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Retuned suspension delivers more precise ride and handling
August 29, 2018 TOKYO (August 30, 2018) – Lexus is proud to announce a new version of the RC luxury sports coupe, which is scheduled to make its global debut at the Paris Motor Show in October.
Since its introduction in 2014, the RC has played a major role in promoting the Lexus brand’s commitment to delivering an emotional driving experience. Thanks to its aggressive styling and versatile driving character, the RC has become a highly sought-after coupe by enthusiasts who value performance and world-class craftsmanship.
The fresh new styling of the 2019 RC retains all the virtues of the previous model yet further refines the design language first established by the flagship LC coupe. Inside the cabin, everything from the high- quality materials to the design of controls and gauges were reevaluated to maximize driving pleasure.
Enhancements have also been made to the RC’s aerodynamics, tires and suspension, as well as improvements to engine response and steering feel, all of which result in a sharper and more refined drive. This provides a high level of driver confidence and a reassuring ride quality, making it an ideal companion whether you’re challenging a twisty mountain road or taking a long-distance journey on the open highway.
New RC Features Sporty, Yet Elegant Design
Lexus designers sought to maintain the RC’s dynamic coupe proportions, while adding a high level of elegance to the exterior. This was done through the addition of distinctive design elements, such as a new front bumper corner that flows down from the headlamps and a grille mesh pattern that gradually transforms from top to bottom. Optional triple LED headlamps and L-shaped LED clearance lamps also add to the car’s more refined appearance. Air ducts have been added to the corner of the RC’s rear bumpers along with revised rear combination lamps that now house more pronounced L-shaped lenses, a new signature design feature for Lexus coupes.
The new RC F Sport receives the grille mesh pattern that graces all F Sport vehicles, as well as numerous other custom exterior and interior items exclusive to the F Sport, including aggressively-styled 19-in. alloy wheels that were inspired by those on the LS and LC.
A total of 10 different exterior colors will be available for the RC, including a new color, Blue Vortex Metallic, that truly convey the car’s sporty nature.
Updated Interior Details Further Refine the RC Experience
In order the enhance the feel of the cabin, a new Dark Gray Streamline treatment has been applied to the heater control panel and audio panel, while enlarged knee pads have been raised to create a heightened sense of space.
New ornamentation, also Dark Gray Streamline, will be made standard on the RC F Sport. In all, the customer can choose from six different types of interior trim. Interior colors include Glazed Caramel and Black with Yellow accents. In all, there are seven exclusive interior color combinations available, including those for the F Sport.
The New RC Adopts “Sharper and More Graceful” Driving Concept
The idea of “sharper and more graceful” defines the LC flagship, so Lexus engineers have applied the same concept to the new RC. This included enhancing the car’s aerodynamics and fine-tuning the suspension system and powertrain. Armed with a more stable ride quality and sharper handling characteristics, the new RC is more athletic and responsive than ever.
Enhanced aerodynamics—such as a new fin shape on the side window mold and a duct on the rear bumper that improves air flow, result in improved stability. New 19-in. wheels and tires with increased grip deliver excellent steering response. Stiffer suspension bushings have been incorporated along with new shock absorbers which provide significant damping force from low suspension stroke speeds. Thanks to a significant amount of real-world testing that allowed constant fine-tuning by the chassis engineers, the new RC delivers an extremely supple ride quality and razor-sharp handling characteristics.
More details on the 2019 Lexus RC coupe will be revealed in October when the it makes its world debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show.
Lexus' passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 241 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With six models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers six F SPORT models and two F performance models. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.
Last edited by Carmaker1; Aug 29, 2018 at 09:48 PM.
Remember how in the mid 2000's, people said BMW interiors were very stark, as if they meant business but no more? That's how I felt when I drove the RC-F. The LC was totally different in an upscale way, as was the LS500. But the RC seemed like it was too stark esp. given the price, window switches from a lower model...my .02
p.s. look at the center stack, dunno if this is a real pic or rendition...
RC's have a lot of potential, lowering and some minor modifications could easily turn it into a great looking car, hope this facelift helps with some of the odd details. I was at the dealership and saw a RC parked next to a LC in the same basic color and at first they do look pretty similar and not as different as you think.
I've always liked the flow of RC over RCF - the latter tries too hard with the raised hood to match the "stub nose" of the facade. This, however, has the fluid yet consistent flow of lines from rear to front. I thought I'd come in here and have dislikes, but the updates look fantastic.
No powertrain updates. How disappointing. I think it would have been a great idea to shove the previous 4.6L V8 in there as a top line model just to give it some oooomph instead of having the 3.5L as the top engine other than the RCF.
Great updates, in my opinion. Love the new headlights and won't miss the "bear claws" on the rear bumper.
Agreed. Fake vents =
I like the new headlights as well. TBH this is one of the first styling updates Lexus have made that IMO is undoubtedly an improvement, in every single way. The spindle grill just flows into the rest of the design better, and the headlights have a better shape too. The F Sport wheels are also an improvement IMO - the mesh ones are a bit busy for my taste. Well done.
p.s. look at the center stack, dunno if this is a real pic or rendition...
What's the problem? It's identical to the 2017+ IS interior with the larger 10.3" screen, climate control bezel tucked in and not overflowing like the old RC and IS, only difference is it's using RTI not RT.
2019 Lexus RC Facelift
