The Lexus RC brings heat to the luxury sport coupe category with bold design and a choice of three powertrains. The selection process continues with the F SPORT package that’s available for each RC model. Distinguished by exclusive exterior design and interior features, the F SPORT raises the performance ante with specially tuned suspension and a raft of luxury upgrades.

The 2017 RC is distinguished by a new base black grille finish, new finishes for the 18- and 19-inch wheels and new available triple LED Premium Headlamps. The RC 350 RWD gains new performance suspension dampers.

All RC models turn a smartphone into a navigation system with the standard Scout^® GPS Link for models equipped with Lexus Display Audio. With the app on the driver’s paired phone, navigation maps and turn-by-turn directions appear on the vehicle’s central display screen. An integrated Lexus Navigation System remains an option.
 
Visual Jolt Machine
From every angle, the low profile, wide-stance RC provides a visual jolt, with the Lexus signature spindle grille a focal point of the design. The F SPORT takes the grille design further, with the upper section’s mesh pattern gradually transforming into an “F” character as it approaches the lower extremity.

The Lexus RC, available in a variety of colors including new-for-2017, Caviar, announces its presence with Lexus signature headlamp design and technology. State-of-the-art -LED headlamps and separate L-themed daytime running lamps (DRLs) give a unique look and highly effective illumination. Like the headlamps, the rear LED combination lamps show the distinct Lexus L-shape motif, created by a raised surface.
 
Three Levels of Power
The RC Turbo is one of several 2017 Lexus models powered by a 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with the D-4ST direct injection system and an intercooler. This smooth operator produces 241 hp, with 258 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 1,650-4,400 rpm. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and consumes fuel slowly, with 22 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 26 mpg combined EPA-estimated fuel economy.

The RC 300 AWD model’s 3.5-liter V6 with the Lexus D-4S system of direct and port injection produces 255 hp and 236 lb.-ft. torque, the latter at 2,000-4,800 rpm, and is teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission. The RC 350 gets a 306-horsepower version of the V6. With rear-wheel drive, it’s got the eight-speed Sports Program Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission; with all-wheel drive, it’s a six-speed automatic.
 
Shiftly Business: Eight-Speed SPDS Transmission
The eight-speed Sports Program Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission combines torque converter smoothness with shifting speed of a dual-clutch unit when shifting manually.

Three driver-selectable modes – NORMAL, SPORT and MANUAL (M) engage full torque-converter lock-up from second to eighth gears for manual shifting. Downshifts are made in just 0.4 seconds in M mode, with the transmission’s throttle blipping control matching the engine speed to the gear.

SPORT mode engages G-sensor AI-Shift control, which uses information from the G-sensor on driving status to provide the optimal gear ratio for a more sporting driving experience. The transmission will automatically downshift during hard braking for a corner, hold a lower gear through the corner for greater control, and then give the driver a greater power response on corner exit by selecting a lower gear.

Drive Mode Select: Have It Your Way
The Lexus RC listens to the driver through the Drive Mode Select system. Using a dial on the console, the driver can “dial in” the performance response and the feel desired. Drive Mode Select tailors the vehicle’s powertrain, electric power-assisted steering assist curve and, on F SPORT, suspension response. Modes include NORMAL, SPORT and ECO. The F SPORT adds SPORT S+ mode for
maximum handling performance from the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and the available Dynamic Handling System (LDH) on the RC 350 F SPORT.

High Rigidity Body, Sports Car-Inspired Suspension
The RC is built on its own high-rigidity platform, borrowing some key components from the GS and IS sport sedans and bolstered by such manufacturing techniques as laser screw welding and special body adhesives. The driver will feel the net result of all those construction features in the RC’s crisp turn-in and poise through curves.

The RC draws its double wishbone front suspension design and multi-link rear suspension from the GS model’s architecture. Already standard on the RC Turbo, new standard performance dampers further sharpen agility on the 2017 RC 350 RWD. The electric power steering (EPS) provides a natural, firm feel with good feedback thanks to rigid mounting hardware.
 
F SPORT Begs for Curves
All RC models offer the F SPORT upgrade, with the RC 350 RWD F SPORT offering exclusive handling technologies. A combination of Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and the Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) with Dynamic Rear-wheel Steering (DRS) system turn the RC 350 F SPORT RWD into a road warrior with a refined attitude.

The LDH system integrates operation of electric power-assisted steering (EPS) to control steering torque, variable gear ratio steering (VGRS) to control front-wheel steering angle and Dynamic Rear-wheel Steering system.

