The facelifted Lexus RC coupé has been revealed ahead of its global debut at the Paris Motor Show in early October.
The RC has been handed a few subtle design changes that Lexus says were “inspired” by the flagship LC coupé. In addition, Toyota’s luxury arm says that enhancements have been made to the RC’s aerodynamics, tyres, suspension, engine response and steering.
These under-the-skin alterations include the adoption of new shock absorbers, which Lexus says provide “significant damping force from low suspension stroke speeds”, plus stiffer suspension bushings. The throttle response of the otherwise unchanged 180 kW/350 N.m turbocharged 2,0-litre petrol engine in the RC300 has also been “enhanced to deliver a more direct feeling of acceleration”.
Look closely and you’ll notice the new front bumper corner that flows down from the headlamps as well as shapes in the grille mesh pattern that gradually transform from top to bottom. Furthermore, the updated RC gains newly designed vertically arranged triple LED headlamps.
Round back, air ducts have been added to the corners of the RC’s bumpers, which the Japanese brand claims result in “better handling stability and enhanced overall driving response”. Also, the rear combination lamps now house more pronounced L-shaped lenses that form a new rear lighting signature.
And the flagship RC F Sport derivative? Well, this model receives the grille mesh pattern featured on all F Sport variants, plus “numerous other custom exterior and interior items”, including fresh 19-inch alloys.
Inside, the design of the heater control panel and audio panel has been tweaked, while the protective kneepads on either side of the centre cluster have enlarged and raised. A new analogue clock, as used in the LC, has been added atop the instrument panel.
