2018 Lexus RC, RC F pricing and specs
New infotainment, more tech for coupe range
The updated 2018 Lexus RC range has been detailed for Australia, bringing upgraded infotainment and driver-assistance systems to the Japanese luxury coupe.
Key changes for the new model year include the introduction of a larger 10.3-inch central infotainment display (up from 7.0 inches) in conjunction with a larger touch-pad controller, pedestrian detection for the autonomous emergency braking system, lane-keep assist and automatic high beam.
The V8-powered RC F gets a new 'Drive Start Control' system, which manages power and torque delivery to ensure "smooth starts and optimal rapid acceleration" when the vehicle is left in 'Drive', along with a new custom driving mode – allowing drivers to select their preferred powertrain, chassis and air-conditioning settings.
A new colour is also available for the flagship model – Zinnia Yellow (pictured) – which was first seen on the larger LC. A new 'Titanium' finish replaces Sonic Silver as well, while the RC F Carbon's 20-inch forged alloy wheels now come in a matte finish.
The RC F Carbon also swaps out the outgoing version's carbon-fibre bonnet for an aluminium one, though the roof, rear wing and interior trim remain as carbon-fibre components.
Changes have also been made lower down in the range. The turbocharged RC200t has been rebadged as the RC300 – following the trend set by the updated IS and NX ranges – while the 3.5-litre V6 has been revised to improve economy by 3.2 per cent.
RC350 variants now employ D-4S dual-injection technology, helping to reduce fuel consumption to a claimed 9.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Outputs have slightly changed, however, now rated at 232kW and 380Nm – 2Nm up and 1kW down on the previous engine. All versions of the RC come as standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
As before, the RC300 and RC350 are available in three trim levels – Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury. The entry-level Luxury gets LED headlights and fog-lights, leather-accented trim, heated and ventilated front seats with power adjustment, electric adjustment for the steering wheel, keyless entry and start, satellite navigation, a rear-view camera, along with front- and rear parking sensors.
F Sport versions gain larger alloy wheels, a Mark Levinson sound system, blind-spot monitoring, with rear cross-traffic alert, a smart key card, and rain-sensing wipers.
The top-spec Sports Luxury adds unique 19-inch alloys, semi-aniline leather seats, Shimamoku interior ornamentation, and a power moonroof – the latter is available as part of the optional Enhancement Pack for Luxury and F Sport grades.
Prices are slightly up for most models across the range, though the RC F Carbon sees a substantial price cut by $6248, which is no doubt aided by the removal of the carbon-fibre bonnet.
2018 Lexus RC pricing
RC300
- Luxury - $65,400 (+$531)
- F Sport - $74,700 (+$809)
- Sports Luxury - $84,900 (+$299)
RC350
- Luxury - $68,400 (+$299)
- F Sport - $77,700 (+$749)
- Sports Luxury - $87,900 (-$91)
RC F
- RC F - $138,100 (+$149)
- RC F Carbon - $$152,300 (-$6248)
Options
- Premium paint - $1500 (RC300, RC350)
- Enhancement Pack - $2500 (Luxury, F Sport)
- Forged high wheel - $2500 (RC F, RC F Carbon)
- Forged high plus wheel - $2500 (RC F, RC F Carbon)