Lexus today announced a price cut of nearly $2,000 for the 2019 RC coupe, taking the car well below the $50,000 mark with a newly named entry-level trim, styling revisions, better aerodynamics and a revised chassis promising better handling as well as comfort.
Following its debut at the Paris auto show, the new RC 300 AWD Signature carries an MSRP of $48,950 and comes standard with many of the most popular features in the RC, including bi-LED headlights, a 10-speaker sound system with the Enform infotainment suite and Apple CarPlay, cornering lights, dual-zone automatic climate control, split-folding rear seat, heated steering wheel, leather-trimmed steering wheel and 18-inch wheels.
All models also include the Lexus Safety System + (or LSS+), which comprises a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and automatic braking, lane departure alert with lane keep assist, radar cruise control and automatic high beams.
Unchanged are the RC's powertrain choices. The RC 300 and uplevel RC 350 share a 3.5L V6 tuned for 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque in the former and 311 hp/280 lb-ft in the latter. Both come standard with all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission.
The 2019 RC's aero enhancements are a newly shaped fin on the side window moulding and a duct in the rear bumper that improve air flow, handling stability and reduce drag.
Lexus says new shock absorbers with more damping force and stiffer suspension bushings contribute to flatter, sharper handling and supple ride quality.
Styling cues derived from the Lexus LC flagship coupe give the RC a wider stance and lower centre of gravity, along with a new front bumper and spindle grille design. In cars so-equipped, there are new, extra-small and stacked triple LED headlights, and all RCs get new taillights with more pronounced L-shaped lenses.
The second step up the ladder is the RC 300 AWD Premium ($52,000), which adds driver's seat memory, electric steering wheel adjustment, sunroof, 19-inch wheels, ventilated front seats, rain-sensing wipers and blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert.
That's followed by the RC 300 AWD F Sport Series 2 ($56,600, a $1,250 cut compared to last year's version), which builds on the Premium package with a drive mode select system, sport-tuned steering, adaptive variable suspension, 19-inch wheels and ventilated front sport seats. There are also various F Sport-specific bits, including triple LED headlights and a customizable gauge cluster. As well, the Enform infotainment system gains navigation.
Topping the range is the RC 350 AWD F Sport Series 3 (at $62,000, also a $1,250 reduction), which builds on the RC 300 F Sport Series 2 and adds the more potent engine and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo.
The 2019 Lexus RC is available at dealers across Canada now.
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