The 2018 Lexus RC 300h coupe benefits from new equipment and technology features, including the provision of Lexus Safety System+ as standard across the range.
This package of active safety and driver assistance functions includes a Pre-Collision System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic High Beam and Lane Departure Alert.
All RC models are also now equipped with Lexus Premium Navigation and a 10.3-inch multimedia display, operated using the Remote Touch touchpad control.
The range structure has been adjusted to accommodate a new F Sport with Premier Pack grade, which adds a number of high-quality features to the specification, including a 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system with DVD player and DAB, a sunroof, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
The Mark Levinson system now benefits from ClariFi and Quantum Logic Surround technology to improve sound reproduction and the quality of compressed audio files. DAB reception has been upgraded for seamless retuning when the car passes into new signal reception areas.
Detailed changes include a new “auto-away” function for the power-adjustable driver’s seat and (where fitted) steering column, for easier entry and exit, and new air conditioning display that details each individual heating and ventilation point around the cabin.
The RC is available in a new Naples Yellow body colour, a vivid finish created using Chroma mica particles.
Entry point to the RC line-up is the Luxury model, featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, Drive Mode Select (with a new Custom mode for the driver’s preferred settings), LED headlamps, smart entry and push-button start, dual-zone air conditioning, reversing camera, Lexus Premium Navigation, 10.3-inch multimedia screen, eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation functions, leather upholstery and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
The F Sport version adds a full exterior and interior F Sport styling package, triple-L LED headlights, Adaptive Variable Sports Suspension, an additional S+ mode in the Drive Mode Select menu, power steering column adjustment and auto-folding/dimming heated door mirrors with memory function.
Beyond the new F Sport with Premier Pack (detailed above), the RC line-up offers a Premier grade, which extends the Luxury specification with 19-inch wheels, Mark Levinson surround sound system, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, power steering column adjustment, a memory setting for the driver’s seat and door mirror, auto-folding/dimming heated door mirrors rain-sensing wipers and LED front indicators. A sunroof can be fitted as an option.
The new RC range is on sale now, for latest prices visit lexus.co.uk.
Drive Start Control
Drive Start Control is a new, standard feature on the RC F that helps prevent abrupt starts and suppresses excessive acceleration when using the shift lever.
If the driver operates the shift lever while depressing the accelerator, Drive Start Control regulates power output from the engine to keep speed and acceleration below a pre-determined level. At the same time, a warning will illuminate in the instrument panel. The system does not operate when the car’s traction control is switched off.
Lexus RC F
The V8-powered RC F performance coupe is available in an expanded model range for 2018 that includes a new Plus Pack version in addition to the standard RC F and the RC F Carbon.
All now come equipped with Lexus Safety System+, including a Pre-Collision System and Adaptive Cruise Control, and there is an additional Custom setting for the Drive Mode Select. The standard RC F is fitted with new-design 19-inch alloy wheels with machined finish, while in the cabin the heated front seats have a new Alcantara trim.
Other standard features include an active/retractable rear spoiler, Brembo brakes, Adaptive Variable Suspension, LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, Lexus Premium Navigation, 10-speaker audio system with DAB and DVD player and a 10.3-inch multimedia screen. Like its RC coupe counterpart, the RC F has a new automatic “away” function for the power-adjustable driver’s seat and steering column, for easy entry and exit.
The new RC F Plus Pack builds the specification with 19-inch forged alloys, semi-aniline leather upholstery, front seat ventilation, a card key and leather F-style steering wheel with leather trim and integrated heater. The active safety provisions extend to a Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist. The audio package is upgraded to a bespoke 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium hi-fi system. This model can also be specified with an optional sunroof and torque-vectoring differential.
The RC F Carbon specification is unchanged, with distinctive elements such as CFRP carbon composite roof, bonnet and rear spoiler, Alcantara upholstery, carbon fibre trim inserts, torque vectoring differential and 19-inch forged alloys. A new Leather Pack option is available, consisting of semi-aniline leather upholstery, a ventilation function for the front seats and a heated steering wheel.
Two new colours are available: Naples Yellow and Sonic Titanium. Metallic paint is now included in the RC F’s on-the-road prices.
The new RC F range is on sale now. Latest on-the-road prices are available on lexus.co.uk.
New fuel consumption and emissions data
The RC F is the first Lexus model to be tested under the new Euro 6d emissions standards and the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP).
WLTP is the new global standard for defining vehicle CO2 emissions and fuel economy, designed to produce data that is closer to the levels customers experience in day-to-day driving. Prior to WLTP data being rolled out in Europe from 2019, the fuel economy data is being communicated using the current NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) to create equivalent figures.
To comply with the new Euro 6d emissions requirements, the RC F’s exhaust system has been fitted with a new Gasoline Particulate Filter. This has brought about a change in the car’s power and torque output figures: maximum power is now 457bhp/341kW at 7,100rpm, with maximum torque of 520Nm delivered at 4,800rpm.The RC F also adopts the new Drive Start Control system featured on the 2018 Lexus RC (details above).
