2018 Lexus RC pricing and features

The Lexus RC F sports coupe has received an upgrade that includes a pseudo launch control system along with multimedia and active safety enhancements, which have also been added to the RC 300 and RC 350.

The RC F and range-topping RC F Carbon now feature Drive Start Control, which provides smoother starts and optimised gear changes for swifter take-off acceleration when the driver is using the shift lever manually.

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The system manages power and torque delivery from the RC F’s naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine to its rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, but, in a nod to the purists, it won’t engage the system when traction control is switched off to allow keen drivers to do the work themselves. A light in the instrument panel indicates when the system is operational.

The RC F also gains a new customisable mode for its Drive Mode Select system, which allows the driver to individually specify a preferred powertrain, chassis and air conditioning setting under the one drive mode.

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There are new colour options for the RC F, too, including Zinna Yellow, which first appeared on the LC coupe. A hue dubbed Titanium replaces Sonic Silver.

Infotainment has been enhanced in all RC models, with the display screen stretched from 7.0-inches to a panoramic 10.3-inches, and now shows the latest version of Lexus’ multimedia system. Controlling on-screen functions is now easier thanks to the larger touch pad mountied on the centre console.

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Meanwhile, the Lexus Safety System+ driver assistance package gains pedestrian detection for its pre-collision warning function, while the active cruise control system has new buttons making it simpler to operate. Lane departure warning now includes steering assist, to help keep the car between the lines, and a vibrating alert built into the steering wheel. Automatic high beam, which dips when a vehicle is detected ahead, has also been included.

From an aesthetic perspective the range-topping RC F Carbon's 20-spoke forged alloy wheels have a new matte finish, while the carbonfibre bonnet is now aluminium resulting in a $6248 price drop.

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The RC 350’s 3.5-litre quad cam V6 has also received some attention from Lexus engineers resulting in a slight performance tweak to 232kW and 380Nm and 3.2 percent improvement to fuel economy, now 9.1L/100km.

2018 Lexus RC pricing

• RC 300 Luxury - $65,400
• RC 300 F Sport - $74,700
• RC 300 Sports Luxury - $84,900
• RC 350 Luxury - $68,400
• RC 350 F Sport - $77,700
• RC 350 Sports Luxury - $87,900
• RC F - $138,100
• RC F Carbon - $152,300