Facelifted Lexus RC here this year

The first facelift for the Lexus RC since its 2014 release has been revealed and Lexus Australia has confirmed it will be available locally at the end of this year.

Fresh from releasing 10th anniversary limited-edition versions of the RC F coupe and GS F sedan, and launching the seventh-generation ES sedan, Lexus says the upgraded RC coupe range will join the all-new UX small SUV in being launched Down Under by the end of this year.

For 2019, the Lexus RC two-door scores fresh designs inside and out, inspired by the larger Lexus LC coupe, plus equipment and mechanical upgrades – the latter claimed to improve handling and refinement.

In detail, there are new headlights with vertically arranged extra-small triple LEDs and new L-shaped LED clearance lamps, flanking a revised mesh spindle grille.

New front and rear bumpers (the latter with air-ducts on the corners), revised L-shaped tail-lights and new alloy wheel designs -- including 19-inch rims and grippier tyres similar to those on the flagship LC coupe and LS limousine – complete the exterior upgrade. Lexus says 11 exterior paint colours will be offered.

Changes are minimal inside, where new 'Dark Grey Streamline' highlights grace the HVAC and audio units (and elsewhere in RC F models) and new central analogue clock from the LC becomes “an identifying feature for Lexus coupes”.

There are also larger and higher knee pads, a new palm rest with surface stitching and the choice of up to five ornamentation options and seven interior colour combinations.

Underneath, Lexus said it added new shock absorbers and stiffer suspension bushings to deliver enhanced steering feel, sharper handling and “more stable ride quality”.

The chassis fine-tuning is complemented by engine fettling – but no more power -- for the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder in the RC 300, which Lexus says now offers better throttle response and “a more direct feeling of acceleration, resulting in a more spirited driving experience”.

Interestingly, Lexus also claims the more athletic and responsive RC’s improved handling stability is also due to enhanced aerodynamics, including a new fin shape on the side window mould and a duct on the rear bumper to improve air flow.

Full Australian specifications and pricing are yet to be revealed, but expect the updated MY19 Lexus RC line-up – including the RC 300 turbo four, the V6-powered RC 350 and the yet-to-be-revealed RC F V8 – to continue to present solid value alongside mid-size coupe competitors like the Audi A5/S5/RS5, BMW 4 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.