The base Lexus RC features 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, each featuring new finishes for 2017. The RC F SPORT comes with 19-inch wheels with a distinctive 10 twin-spoke design to create a deeply sculptured shape. With all wheel options, the RC uses a staggered array, with wider wheels at the rear.
 
Adaptive Variable Suspension
Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) is a variable damper system designed to enhance ride comfort and body lean control. The AVS system on the RC 350 F SPORT RWD monitors steering input and road conditions and adjusts the dampers to suit, using inputs on vehicle posture including lean, dive and squat. The system continually optimizes attitude and rebound control to help achieve a flatter ride and more natural vehicle posture. When the driver selects the SPORT S+ setting in Drive Mode Select, AVS switches to maximize the damping force for ultimate handling response.
           
Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management
All RC models are equipped with Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM), the Lexus system that coordinates control of the powertrain, ABS, electric power steering, traction control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) systems. Lexus VDIM can anticipate loss of traction and help enable the traditionally separate active safety systems of VSC, TRAC, and ABS to work in concert to help correct it by seamlessly integrating control of basic vehicle performance.

VDIM functions also include Hill-start Assist Control (HAC). In the RC 350 F SPORT RWD, VDIM adds control of the optional Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), Lexus Dynamic Handling system and Dynamic Rear-wheel Steering, for integrated lateral force and yaw moment control. 
 
Pre-Collision System
The available Pre-Collision System (PCS) is engineered to detect vehicles in the Lexus' path. Should it determine a frontal collision is imminent, it's designed to automatically prepare Brake Assist for increased braking response, and is also able to automatically begin braking to help prevent or lessen impact.

Lexus RC has eight SRS airbags, including a dual-stage driver’s and front passenger’s airbag, driver’s and passenger’s knee airbags, front-seat side airbags and first and second row side curtain airbags.
 
Seeing the Unseen
Available Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) can assist the driver when changing lanes by providing information not only about vehicles in the side mirror blind spot zones, but also by detecting vehicles approaching from the rear in adjacent lanes. The option also includes Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), which helps detect approaching vehicles from both rear sides to assist the driver when backing out of a parking space or driveway.
 
Luxuriously Sporty
Facing a four-dial gauge layout, the RC driver feels immediately connected to the car’s sporting intent. A 4.2-inch thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT LCD) at the center of the instrument cluster presents the full-color Multi Information Display (MID). Linked to the car’s multimedia system, the MID can display vehicle, audio and navigation information.

The Lexus RC’s steering wheel integrates switches to control the MID, phone function, audio functions and cruise control. The F SPORT adds an array of special features, including an instrument panel inspired by the Lexus LFA supercar, using full-length illuminated needles and needle rings, and a white outer band with inverted colors. The F SPORT pedals and driver’s footrest are aluminium, and the steering wheel and shift-lever knob are trimmed in F SPORT exclusive perforated leather.
 
Luxuriously Practical Interior
Lexus didn’t throw out practicality when it amped up emotion in the RC. The 60/40 split-fold rear seat back can accommodate items up to 59 inches long, such as snowboards. With the rear seats in use, the luggage area can accommodate two golf bags. A dual manual/electric folding mechanism eases access for rear seat passengers and includes a memory function.

Lexus offers four high-contrast interior colors for the RC – Stratus Gray, Playa, Flaxen, Black and an additional, exclusive color for F SPORT, Rioja Red. Each features a contrasting stitching color. The RC offers two types of genuine shimamoku wood-trim, which adorns portions of the door panels and dash. Shimamoku denotes an intense, layered production technique refined by Lexus that yields an exceptionally deep-looking, polished finish to the wood.

The automatic climate control system includes two-layer control of internal and ambient air and upper/lower level independent air mixing, as well as independent left and right temperature control. For example, on a colder day with bright sunshine, you can set the upper air mix for cooling while at the same time have the lower air mix set for warmth. The system integrates a pollen-removal filter and clean-air filter with deodorizer.
 
Smart Navigation with Advanced Touch Control
The available Navigation System can map millions of points of interest across the country and can display information in English, French and Spanish. And, in addition to offering up-to-date traffic and weather information, 3-D city views, and simulated views of approaching highway junctions, it displays the current speed limit and can automatically display nearby gas stations if the fuel level is low.
For navigation-equipped vehicles, a Remote Touchpad Interface (RTI) uses smartphone-like touch control, including tap, flick and pinch gestures to control audio, navigation or system information displayed on the center screen, without the user having to look down.

