Meet the new Lexus RC inspired by traditional Japanese ink

The athletic lines of the Lexus RC 300h F Sport coupe have been given added impact in a dramatic new Black Edition model, which went on sale at the start of this month following its appearance at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show.

As its name declares, the Black Edition emphasises a dynamic and stealthy look with a range of new black styling elements inspired by the dense colour of Japanese sumi ink, used for centuries in traditional brush painting and calligraphy.

The F Sport spindle grille, with its graduated ‘L’ motif mesh pattern, has a new dark chrome finish, and the lower framework incorporates new circular LED fog lights that are unique to this model.

The 19-inch F Sport alloy wheels feature a contrasting matt black and bright machined finish, while the window mouldings are fabricated in black stainless steel that tones smartly with the coupe’s Graphite Black metallic paintwork.

In the cabin, the F Sport seats and steering wheel are upholstered in black leather, with detailing picked out in vibrant orange stitching – an eye-catching detail that is also applied to the inner door panels. There are also new wood trim inserts with a deep black colour achieved through staining with sumi ink, plus a sunroof sat within black headlining.

In terms of equipment, the Black Edition builds on specification found on the F Sport Premier Pack model, which itself is new for 2018 (see subheading below for more details). Its hybrid powertrain, which features a 2.5-litre petrol engine and powerful electric motor, produces a maximum full-system output of 220bhp yet delivers combined cycle fuel economy from 56.5mpg and CO2 emissions from 116g/km.

The new Lexus RC 300h F Sport Black Edition went on sale 1 May, priced at £45,165.

Lexus RC upgrades for 2018

The Lexus RC 300h coupe benefits from new equipment and technology features for 2018, 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. In addition, all models are now equipped with Lexus Premium Navigation displayed within a 10.3-inch multimedia screen.

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, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The RC is also available in a new Naples Yellow colour (as image above), a vivid finish created using Chroma mica particles.

Lexus RC F upgrades for 2018

From a visual perspective, the 2018 Lexus RC F is fitted with new 19-inch machined alloy wheels, while the cabin features new Alcantara trim over the heated front seats. Two new colours are available – Naples Yellow (as image below) and Sonic Titanium – and metallic paint is now included in the on-the-road price.

Similar to its RC siblings, all high-performance RC F models are now equipped with Lexus Safety System+. The models are also equipped with a new Drive Start Control system, a switchable system that helps prevent abrupt starts and suppresses excessive acceleration when using the shift lever.

A new RC F Plus Pack model builds on the standard version with 19-inch forged alloy wheels, semi-aniline leather upholstery, front seat ventilation, a card key and leather F-style steering wheel with leather trim and integrated heater. Extra safety functions and a bespoke Mark Levinson audio package are also included, and this model can be specified with an optional sunroof and torque-vectoring differential.

Finally, 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). Click here for more information on this new directive.