2023 Lexus RC accentuates premium coupe elegance

MANILA: The Lexus RC is designed to stand out from the competition with its robust form and aggressive stance.

A bold fascia, available Premium Triple-Beam LED headlights and strong character lines that sweep toward the dynamic rear valance, and LED tail lamps help the Lexus RC to fascinate from every angle. For those seeking the ultimate F driving experience, the Lexus RC F and RC F Track Edition provide unwavering dynamic performance and uncompromised comfort.

The interiors of the RC and RC F have been redesigned for 2023 to emphasize the elegance of a premium coupe. With an upgraded available 10.3-inch touchscreen multimedia display and new interior accents to the instrument panels, glove box and side registers, the RC series retains its premium sports coupe excellence.

The Lexus RC 300 is powered by a 2.0-liter, twin scroll turbocharged and intercooled inline four-cylinder engine that produces 241hp. The engine is coupled to a rear-wheel drive system and an eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatic transmission. It produces 258lb-ft of torque from 1,650 to 4,400 rpm.

The Lexus RC 300 AWD, on the other hand, is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine, which has intelligent Variable Valve Timing, is meant to deliver more torque at slower speeds and more horsepower at faster speeds. Together, these improvements produce 260hp and 236lb-ft of torque from 2,000 to 4,800 rpm.

The 311hp, 3.5-liter V6 in the Lexus RC 350 and RC 350 AWD has direct and port fuel injection, 280lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm, and an astounding sound that is evocative of the LFA supercar. The rear-wheel drive RC 350 is equipped with an eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift transmission, while the all-wheel drive RC 350 has a six-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, which is an option, enhances the ability of drivers to accelerate out of curves in the rear-wheel drive F Sport. According to estimates, the RC 350 accelerates from 0 to 60 in 5.8 seconds (RWD) and 6.0 seconds (AWD).

An F Sport Special Appearance Package is offered with a bi-tone exterior color that includes an available Incognito body color combined with an Obsidian roof/hood and 19-inch dark finish Enkei alloy wheels.

The Lexus RC F continues in 2023 with GT3-inspired styling and a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine delivering 472hp. The most powerful V8-powered Lexus to date, the Lexus RC F has breathtaking aesthetics, excellent performance, and a distinctive exhaust signature.

Great traction is provided by the 19-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires and the standard F-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension, while powerful six-piston front and four-piston rear Brembo brakes effectively bring everything to a standstill. It is essential to have those Brembo brakes on board to control the exhilaration generated by the naturally aspirated V8. The acceleration time from 0 to 60mph is around 4.2 seconds.

Front passengers in the Lexus RC F will appreciate the F-badged sport seats that provide generous bolstering and support. The seats are designed for an ideal distribution of body pressure and to be as ergonomic as possible, in addition to their holding capabilities in high-G driving situations.

The Launch Control status is shown beside the G-force meter on the digital instrumentation display. With its eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift transmission, downshift rev-matching capabilities, and optimally placed paddle shifters, the Lexus RC F enables split-second upshifts all the way to its 168mph top track speed.

The RC F Track Edition, an exclusive performance package, will remain available for 2023. The Track Edition includes standard features like carbon fiber hood, roof and fixed rear wing, unique black and blue Alcantara interior trim, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, new Hitachi shocks and will be available in a new exterior color, Incognito.

The RC F Carbon Package, on the other hand, includes carbon fiber roof, rear bumper, lip and air dam front spoiler, fin rocker, door lower molding and retractable wing rear spoiler; 19-inch matte black wheels with 255/35ZR19 front and 275/35ZR19 rear Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires; carbon fiber interior trim; leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats; heated steering wheel with power tilt/telescopic steering column, and Intuitive Parking Assist.

All 2023 Lexus RC and RC F models come standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which includes Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Departure Alert with Low-light Pedestrian & Daytime Bicyclist Detection, Left Turn Vehicle Intersection Support, Intelligent High Beams, Enhanced Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist.

The 2023 Lexus RC and 2023 RC F models will arrive in US dealerships in early 2023. Pricing ranges from $45,470 to $100,720 (approximately P2.5 million to P5.5 million).

Photos from Lexus

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