Lexus RC coupe moves up a notch

Lexus has introduced a variety of changes to the Lexus RC sports coupe that are designed to improve driving dynamics and safety, with modest price rises to match.

Modifications to the eight-speed automatic transmission, rear suspension and adaptive cruise control are designed to keep the ageing four-seat Lexus RC fresh, six years after first entering production in Japan in late 2014.

The foot-operated park brake has also been replaced by a push-button electric park brake.

The updated Lexus RC follows the just-launched 2021 Lexus IS sedan, which is touted as an all-new model thanks to its new look and chassis.

Competing against the BMW 4 Series, Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, the Lexus RC continues with Luxury and F Sport trim levels across two powertrains in the mainstream (non RC F) range, all of which have increased in price by just $100 (see pricing below).

No changes have been made to engine output levels, which means the RC 300 and RC 350 continue to run 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol (180kW/350Nm) and 3.5-litre V6 petrol (232kW/380Nm) units.

However, new “adaptive control software” in the standard eight-speed automatic “more assertively adapts transmission shift points according to driver input and road conditions”, according to Lexus.

Reworked rear suspension introduces a higher-strength, lower-weight aluminium upper arm and also a new anti-roll bar with a reduced wall thickness and increased diameter, with the overall result said to be improved torsional rigidity.

The Japanese luxury brand has also made all-speed radar-based active cruise control – which can accelerate and brake the vehicle automatically dependent on proximity to vehicles in front – standard across the range.

The system can bring the sports car to a complete stop in traffic (and switch off the engine) then automatically start up and move again without any input from the driver, says Lexus.

The V8-powered 351kW Lexus RC F carries over unchanged for now.

The four mainstream variants of the 2021 Lexus RC are backed by a high level of standard cabin equipment, including heated/cooled and power-operated leather-accented front seats, a 10.3-inch infotainment screen with touch-pad controller, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, digital radio and satellite navigation.

Dual-zone climate control is standard, as is a 10-speaker audio system from Pioneer.

Two new colours have been added as well, Sonic Chrome and Celestial Blue, along with regulars Onyx, Graphite Black, Infrared, Zinnia Yellow, Cobalt Mica, White Nova, Sonic Quartz and Titanium.

How much does the 2021 Lexus RC cost?
300 Luxury – $67,990
300 F Sport – $75,736
350 Luxury – $70,736
350 F Sport – $78,736
F – $136,636
F Track – $165,117
*Prices exclude on-road costs