2019 RC Coupe Gets Mid-Cycle Upgrades

RC Gets Upgrades for Mid-cycle

A couple of weeks ago at the Paris Motor Show, we got our first glimpse of the new 2019 Lexus RC Coupe, which is expected to be available in November. The RC is getting a few styling changes in this mid-model update, but don't worry, nothing earth-shattering is on the horizon. In fact, most of the changes are minor design tweaks concentrated on the front and rear ends of the car.

Front Fascia Changes

Up front, the headlights and bumper feature an all-new design. Since all lights have been moved into one unit, the headlight's shape is now cleaner, giving the RC a more modern appearance.  Fortunately the oversized grille, like it or not, hasn't gotten any larger, and in fact, looks more aesthetically pleasing between the better-integrated headlight design.

>>Join the conversation about the 2019 RC Coupe mid-model update right here in ClubLexus.

Around Back

In the rear, the redesigned taillights now look a bit more like those featured on the larger and much more expensive LC Coupe. This improvement gives the RC a more upscale and sophisticated look. The bumper has been redesigned as well. And just like the front end of the car, the finished product is simpler and cleaner than the current model.

>>Join the conversation about the 2019 RC Coupe mid-model update right here in ClubLexus.

Modest Interior Improvements

The RC's interior has not been altered save for a few minor trim tweaks. Lexus has proclaimed that "everything from the high-quality materials to the design of controls and gauges were reevaluated to maximize driving pleasure." Clearly, they must have felt that the driving pleasure was completely maximized. The biggest change seems to be the "enlarged knee pads" which were raised to “create a heightened sense of space.” Also, the Lexus infotainment system has been improved and is now compatible with Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa, though Android Auto is still absent.

>>Join the conversation about the 2019 RC Coupe mid-model update right here in ClubLexus.

Power Under the Hood

The base, rear-wheel-drive RC 300 utilizes a 241-horsepower, 2.0-liter, turbocharged I4 engine. According to Lexus, the mid-model offering comes with an updated ECU to "optimize shift schedule, throttle and turbocharger response." The RC 300 with all-wheel drive will give you a 3.5-liter V6 that generates 260 horses. The RC 350 uses the same V6 engine, but its output is boosted to 311 horsepower regardless of whether you choose rear- or all-wheel drive.

>>Join the conversation about the 2019 RC Coupe mid-model update right here in ClubLexus.

A More Responsive Ride

Lexus says the 2019 RC has recalibrated electronic power steering as well as revised springs and shock absorbers. Clearly, Lexus was intent upon providing a more stable ride quality and sharper handling characteristics, promising a more responsive car than before. 

Pricing starts at $41,145 for the rear,-drive RC 300, with the RC 300 AWD coming in at $43,835, the RC 350 RWD at $44,075 and the RC 350 AWD at $46,240. Lexus still sells the V8-powered RC F, too, though it appears to carry over into 2019 largely unchanged.

>>Join the conversation about the 2019 RC Coupe mid-model update right here in ClubLexus.

Despite the Sales Licking, the RC Keeps on Ticking

It is good to see Lexus still offering a sporty 2-door car in the US, which makes sense since they position the IS sedan and RC coupe against German cars like the BMW 3 series sedan and 4 series coupe as well as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Audi A5 coupe and hatchback. What remains to be seen is how long this will last. While the German competition still sells pretty well, the Lexus RC has been struggling. Sales were down to 7363 units last year. From a “high” of 14,784 units sold in 2014, sales were down to 7,363 last year, a loss of about 50%. Even Infiniti was able to sell more than 10,700 units of their Q60 coupe last year. Although to be fair, that is a brand new model with a very attractive design. 

An all-new IS sedan is due out sometime next year and will probably be a bit larger considering the GS sedan will be discontinued at that point. If there is an all-new RC Coupe, it probably would not happen until 2020 at the earliest. Perhaps the second generation RC might morph into a two-door wagon/hatch (aka Shooting Brake) and with the way things are going now, who knows, it could even be electric.

>>Join the conversation about the 2019 RC Coupe mid-model update right here in ClubLexus.

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