Lexus RC Receives Some Updates for 2019 Model Year

Welcome Changes

The Lexus RC, in its current form, has remained mostly unchanged for a few years now. So for 2019, Lexus is giving the sporty coupe the attention it deserves with a host of interesting and exciting upgrades. Among those many changes, the most obvious lies up front. 

Different yet Familiar

We're talking, of course, about that striking new front end design. The redesigned front fascia, inspired by the LC, features a revamped grille and headlights that look much more modern than the outgoing car. And yet, both maintain the current design language that we've come to expect from Lexus. 

>>Join the conversation about the 2019 RC coupe tweaks right here in Club Lexus.

Complex Headlights

Aside from the typical (and controversial) spindle grille, the new headlights still offer up Lexus' typical "L" shaped LED design. It's now flanked by three stacked LED lights that offer up a brand new and rather complex design themselves. 

>>Join the conversation about the 2019 RC coupe tweaks right here in Club Lexus.

Good News and Bad News

On the inside of the new RC, you'll find a couple of welcome changes. That includes the addition of Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa capability. The only bad news? Android fans are still being left out in the cold, as the 2019 RC still doesn't offer Android Auto compatibility. 

>>Join the conversation about the 2019 RC coupe tweaks right here in Club Lexus.

Interior Updates

You'll also find a few visual tweaks inside. A new Dark Gray Streamline treatment has been applied to the heater control and audio panels, along with enlarged knee pads and a new analog clock and cup holder. Interior trim comes in six different options. For the standard RC, you can choose between Glazed Caramel, Playa and Black. The RC F Sport receives three new colors: Circuit Red, Black with Yellow Accents, and White.   

>>Join the conversation about the 2019 RC coupe tweaks right here in Club Lexus.

Wheel and Color Options

The 2019 RC comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, while 19-inchers with a distinctive split five-spoke design are available as an option. Ten different exterior color options are available, including the new Blue Vortex Metallic.  

>>Join the conversation about the 2019 RC coupe tweaks right here in Club Lexus.

Improved Response

The rear-wheel-drive RC 300 packs a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. For 2019, it's paired with an updated ECU to "optimize shift schedule, throttle and turbocharger response," according to Lexus. The revised engine is backed up by an 8-speed automatic transmission and offers up fuel economy ratings of 21 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined.  

>>Join the conversation about the 2019 RC coupe tweaks right here in Club Lexus.

Powerful Decisions

Step up to the all-wheel-drive RC 300, and you get a 3.5-liter V6 producing 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, which is backed up by a 6-speed automatic transmission. The RC 350 in rear-wheel drive comes equipped with the same engine, but produces 311 hp in that trim and comes with the 8-speed transmission with paddle shifters. Opt for all-wheel drive, and you get the 6-speed tranny instead. 

>>Join the conversation about the 2019 RC coupe tweaks right here in Club Lexus.

Sportier Drive

Lexus also went to the trouble of revising the electronic power steering, springs, and shocks on the 2019 RC, adjustments that promise a sportier driving experience. And that's obviously never a bad thing in our book. 

>>Join the conversation about the 2019 RC coupe tweaks right here in Club Lexus.

Pricing

So what will all of this fresh RC goodness cost? Pricing starts at $41,145 for the rear-drive RC 300, with the RC 300 AWD coming in at $43,835. Taking home an RC 350 RWD will set you back at least $44,075, and the RC 350 AWD starts out at $46,240. And as for the RC F? Well, it appears that our favorite iteration of Lexus' two-door slides into 2019 largely unchanged. 

>>Join the conversation about the 2019 RC coupe tweaks right here in Club Lexus.

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