Premium Audio: Digital “Decompression” Chamber
Lexus has continually pushed the advancement of mobile audio. Both the standard and optional audio systems play all popular digital formats, whether from CD, iPod^®, USB or other device. The standard audio system drives its 10 speakers, including a 10-inch subwoofer, with 256 watts total output.
The available Mark Levinson Premium Audio system creates a stunning 360-degree, three-dimensional sonic space through 17 speakers. The system produces 835-watts total output while consuming less power than other systems of similar output. Clari-Fi audio restoration technology, as used in high-end home systems, restores some of the clarity lost during compression for commonly used digital formats. The control panel resembles the simple, clean designs used on Mark Levinson home audio equipment.

Lexus Enform for Safety, Convenience and Fun
Lexus Enform Safety Connect is standard on all 2017 Lexus vehicles, with access to Lexus Enform response centers 24/7/365. With Lexus Enform Service Connect, the RC also sends alerts for specific factory recommended maintenance, simultaneously alerting a preferred Lexus retailer if opted in. Use the MyLexusandBeyond mobile app (for iOS devices) or LexusDrivers.com website to set push-reminders and alerts for maintenance and service issues.

With Lexus Enform Remote (one-year trial subscription included), the customer can remotely view and control certain aspects of the RC using a mobile app for iOS and Android devices. Functions include remote door lock/unlock; remote start/stop for the engine and climate control; vehicle finder, guest driver monitor and more.

Navigation is accompanied by the Lexus Enform Destination Services and subscription-free Lexus Enform App Suite. Its voice-enabled apps let you search the Internet through Destination Search, make restaurant reservations using OpenTable^®, get movie tickets via MovieTickets.com^™, listen to Internet radio (including Pandora^®, iHeartRadio and Slacker), search business reviews on Yelp^® and check in on Facebook Places.
       
What’s New for 2017

• Black finish on base grille
• Wheel finish on 18-inch and 19-inch wheels
• Exterior color: Caviar
• Available triple-beam LED headlamps
• RC 350 RWD receives performance dampers standard
• Scout GPS Link 

Vehicle Details
Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance

• RC 200t: 241-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with eight-speed automatic transmission.
• RC 300 AWD: 255-hp 3.5-liter DOHC V6 and six-speed automatic transmission.
• RC 350 RWD: 306 hp 3.5-liter DOHC V6 and eight-speed Sports Program Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission.
• RC 350 AWD: 306 hp 3.5-liter DOHC V6 and six-speed automatic transmission.

  Chassis/Body/Suspension/Tires/Brakes

• Double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension.
• 18-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels in staggered array. 
• The RC 350 F SPORT RWD offers an optional Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) system with Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS). This technology integrates DRS, Electric Power Steering and Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS). The system can independently manage front and rear wheel steering angles to help enhance turn-in response, rear grip, vehicle control and agility.
• Standard Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) anticipates loss of vehicle control and governs all of the vehicle’s dynamic handling systems: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC).

Safety/Security Features 

• Eight SRS airbags, including a dual-stage driver’s airbag, dual-stage and dual-chamber front passenger airbag, driver’s and passenger’s knee airbags, front-seat side airbags and first and second row side curtain airbags.

• Available Pre-Collision System. 

 Luxury/Comfort/Convenience

• Multi-adjustable power front seats.
• NuLuxe upholstery and trim.
• 10-speaker, 256-watt audio system with 7-in. VGA screen, HD Radio and iTunes^® Tagging and standard SiriusXM^® Satellite Radio.
• Entertainment and connectivity technology includes enhanced Bluetooth^® capability with automatic phonebook download and streaming audio.

Luxury Options (highlights)

• All-Weather Package: retractable headlamp washers, PTC heater and windshield de-ice.
• Luxury Package: Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert; heated steering wheel (AWD); heated/ventilated front seats; perforated leather trimmed interior with contrast stitching; electrochromic side mirrors with reverse-tilt-down; power tilt/telescoping steering wheel; rain-sensing wipers, and two position memory for driver’s seat, mirrors and steering column.
• 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound audio system has 7.1 channel surround-sound through 10 channels using a class D Digital amplifier with 835-watts from 20-20,000hz at 0.01 percent total harmonic distortion. 

Warranty

• 48-month/50,000 mile basic limited warranty with roadside assistance for 48 months/unlimited miles.
• 72 months/70,000 miles powertrain and restraint system coverage.
• 72 months corrosion perforation protection coverage, regardless of mileage.