2015 Lexus Rc in Orlando, FL - $22,900

Lexus originally unveiled its striking new rear-wheel drive 2015 RC 350 coupe at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. The RC raises Lexus’ profile with a broader audience, injecting emotional appeal into the Lexus DNA which has become well known for building quality, refinement and reliability.

The all-new RC is part of a ride and handling revolution at Lexus, which started with GS mid-size luxury sedan and continued with the new IS sport sedan. The RC is a stand-alone model, rather than a two-door derivative of a sedan. Based on the GS platform, the coupe differs in all dimensions from the GS and IS lines.

The RC has been infused with deeply contoured lines, integrating the widest and lowest application yet of the Lexus spindle grille. It is unique in the Lexus range – wider, lower and shorter in wheelbase than the new IS sedan, providing a road stance that emphasizes the attraction of a luxury two-door vehicle. The unique headlamp design adopts the symbolic Lexus L-shaped motif front and rear. There are two choices of aluminum wheels – a deeply sculpted 10-spoke 19-inch and a muscular five-spoke 18-inch. A new red exterior paint color is made brighter and shows more contrast thanks to a new painting process.
Base power for the aggressively styled coupe is a dual-injection 3.5L V6 engine teamed with an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift with paddle shift automatic transmission. Models equipped with optional all-weather drive are equipped with a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i).

The RC’s strong and purpose-built chassis is the latest evolution of Lexus’ objective to achieve a world class driving experience, epitomized by the improved performance of both the GS and IS lines. The new Lexus coupe uses a double wishbone front suspension and multi-link suspension at the rear. Extra thick underbody rocker panels greatly increase the two-door’s rigidity to support driving performance. New manufacturing techniques pioneered in the LS and IS models, including the use of body adhesives, have strengthened the chassis. Aerodynamic aids, especially on the underbody, contribute to the handling package.

Inside the passenger cabin, highly acclaimed sports concept vehicles have greatly influenced the RC interior, making maximum use of contrasting colors, materials and lighting. A purpose-built Lexus-first lighting package provides a great sense of occasion, with illumination that reflects upwards, rather than downwards, to envelop the cabin. High contrast interior colors emphasize design lines and accentuate the elegant cabin. Genuineshimamoku wood highlights – the result of an intense, layered wood production technique refined by Lexus – are used to emphasize the surrounding trim.
The driver’s cockpit is divided into operational and display zones. The upper zone houses the instrument panel and a seven-inch navigation screen while a layered center console integrates a new Lexus-first Remote Touch Interface.

The seats utilize an integrated foaming construction method, much like the molding of racing seats, to ensure optimum occupant comfort and support which is important in a sport coupe.

Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 107.5; overall length: 184.8; width: 72.4; height: 54.9 (55.1 AWD)
All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 3.5L V6 – 314 hp at 6,000 rpm and 280 lbs-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm
Transmission: six-speed automatic, eight-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 19 city/28 hwy. (RWD); 19 city/26 hwy. (AWD)
Cargo capacity: 10.4 cubic feet

Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, dual front knee airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, traction control, vehicle stability control, LED daytime running lights, LED headlamps, front door side impact beams, engine immobilizer, Safety Connect, SmartAccess with push button start, Bluetooth hands free phone system, HomeLink programmable garage door opener, Siri Eyes Free, automatic power door locks, backup monitor, and location specific tire pressure monitor system.
Optional safety features – blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, LED fog lamps, front/rear intuitive park assist, pre-collision system with radar cruise control, navigation system, and rain-sensing wipers.

Warranty
Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile
Powertrain: 6-year/70,000 mile
Corrosion: 6-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 4-year/unlimited 24-hour

Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2015 Lexus RC coupe starts from $42,950 for the RWD model and $45,025 for AWD. Destination charges add $925.