The Luxury Sports Coupe, Reimagined: The 2019 Lexus RC

TORONTO, ON – November 26, 2018 – Fulfill your passion for performance and luxury in the true coupe that delivers intense driving pleasure. The 2019 Lexus RC series puts power at your command and exceptional agility at your fingertips in a coupe noted for its strikingly assertive styling and dynamic, driver-focused cockpit. For 2019, Lexus offers this premium coupe in a selection of models and trim levels, including the all-new RC 300 AWD Signature edition.

“The RC embodies our commitment to provide Canadians with an emotional driving experience, defined by its svelte, sporty appearance and versatile driving character,” said Jennifer Barron, Director of Lexus in Canada. “This year, we build on all the virtues of this popular premium luxury coupe by infusing it with fresher design cues and sharper driving dynamics, inspired by our flagship LC series coupe – and add a new entry point to make it easier than ever for Canadian drivers to indulge in performance and luxury.”

Drawing on “sharper and more graceful” – the driving concept that defined the flagship Lexus LC series coupes – Lexus engineers have succeeded in making the new RC thoroughly fun to drive by focusing their attention on the details, such as enhancing the car’s aerodynamics and fine-tuning the suspension system and powertrain. Armed with a flatter and more stable ride quality and sharper handling characteristics derived from the LC, the new RC is more athletic and responsive than ever.

All RC models are built around a 3.5L V6 Direct Injection 4-Stroke engine. In the RC 300 AWD model, this generates up to 260 horsepower. In the RC 350 AWD model, performance is boosted to 311 horsepower.

Regardless of horsepower, the V6 delivers power to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission engineered to optimize power delivery and fuel efficiency. This transmission features sequential shift mode with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, enabling downshifts in just 0.2 seconds. All models feature the Lexus Drive Mode Select system, which lets guests choose between Sport, Normal and Eco modes to match their mood and driving conditions. F SPORT editions also feature the Sport+ mode to customize performance to driving style.

Enhanced aerodynamics – such as a new fin shape on the side window mold and a duct on the rear bumper that improves air flow – resulting in reduced drag and better handling stability. Meantime, chassis engineers subjected the new RC to a significant amount of real-world testing to fine-tune the suspension to achieve both supple ride quality and razor-sharp handing. Upgrades include new shock absorbers that provide significant damping force plus stiffer suspension bushings.

This performance machine has the styling to match. The 2019 Lexus RC channels the spirit of the LC with a wider stance and lower centre of gravity, plus a sharper front bumper and spindle grille design and new character lines that emphasize its low proportions and planted stance. Precision-machined aluminum wheels add to the RC’s muscular image. Other updated features include vertically arranged extra-small triple LED headlamps and new L-shaped clearance lamps, air ducts at the corners of the RC’s rear bumper, and rear combination lamps with more pronounced L-shaped lenses.

Even as it performs, the Lexus RC series also pampers. LED ambient lighting reveals a driver-focused cabin featuring improved materials and workmanship. A “hairline” treatment applied to the climate control panel and audio panel enhances the RC’s expression of quality, while enlarged knee pads have been raised to sandwich the centre cluster, creating a heightened sense of space. The shape of the palm rest is new and stitching has been added to the surface that expresses the Lexus attention to detail. A new analogue clock, identical to the one found in the LC, sits atop the instrument panel – making it a signature feature of all Lexus coupes. The RC puts everything at the driver’s command – including a tachometer, dual trip odometer, fuel economy meter and eco drive monitor, the smart key system with push button start, and more.

Great drives include a great soundtrack, and the RC series provides ample opportunity to match the music to the mood, with a Display Audio system including Lexus Enform Audio, integrated Sirius XM Satellite Radio, Apple Car Play, Bluetooth® connectivity, USB audio inputs, and more.

Other features and amenities standard on all RC models include dual zone automatic climate control with Eco air conditioning, a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat to maximize cargo handling, leather-wrapped steering wheel, HomeLink universal transceiver and more.

As a Lexus, the 2019 RC series also offers drivers and passengers peace of mind through a comprehensive safety package – starting with Lexus Safety System +. This bundle of active safety technologies (pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beam system) is now standard equipment on 98% of all new models Lexus offers in Canada. LSS+ supports the driver’s awareness and decision-making under a variety of traffic conditions and contingencies. Other standard safety features include Lexus Enform Safety Connect, a backup camera, eight airbags, a direct tire pressure monitoring system with auto location, anti-theft system and more. There’s even an onboard first-aid kit.

For 2019, the Lexus RC Series is offered in a range of models and trim levels, as follows:

The 2019 Lexus RC 300 AWD Signature (starting MSRP: $48,950) is an all-new configuration, built around many of the most popular features in the RC series but with a starting MSRP that’s almost $2,000 less than the lowest-priced 2018 model – making the RC series more attractive than ever. Standard features include Bi-LED headlamps, a 10-speaker Display Audio system with Enform, Apple CarPlay and Scout GPS Link, cornering lamps, 18” alloy wheels, and more. This model may be enhanced with a choice of two upgrade packages, as follows:

• The 2019 Lexus RC 300 AWD Premium Package (starting MSRP: $52,000) adds a driver’s seat memory system, heated power-tilting steering wheel, power moon roof, 19” alloy wheels, ventilated front seats, automatic wipers, plus a number of safety technologies – including the Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist.


• The 2019 Lexus RC 300 AWD F SPORT Series 2 (starting MSRP: $56,600) is priced $1,250 below its 2018 equivalent. It builds on the Premium Package, adding the Drive Mode Select system with custom mode, sport-tuned steering, adaptive variable suspension systems, active noise control, 19” alloy wheels, ventilated F SPORT style front seats, and more. F SPORT detailing includes the mesh front grille, a sport steering wheel, seat cladding, triple LED headlamps, an instrument cluster derived from the Lexus LFA Super Car, and more. The Enform system also receives an upgrade, including navigation with embedded traffic and weather, destination assist, and more.

For those seeking additional power and performance, the 2019 Lexus RC 350 AWD F SPORT Series 3 (starting MSRP: $62,000) also enjoys a $1,250 discount compared to its 2018 equivalent. This model features a 17 speaker Mark Levinson Premium Audio system with Enform enhancements including navigation with embedded traffic and weather, destination assist, and more. This model is also equipped with adaptive variable suspension systems, active noise control, Drive Mode Select with custom mode, sport-tuned steering, a power moon roof, 19” alloy wheels, intuitive parking assist, the Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and more.

The 2019 Lexus RC Series is now on sale at Lexus Dealers across Canada. For complete and up to date details and specifications, visit www.lexus.ca/rc

About Lexus Canada

Lexus Canada is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Lexus luxury cars and sport utility vehicles through a sales and service network of 39 dealers across Canada. Guests have access to a wide range of luxury and performance vehicles with a total of 12 Lexus nameplates available in Canada, including the largest luxury hybrid lineup of 6 hybrid models. Inspired by bold design, intuitive technology, and peak performance, Lexus is committed to delivering the highest quality products and services and creating amazing experiences for their guests. The Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h are built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada’s (TMMC) award-winning Cambridge South plant. For more information about Lexus and Lexus products, please visit: www.lexus.ca.

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