Australian specifications and pricing have been announced for the 2018 Lexus RC range, the improvements to the premium Japanese coupe focus on infotainment and driver-assistance technology.
The highlights for the new model year include a larger 10.3-inch infotainment screen (up from 7.0-inch) a larger Lexus Remote Touch controller, autonomous emergency braking that now incorporates pedestrian detection, upgraded lane departure warning with steering assist and automatic high beam.
The flagship V8 powered RC F now gets a Drive Start Control system to manage power and torque delivery to provide smooth starts and optimal rapid acceleration.
RC F buyers now get a custom mode for the Drive Mode Select which enables drivers to set their preferred powertrain, chassis and air conditioning settings.
Zinnia Yellow (from the LC500) has been added the paint palette, while Titanium takes the place of Sonic Silver.
A matte finish is now found on the RC F Carbon's 20-spoke forged high-grade alloy wheels.
The RC F Carbon model loses the carbon fibre bonnet which is now made of aluminium, the roof and active rear wing remain made from carbon fibre. This move most likely contributes to the RC F Carbon’s $6248 price drop.
Mechanically, the RC F remains the same, the 5.0-litre V8 continues to develop 351kW/530Nm, power is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Moving down the line-up, the RC200t model designation is no longer, it’s now badged RC300. This was also done with the updated NX SUV range. Power comes from a 180kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
The 3.5-litre V6 that powers the RC350 is now equipped with D-4S dual-injection and revised to deliver a fuel consumption improvement of 3.2 per cent. The claimed fuel consumption figure on a combined-cycle is now 9.1L/100km. All RC variants are equipped with an eight-speed automatic.
Both RC powertrains will continue to be offered in three trim levels - Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury.
Luxury variants come standard with alloy wheels, LED headlamps and fog lamps, leather-accented trim, heated and ventilated front seats, power adjustment for the steering column and front seats, smart entry and start, satellite navigation, reversing camera and clearance sonars (front and rear).
F Sport models get larger alloy wheels, premium Mark Levinson audio, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, a smart key card and rain-sensing wipers.
The Sports Luxury trim level adds unique 19-inch wheels, semi-aniline leather seats, Shimamoku ornamentation and a moonroof - the latter is available with the Enhancement Pack for Luxury and F Sport.
2018 Lexus RC pricing (excludes on-road costs):
RC300
Luxury - $65,400 (+$531)
F Sport - $74,700 (+$809)
Sports Luxury - $84,900 (+$299)
RC350
Luxury - $68,400 (+$299)
F Sport - $77,700 (+$749)
Sports Luxury - $87,900 (-$91)
RC F
RC F - $138,100 (+$149)
RC F Carbon - $152,300 (-$6248)
Options (RC300, RC350):
Premium paint - $1,500
Enhancement pack - $2,500 (Luxury, F Sport)
Options (RC F, not RC F Carbon):
Forged high wheel - $2,500
Forged high plus wheel - $2,500
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