The 2021 Lexus RC may not be familiar to everyone. However, if they saw it on the road, they’d definitely be impressed with this luxury sports coupe. Here’s an introduction to this market player that you might not know.
Classic Style Plays Host to Serious Technologies
The RC has only been around since 2014. That may be why this is a fresher take on the sports coupe than some luxury models that have been around decades. The style is aggressive and muscular. The strong character lines sweep away from the bold fascia and unique grille.
Inside there are handsome wood trims in accents like Espresso, Dark Mocha and Ash Wood. The designer’s plans have been rendered with high quality materials and craftsmanship. The Special Edition has silver stitching on its Black Nuluxe surfaces. Technology rules the dash with the latest in touchscreen connectivity. WiFi is available, and Amazon Alexa integration is standard. The automatic climate controls go above and beyond with a smog-sensing system.
Drivers are assisted by lane departure alerts and a steering assist. A blind spot monitor, a new standard feature, watches for side traffic dangers. The rear cross traffic alert, another new standard, is an active partner for the rearview camera. If the traffic suddenly stops ahead, the pre-collision system is watching. It’s also keeping electronic eyes out for pedestrians. In these cases, it may trigger emergency braking to prevent an accident.
Ready for the Driving Enthusiast
Of course, all of that style and tech is really window dressing to driving enthusiasts. They want to see action, and the RC delivers. The RC 300 has a refined turbocharger that is mated with rear-wheel drive. The Sport Direct Shift is an eight-speed automatic with transmission mapping.
The Lexus RC 300 AWD has a 260-horsepower V6 and a six-speed automatic with its all-wheel drive. Engineers use Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence to harness more torque at lower speeds. At higher speeds, its refinement makes more out of every horse under the hood.
Stepping up once again, there’s a 311-horsepower V6 in the RC 350 and RC 350 AWD. The F Sport takes care of cornering with an available Torsen limited-slip rear differential.
At the pinnacle of fun, there’s the RC F. This model has a V8 under the hood. Athletic and dynamic, the engine produces 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. With the Fuji Speedway Edition, the RC F can zoom from zero to sixty mph in 3.96 seconds.
It should be noted that the Lexus powertrain warranty is longer, and, therefore, more generous than many rival luxury warranties. The brand also gets the owner started on Lexus car service with a one-year free maintenance plan.
Lexus RC vs Rivals
Among this car’s rivals, you’ll find the BMW 4 Series matches the RC F for horsepower, and it has athletic handling. The Audi A5 is another strong contender although it can’t match the RC F V8 horsepower. The Lexus RC has a strong advantage when it comes to reliability. It earns 4.5 out of 5, one of the highest predicted ratings among today’s cars.
Buying a sports car is all about how it fits your style and matches your expectations. The 2021 Lexus RC and RC F definitely work hard to earn a spot on a shopper’s test-drive list.
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