Lexus RC

The RC is Lexus's compact luxury sport coupe — launched 2014 alongside the RC F as Lexus's first dedicated coupe since the SC 430 ended 2010. Single generation across the entire run, with mid-cycle updates and powertrain changes. Three trim grades plus the RC F halo. Base trims: RC 300h (2.5L 2AR-FSE Atkinson hybrid + electric motor, 220 hp combined, eCVT — sold internationally but limited US availability); RC 200t / 300 (2.0L 8AR-FTS turbo I4, 241 hp, eight-speed auto); RC 350 (3.5L 2GR-FSE V6, 306 hp, eight-speed auto on RWD or six-speed on AWD). RC F halo: 5.0L 2UR-GSE V8 (467 hp / 389 lb-ft), eight-speed auto, RWD only, 0-60 in 4.4 seconds, top speed 168 mph. The RC F's V8 is closely related to the IS F engine — Lexus engineers kept the cylinder block and replaced most other parts (new heads, titanium valves, forged rods, lighter internals), boosting output by 51 hp and raising rev limit to 7,100 rpm vs IS F's 6,800 rpm. Brembo brakes with 14.9-inch front rotors and six-piston monoblock calipers, optional torque-vectoring rear differential, optional carbon-fibre roof. 2020 facelift refreshed both the regular RC and the RC F, with the RC F gaining minor power increase (472 hp) and the new Track Edition with lighter Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, carbon-fibre roof and hood, fixed-position rear wing, BBS forged wheels, and lighter exhaust — total ~150 lb weight reduction over the standard RC F. The RC F borrows its chassis from three different cars: front from the GS, centre section from an IS convertible, rear from the IS sedan. Production at Toyota Tahara plant. Currently the RC continues in production globally though has been discontinued in some markets. The RC F (especially Track Edition) is firmly cult collector territory.