of a naturally-aspirated V6 power plant. TBH, I could see myself getting one, but it would be for purely emotional/superficial reasons, not because it's a better car than the other choices.
Basically, the RC buyer doesn't want an entry-luxury coupe. They want a Lexus.
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From: GA
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 794
Likes: 3
From: CA
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 581
Likes: 27
From: Sofla
Agree with you guys, I might get a CPO RCF but I am still contemplating if I should; considering the power is more than I need in a daily driver. I could settle for the RC350 but then I would buy new and that same money could get me into a CPO RCF. The RCF is just a more memorable/special car but I am still stuck in my decision. Luckily I have till next summer before my lease expires to decide.
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Joined: Nov 2016
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From: GA
Agree with you guys, I might get a CPO RCF but I am still contemplating if I should; considering the power is more than I need in a daily driver. I could settle for the RC350 but then I would buy new and that same money could get me into a CPO RCF. The RCF is just a more memorable/special car but I am still stuck in my decision. Luckily I have till next summer before my lease expires to decide.
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 581
Likes: 27
From: Sofla
I hear what you're saying but I just cannot get another IS. They're just too common in my locale, too many at work and where I live. As for the other issue, luckily for me, my rear seats barely get used and with the SO picking up a new RX soon there will be no need for my car having four doors. The RC/RCF are rare cars and I think they're the best looking cars in the Lexus's entire line-up, save for the LC. LC is outside what I can currently afford lol.
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Joined: Nov 2016
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Likes: 4,784
From: GA
I hear what you're saying but I just cannot get another IS. They're just too common in my locale, too many at work and where I live. As for the other issue, luckily for me, my rear seats barely get used and with the SO picking up a new RX soon there will be no need for my car having four doors. The RC/RCF are rare cars and I think they're the best looking cars in the Lexus's entire line-up, save for the LC. LC is outside what I can currently afford lol.
The RC is even more rare where I live though. Where I work, there are maybe 4 IS's in the parking lot. There's just one RC that I know of. It's an Atomic Silver RC 350 F Sport as well, so not a bad spec.The one good thing about the RC for me is that it seems to be easier to find the "350" trim. The IS not so much.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,089
Likes: 131
From: MI
To everyone in general:
RX update is probably spring 2019 as MY2020, which is weird as the RX is one of the oldest models on the K platform. The next Sienna is due in 2020 for MY 2021 and is being developed under 500B on TNGA-K. By then, an RX redesign isn't feasible due to this delayed MMC/facelift pushing it to MY 2023.
The Highlander is due in January 2020 as a 2020 model, being developed under 550B. Next NX should be 600X.
Advanced
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 605
Likes: 42
From: Switzerland
I have a specific information that could be interesting from the first press conference.
Lexus has replaced the suspension bushings with stiffer ones, along with new retuned shock absorbers which provide significant damping force from low suspension stroke speeds.
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