1st Generation Lexus RC 300, 350, F and Track Edition Megathread

Faisal Sheikh

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I really like the Final Edition RC F - the touches are very nice. I struggle with $95k for that car the same way I was struggling with $80k for the regular RC F. Time and inflation have made it very expensive for a car that hasn't changed very much in the last 10 years.
In its defense, it is a hybrid of carbon fiber RCF and the TE RCF. It has the carbon ceramics from the RCF TE, has the wheels and the titanium exhaust from the TE. While, rest of the car is the carbon fiber package with a re-tuned rear differential for more acceleration/deceleration response (could mean either a re-tuned LSD or a shorter final drive).
 

qtb007

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Every single RWD Lexus was meant for Lexus first, then a Toyota variant came.
Such as? LS is the only one I can think of.

SC > Soarer was first
IS > Altezza was the model for Japan and was introduced at the same time
LS > Celsior was the reaction to the LS
GS > Crown was first
GX > Prado was first
LX > Land Cruiser was first
RC > never had a Toyota version
LC > never had a Toyota version

Maybe I'm missing some nameplates, but other than the LS and Celsior, the other nameplates either rolled in with the redesign of an existing Toyota model or had a Toyota model from the outset.
 
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Such as? LS is the only one I can think of.

SC > Soarer was first
IS > Altezza was the model for Japan and was introduced at the same time
LS > Celsior was the reaction to the LS
GS > Crown was first
GX > Prado was first
LX > Land Cruiser was first
RC > never had a Toyota version
LC > never had a Toyota version

Maybe I'm missing some nameplates, but other than the LS and Celsior, the other nameplates either rolled in with the redesign of an existing Toyota model or had a Toyota model from the outset.
The RC was on the new N platform, which had the IS, and only you had the Altezza/Mark X.

The LC was on the GA-L platform, meant for Lexus vehicles, and the only Toyota that was on that platform later was the Mirai and the S220 Crown.

The original LS' platform was meant for Lexus, and same for the IS. A Toyota variant spawned because Lexus didn't exist in Japan until 2005.

You're delving way too deep into the semantics. My point is that there was at least some effort to have dedicated platforms for Lexus in mind.
 
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Because we did not see RWD Toyota sedans here in North America.
The only RWD Toyota sedans at that time were the JZX family, Crown, and Century. Those were long-standing nameplates that were in production for a long time. Toyotas started to change ever since Lexus came into the fray.
 

Faisal Sheikh

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Lexus of Canada press release on RCF Final Edition


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  • Lexus will offer an RC F Final Edition as production of the RC and RC F comes to an end
  • RC F adopts specially assembled engine and rear differential
  • Three powertrains offer a choice of performance and efficiency
  • Starting MSRP: $58,499


TORONTO, JANUARY 16, 2025
– After a decade on the market and more than a combined 90,000 units sold across 62 countries and regions, the Lexus RC and RC F will officially be discontinued in December 2025. With a storied run achieving success from the street to the racetrack, these models have seen the white flag, signaling their last lap. Exemplifying a pedigree wrought with innovative technology, motorsport dynamics, eye-catching style, and a head-turning stance, the Lexus RC and RC F present their finale. Offering consumers exhilarating performance and unparalleled grace with the quality and craftsmanship synonymous to the Lexus brand, the RC and RC F will cross the proverbial finish line in harmony at the conclusion of this year.

“The RC and RC F series are ready to fulfill any passion for high performance,” said Martin Gilbert, Director of Lexus Canada. “Our popular RC luxury sport coupe offers style, features, and safety to transform every drive into an amazing experience, while our high-performance RC F will be offered in a unique special edition for 2025.”

2025 Lexus RC

The 2025 Lexus RC proudly displays its sporty credentials with an aggressively crafted exterior featuring sharp front bumper and character lines that emphasize its low proportions and planted stance, enhanced by precision-machined 19-inch wheels. The prominent signature Lexus Spindle Grille gives way to the more aggressive Mesh design on F SPORT grades. All models feature LED headlamps with integrated L-motif daytime running lights and taillights.

Inside, the RC series welcomes up to four adults to a cabin designed with performance driving in mind. Front row seats are power adjustable, heated, and crafted to support driver and navigator during spirited manoeuvres, while rear seats are 60/40 split folding to maximize cargo handling versatility. All models are enhanced with sporty touches and intelligent amenities throughout the cabin, while the driver-focussed cockpit makes it easy to see all instrumentation and puts controls within intuitive reach.

Under the hood, Lexus engineers have developed two distinctive powertrains for the RC series:

  • The RC 300 AWD models feature a 3.5L direct injection V6 that generates 260 horsepower and up to 236 lb-ft of torque.
  • The RC 350 AWD features a more aggressively tuned version of the same engine fitted with a sound-amplifying resonator. This powertrain delivers up to 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.
All models feature the additional all-weather driving confidence of all-wheel-drive, plus a six-speed automatic transmission. In addition, every RC features a three-position Drive Mode Select system (Sport, Normal, ECO), which adjusts the powertrain’s performance to match the driver’s mood.

