New for 2016
The 2016 Lexus RC sees two new engines added to its lineup, both of which are sure to add to its appeal. RC 200t models come with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the RC 300 employs a 3.5-liter V6 and AWD provides the added benefit of all-wheel drive at a lower price point than the RC 350 AWD, which is powered by a more powerful version of the RC 300s V6.
Lexus' 'Bad Boy'
The Lexus RC hasn't been around very long, but it's already establishing itself as the bad boy of Lexus' award-winning lineup. Not for anything negative, mind you. Instead, the RC is proving to world that despite Lexus' reputation for stellar build quality and unnmatched refinement, the Japanase automaker is more than capable of building a car that retains all of the things we've come to love about the Lexus brand while infusing it with the attitude and personality required of a sporty coupe.
Performance
A new year breathes new life into a model, and with the 2016 RC, Lexus has decided to increase its engine options, giving buyers greater choice of how they command their sporty coupe.
Filling out the bottom end is the 200t's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produces 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It employs an eight-speed automatic transmission with power sent to the rear wheels.
Next up is the RC 300 AWD. As its name suggests, it features the added handling benefit of all-wheel drive. Its motivation is derived from a 3.5-liter V6 that serves up 255 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Because of its standard all-wheel drive, the RC 300 AWD is an especially compelling model. It occupies the middle ground among the RC lineup and is a smart choice for shoppers that don't necessarily require the performance boost found on the RC 350.
Of course, if it's true power you crave then you simply cannot ignore the RC 350. Offered in either rear- or all-wheel drive, the RC 350 is powered by a beefier version of the RC 300's 3.5-liter V6. In its standard state of tune it produces 306 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard on rear-wheel drive models, while a six-speed automatic is used for all-wheel drive models.
Most sports coupes aren't mobile havens for the fuel-conscious, but the 2016 Lexus RC isn't like most sports coupes. Fuel economy is impressive, to say the least. The 200t earns an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined (22 city/32 highway); the RC 300 AWD earns an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined (19 city/26 highway);* and the RC 350 (RWD) earns an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined (19 city/28 highway). Finally, the AWD RC 350 returns the same fuel economy figures as the RC 300 AWD.
Note that Lexus also offers the RC F, a high-performance version of the RC with a 5.0-liter V8 that produces 467 hp and 389 lb-ft of torque, as well as numerous other upgrades that essentially make it a separate model. Gas mileage does suffer a bit, though, at 19 mpg combined (16 mpg city, 25 mpg highway).*
Features
The 2016 Lexus RC is a two-door four-seat coupe. It's available in three different trims (RC 200t, RC 300, and RC 350) that largely correspond to the model's engine and drivetrain configuration, with prices starting at $39,995.**
That base price buys a lot of standard equipment, including 18-inch alloy wheels, heated exterior mirrors, automatic climate control, Siri Eyes Free voice control (for iPhone users, Bluetooth® for everyone), and a 10-speaker audio system.
Notable options include a navigation and infotainment system with touch pad controller. It includes Lexus Enform Destinations telematics (subscription required) that helps find nearby points of interest, as well as the Enform App Suite with Pandora®, Bing®, Yelp®, iHeartRadio©, and other apps.
A Mark Levinson® Premium Surround Sound system can be added to that, with 17 speakers and 835 watts of audio power.
Upgrading to the F Sport nets the above-mentioned performance hardware, plus model-specific 19-inch wheels, and a unique front fascia with black mesh grille.
Design
When it comes to styling, the 2016 RC is a welcome departure from Lexus's traditional design language. The RC boasts an aggressive grille that immediately catches the attention, while the sharply cut headlights jut backwards and form a strong character line that stretches all the way to the back of the vehicle. It even has an aggressive stance, thanks to the RC's flaired fenders, which gives the appearance that this Lexus is ready to be called into action at any moment.
The interior has a complimentary bold and modern look. It also borrows cues from the IS and NX, including a stepped center console that not only looks like nothing in any other luxury car, but also helps put controls within easy reach. A touchpad controller for the optional infotainment system replaces the joystick used in previous Lexus models.
The F Sport model further jazzes things up with aluminum pedals, sport seats, and a TFT gauge cluster taken straight out of the LFA supercar.
Safety
A sporty coupe like the RC is a fairly frivolous kind of car, but that doesn’t mean Lexus ignored the practical consideration of safety. The RC comes standard with anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and front, knee, side, and curtain airbags. Blind-spot monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and radar-guided cruise control are optional.
Verdict
The 2016 Lexus RC provides the same great Lexus reliability and quality we've all come to love, but throws in aggressive styling and exceptional performance. And with its new engine options, drivers looking for an exhilirating sport coupe are bound to find a model that, like a finely tailored suit, fits their lives perfectly.
Want to discover for yourself what the 2016 RC can do? Contact us online or visit 3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516 to schedule a test drive.
*2016 EPA-estimated ratings. Actual mileage will vary.
**MSRP does not include delivery, processing and handling fee of $975. Excludes taxes, title, license and optional equipment.
Image Credit: Lexus
