2015 Lexus RC
New for 2015
The RC is a completely new model.
Looking the Part
Lexus is known for building cars that are comfortable and reliable, but lately it’s been trying to expand into the realm of the fast and the furious. The 2015 RC is the brand’s first mass-market coupe since the ill-fated SC, and brings Lexus to a new level of sportiness and style.
The RC does what a coupe should—look good—and it has the performance to back up those looks, thanks to some nifty hardware. Of course, this is still a Lexus, so it’s also got a well-appointed interior with all of the latest features.
Powertrains and Performance
A sporty coupe needs a sporty powertrain, and the 2015 Lexus RC doesn’t disappoint. It marries the well-balanced chassis of the IS sedan with plenty of horsepower.
As its name implies, the RC 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6, which produces 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive models get an eight-speed automatic that can trace its lineage back to the old Lexus IS F, and that combination makes for a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 143 mph. It also gets an EPA-rated 22 combined (21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway).*
For snowier climates, Lexus also offers the RC 350 with all-wheel drive. A six-speed automatic is substituted here, while the 0 to 60 mph sprint takes six seconds flat, and top speed decreases to 130 mph. EPA-rated gas mileage is 21 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway).*
There’s also an F Sport package that sharpens the RC 350’s handling with variable-ratio electric power steering, adaptive suspension, a Lexus Dynamic Handling feature for rear-wheel drive models that includes rear-wheel steering.
Note that Lexus also offers the RC F, a high-performance version of the RC with a 5.0-liter V8 that produces 467 hp and 389 lb-ft of torque, as well as numerous other upgrades that essentially make it a separate model. Gas mileage does suffer a bit, though, at 19 mpg combined (16 mpg city, 25 mpg highway).*
Features and Trims
The 2015 Lexus RC is only available as a two-door four-seat coupe, with prices starting at $42,790.**
That base price buys a lot of standard equipment, including 18-inch alloy wheels, heated exterior mirrors, automatic climate control, Siri Eyes Free voice control (for iPhone users, Bluetooth® for everyone), and a 10-speaker audio system.
Notable options include a navigation and infotainment system with touch pad controller. It includes Lexus Enform Destinations telematics (subscription required) that helps find nearby points of interest, as well as the Enform App Suite with Pandora®, Bing®, Yelp®, iHeartRadio©, and other apps.
A Mark Levinson® Premium Surround Sound system can be added to that, with 17 speakers and 835 watts of audio power.
Upgrading to the F Sport nets the above-mentioned performance hardware, plus model-specific 19-inch wheels, and a unique front fascia with black mesh grille.
Exterior/Interior
In the past, Lexus was criticized for producing cars that looked like copies of other carmakers’, or were just plain boring. The 2015 RC won’t be accused of either sin.
Showing that it really did have something to prove, Lexus went all out on the RC, making every line curve and arc in an unexpected way, and festooning the car with plenty of scoops and ducts, as well as an aggressive version of its signature “spindle grille.”
Standard LED headlights and taillights add to the look, and the lighting package includes the daytime running light slashes also seen on the IS sedan and NX crossover.
The interior has a complimentary bold and modern look. It also borrows cues from the IS and NX, including a stepped center console that not only looks like nothing in any other luxury car, but also helps put controls within easy reach. A touchpad controller for the optional infotainment system replaces the joystick used in previous Lexus models.
The F Sport model further jazzes things up with aluminum pedals, sport seats, and a TFT gauge cluster taken straight out of the LFA supercar.
Safety
A sporty coupe like the RC is a fairly frivolous kind of car, but that doesn’t mean Lexus ignored the practical consideration of safety. The RC comes standard with anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and front, knee, side, and curtain airbags. Blind-spot monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and radar-guided cruise control are optional.
Bottom Line
When Lexus set out to build a sporty, stylish coupe, it didn’t mess around. The 2015 RC has style to spare, and sporty mechanicals that provide plenty of go as well as show.
For more information, or to schedule a test drive, contact or visit us at MotorWorld | MileOne Autogroup today.
*2015 EPA-estimated ratings. Actual mileage will vary.
**MSRP does not include delivery, processing and handling fee of $925. Excludes taxes, title, license and optional equipment.
Image: Lexus