(October 4, 2015) The RC luxury sport coupe, introduced for the 2015 model year, returns for 2016 with new engine variants. The new RC 200t and RC 300 AWD join the RC 350 for what Lexus says is a more extensive luxury coupe line-up that offers drivers more horsepower options to fit their needs.

The new RC 200t, available as RWD only, adopts a 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with intercooler paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine produces 241 horsepower and has 258 pound-feet of torque at 1,650-4,400 rpm. Lexus developed the turbocharged engine in-house, first integrated it into the NX 200t luxury utility vehicle for 2015 model year, and modified it for application in RC 200t, IS 200t and GS 200t.

Lexus is also offering the new RC 300 AWD with 255 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. torque at 2,000-4,800 rpm for drivers who may encounter inclement weather. The RC 300 AWD features a modified 3.5-liter V6 engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.

In addition, the Lexus RC features several other changes for 2016. The RC 200t F SPORT and 350 RWD F SPORT now offer optional orange brake callipers and Limited Slip differential. Performance dampers are standard for RC 200t and available for RC 350 RWD F SPORT.

While the RC 350 swaggers with a striking exterior, it features refinement and power under the hood.  A standard 306 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 teamed to an eight-speed Sports Program Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission for rear-wheel drive models helps provide smooth acceleration, predictable torque and good fuel economy.

A key to the RC’s exceptional handling ability is an ultra-stiff platform. The RC is the latest model from a ride and handling transformation at Lexus that started with the current GS midsize luxury sedan and progressed with the current-generation IS sport sedan.

Lexus offers the RC 350 in both rear-wheel drive and with all-weather drive, the latter using a six-speed automatic transmission, and an F SPORT version.

Distinguished by exclusive exterior design and interior features, the F SPORT will also raise the performance ante with the standard Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system and the available Lexus Dynamic Handling system, which includes rear-wheel steering.

The driving environment is no less exciting than the dramatic body enveloping it. Infused with a strong sports car aesthetic and pure Lexus luxury, the RC cabin also reflects a strong influence from the Lexus LFA supercar.

Beneath its alluring lines, the RC features technology and production engineering advancements. For example, the signature paint color, Infrared, uses a contrast layering paint technique that was pioneered on concept vehicles.
 
The Lexus RC’s chassis is unique, although it does draw from the architecture of other Lexus vehicles. The front end is based on the highly acclaimed Lexus GS, which set new standards for stiffness and chassis response in a mid-sized sedan.

The rear of the RC platform is based on the current-generation IS sport sedan, a car that has already proven its performance and handling mettle in a hotly contested segment.  In the center, where the structure needed to maintain rigidity with two large door openings, Lexus borrowed from the IS convertible structure.

None of those three portions was directly taken from the other cars. Rather, each contributed more than the sum of its parts to the overall chassis package. Lexus fine-tuned the resulting platform to provide the specific high-performance character sought for its RC coupe.