Description
The facelift for the Lexus RC was shown to the public in 2018 at the Paris Motor Show. It brought upgrades for luxury coupe made by the Japanese car-maker.
It was built to compete against the main German coupe vehicles on a mixed platform, which gathered together the front of a Lexus GS, the mid-section of a Lexus IS of the second generation and the rear of the Lexus IS from the third generation. It was high-tech and with hybrids engines that could achieve very good city mileage due to the brand's experience into this type of engines,
Lexus tried to maintain the RC's dynamic coupe proportions while adding more elegance to its exterior. The new front bumper design and the new grille that was transformed from the upper section to the bottom were new design elements. Optional triple LED headlights were added for more refinement. Depending on the trim level and engine version, the car was fitted with 19" light-alloy-wheels.
Inside, there were few new modifications where 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. The sport bucket-seats were highly bolstered for better support while cornering. The infotainment system was installed far on the dashboard, beyond the reach. It could have been controlled via a touch-pad from the center console.
Press Release
Lexus announced a new version of the Lexus RC luxury sports coupe, which is scheduled to make its global debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show.
Since its introduction in 2014, the Lexus 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 Lexus 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 Lexus 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 Lexus 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 Lexus 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 Lexus RC delivers an extremely supple ride quality and razor-sharp handling characteristics.
