Paris show: Lexus reworks RC for 2019
BY RON HAMMERTON | 30th Aug 2018
LEXUS has simultaneously sharpened and softened its mid-sized RC sports coupe in a mid-life facelift that will debut at the Paris motor show in early October.
While the looks, handling and engine response have been sharpened, Lexus engineers say the updated model delivers a more supple ride and improved overall refinement.
Images and some details of the 2019 facelift were sprung on the Lexus USA media website, ahead of the formal reveal.
Lexus Australia – fresh from launching a 10th anniversary edition of its current RC F – confirmed the new-look RC for Australia, but said it was too early to divulge timing, pricing and other details.
Toyota’s luxury brand says it borrowed from the design language of the flagship LC coupe when reworking the RC, which has done duty since 2014.
Changes include a fresh front bumper with what looks like vertical slashes extending down from the new-look headlights to a brake-duct vent, while the rear bumper is now split in each corner by vents with a similar slash effect.
Aerodynamics are said to have been improved by new side window mouldings and a rear diffuser duct.
Bigger wheels and tyres help steering response, while stiffer suspension bushes and improved dampers help both handling and ride.
The familiar spindle grille remains, but its gaping expanse gets a new mesh pattern that changes from top to bottom on standard RC300 and RC350 variants. The RC F Sport gets the black mesh grille of other F Sport Lexus models, as well as aggressive 19-inch alloy wheels.
Buyers can opt for triple-stacked LED headlights, along with boomerang-shaped LED daytime driving lights that this time are incorporated into the headlamp cluster.
The rear combination laps include more pronounced L-shaped daytime lights that Lexus says is now a signature of all Lexus coupes.
The interior has been tweaked with new finishes to give it more refined, elegant appearance.
Six exterior colours and seven interior finishes will be available, in the US at least.
In Australia, the RC is the fourth best-selling sportscar in its class, outsold by German entries such as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe and convertible, BMW 4 Series and Audi A5.
So far this year, Lexus Australia has sold 215 units, a dip of 2.7 per cent in a segment that has slumped 20 per cent on the same period of last year.
