Photo: Lexus
The coupe take on the IS, the Lexus Radical Coupe has been with us since calendar year 2014. The 2018 model year sees the Japanese automaker improve the breed, but the RC also gets confusing when it comes to the mid-range 300 derivative.
In 2017, the RC in 300 attire used to pack a good old 3.5-liter V6 of the naturally aspirated type. Now there are two models, and the engines differ. For the RC 300 RWD, Lexus employs the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder found in the RC 200t, which is good for 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet. Enter the RC 300 AWD, and you’re looking at the aforementioned V6 engine that develops 260 ponies and 236 pound-feet of torque from 2,000 to 4,800 rpm.
There’s even a difference in terms of transmission between the RC 300 RWD and the RC 300 AWD, with the former boasting an eight-speed automatic and the latter a six-speed automatic. Move on up to the 2018 Lexus RC 350, and you’re looking at 311 horsepower from the free-breathing 3.5-liter V6. The customer has a choice between rear- and all-wheel-drive, and as expected, where the drive is sent dictates what sort of slushbox the RC 350 comes with.
As if Lexus didn’t confuse its customers enough already, the RC 200t of yesterday is now called RC 300 RWD. When it comes to the F Sport, one of the newities brought forward by the 2018 model year is the Flare Yellow exterior color. The go-faster F Sport benefits from an updated Drive Model Select, the system that tailors the powertrain, steering assist, and suspension. Compared to regular RC models, the F Sport adds Sport S+ and Custom Mode.
Regardless of powertrain or trim level, Lexus Safety System+ is standard, as are Enform Safety Connect and Enform Service Connect (complimentary for 10 years). Scout GPS Link is also featured, whereas the 10.3-inch navigation screen is an optional extra. For those in the market for maximum driving fun, the full-on RC F soldiers on with a 5.0-liter V8 and improved standard kit.
There’s even a difference in terms of transmission between the RC 300 RWD and the RC 300 AWD, with the former boasting an eight-speed automatic and the latter a six-speed automatic. Move on up to the 2018 Lexus RC 350, and you’re looking at 311 horsepower from the free-breathing 3.5-liter V6. The customer has a choice between rear- and all-wheel-drive, and as expected, where the drive is sent dictates what sort of slushbox the RC 350 comes with.
As if Lexus didn’t confuse its customers enough already, the RC 200t of yesterday is now called RC 300 RWD. When it comes to the F Sport, one of the newities brought forward by the 2018 model year is the Flare Yellow exterior color. The go-faster F Sport benefits from an updated Drive Model Select, the system that tailors the powertrain, steering assist, and suspension. Compared to regular RC models, the F Sport adds Sport S+ and Custom Mode.
Regardless of powertrain or trim level, Lexus Safety System+ is standard, as are Enform Safety Connect and Enform Service Connect (complimentary for 10 years). Scout GPS Link is also featured, whereas the 10.3-inch navigation screen is an optional extra. For those in the market for maximum driving fun, the full-on RC F soldiers on with a 5.0-liter V8 and improved standard kit.
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