LEXUS has upgraded the stylish RC sports coupe with a series of focused changes that pursue more dynamic driving responses and even higher safety standards, with changes to the powertrain, suspension and safety equipment.
Headlining the changes is the addition of new adaptive control software for the intuitive 8-speed Sports Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission standard on both the 2.0-litre turbocharged RC 300 and 3.5-litre normally aspirated V6 RC 350 models.
It operates in Normal, Sport and Sport S+ modes and now more assertively adapts transmission shift points according to driver input and road conditions.
In Normal mode, during gentle driving, the transmission control continues to favour higher gears to improve fuel efficiency while for sportier driving, it will now adapt and hold lower gears longer to deliver optimum torque, response and control.
If SPORT or SPORT S+ mode is selected, the adaptive control will even more readily select lower gears during the braking phase when spirited driving is detected.
Both Lexus RC 300 and RC 350 models also benefit from modifications to the rear suspension, with the installation of an increased diameter stabiliser bar with reduced wall thickness and newly developed high-strength aluminium for the upper arm.
This helps to reduce weight while ensuring rigidity. Lexus has also enhanced convenience with the adoption of an electric park brake (replacing the foot operated one). For improved safety, new all-speed radar active cruise control (RACC) is standard.
All-speed RACC is able to adapt to the changing road conditions at all speeds, including coming to a complete stop in traffic, before automatically starting again. For the RC 300, this includes switching off and on without any driver input.
The latest upgrade to the Lexus RC builds on an already extensive list of luxurious convenience features including dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated power-operated front seats, and a leather-accented interior.
A 10.3-inch display screen with Lexus remote touch-pad controller, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation, plus a 10-speaker Pioneer audio system are also included.
The comprehensive standard Lexus Safety System+ incorporates a pre-collision safety system with pre-collision braking, including pedestrian detection, automatic high beam and lane departure warning with steering assist.
A blind spot monitor with lane change alert, reversing camera, clearance and reversing sonar, and rear cross traffic alert are also standard. In addition to the upgraded features, the Lexus RC is also now offered in two new colours; Sonic Chrome and Celestial Blue.
These join the existing palette, including White Nova, Sonic Quartz, Titanium, Onyx, Graphite Black, Infrared, Zinnia Yellow and Cobalt Mica. Pricing for the 2021 Lexus RC range starts from $67,990 (plus on roads) through to $81,236 (plus on-roads).
For further information, please contact your local Lexus dealer, or visit the Lexus website.