Every 2025 RC features advanced yet intuitive technology features, headlined by display audio systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Every model also features the Lexus Enform bundle of connectivity services – including Remote Connect, Service Connect, and Safety Connect.

As a Lexus, every RC luxury coupe is impressively equipped with state of the art safety features. All models are fitted with Lexus Safety System + 2.5 – a portfolio of Lexus active safety technologies that supports the driver’s awareness and decision-making under a range of traffic conditions and contingencies. Other standard safety systems include the Blind Spot Monitor System with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, the Lexus Star Safety System, eight airbags, a backup camera with Back Guide Monitor, an anti-theft alarm system, and a tire pressure monitoring system with auto location.

Lexus offers Canadian Guests a choice of three RC grades, as follows:

The 2025 Lexus RC 300 AWD Premium introduces guests to the luxury sport coupe experience. This model features a 10-speaker Lexus Display Audio system with an eight-inch touch screen and SIRI Eyes-Free, 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps with washers, LED cornering lamps, a power moon roof, heated and ventilated front seats, NuLuxe upholstery, a driver’s seat memory system, a heated steering wheel on a power adjustable steering column, dual zone automatic climate control, reverse auto-tilting and heated exterior mirrors, electronic parking brake.

The 2025 Lexus RC 300 AWD F SPORT 2 enhances the Premium package by adding more aggressive performance and style elements from the Lexus F SPORT catalogue – including 19-inch F SPORT alloy wheels and a full exterior and interior F SPORT Design Package. Other upgrades include the Adaptive Variable Suspension system, triple LED headlamps, a gauge cluster inspired by the Lexus LFA Super Car, Lexus Navigation plus a 10.3-inch touch screen display, an additional Sport+ mode on the Drive Mode Select system, and Intuitive Parking Assist.

The 2025 Lexus RC 350 AWD F SPORT 3 boosts horsepower and torque, then builds on the F SPORT 2 configuration by adding a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system with integrated Sirius XM Satellite Radio.

2025 Lexus RC F

The high-performance RC F arrives in 2025 as a mono spec special edition. Building off the previous year’s Performance Package, the RC F Final Edition receives mechanical and aesthetic enhancements to further complement its GT3-inspired looks, cunning dynamics, and a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 producing 472 horsepower.

The standard F-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension and 19-inch BBS split-5-spoke lightweight forged aluminum wheels wrapped in Michelin® Pilot Sport® 4 S tires (sized 255/35ZR19 front, 275/35ZR19 rear) provide superior surefootedness, while massive six-piston front, four-piston rear Brembo® brakes bring everything to a standstill. Having those Brembo brakes onboard is critical to reigning in the excitement brought on by the naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8. The venerable 2UR-GSE has been further refined to deliver a smooth revving feel and exhilarating engine sound. In tandem with these efforts, the rear differential is handcrafted by skilled technicians who adjust the backlash to improve acceleration and deceleration responses, elevating the already high-quality driving feel of this storied powertrain. It takes an estimated 4.5 seconds to accelerate to 100 km/h from a standstill.

In Canada, The RC F Final Edition will be available in a single Incognito exterior colour. Standard exterior features include triple-beam LED headlamps, along with a carbon fibre roof, side rocker panels, front spoiler and rear diffuser, lightweight 19-in BBS® alloy wheels, red brake calipers, and black automatic electric folding door mirrors. An active rear wing rounds out the exterior upgrades further adding both function and flare to the muscular coupe.

Inside, the RC F Final Edition gets a bespoke black and red leather/Ultrasuede interior that comes standard with a Mark Levinson premium audio system and a 10.3-in. touchscreen. A carbon fibre “Final Edition” emblem adorns the front console signifying each car’s production number in this limited run.

Bold digital instrumentation displays everything from the G-force meter to Launch Control status offset by an analog speedometer. RC F’s eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift transmission with downshift rev-matching features and optimally positioned paddle shifters allow for split-second upshifts all the way to its 270 km/h top track speed.

For 2025, Lexus offers Canadian Guests the RC F in a unique Special Edition:

The 2025 Lexus RC F Final Edition features a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, triple-beam LED headlamps, heated & ventilated front seats, a 10.3-inch touch screen display and Intuitive Parking Assist. Unique exterior features include carbon fibre roof, front splitter, rear diffuser and side skirts, black exterior mirrors, an active rear wing, 19” ultra-lightweight forged BBS wheels, Brembo brakes with red brake calipers. Performance updates include Takumi engine tuning, and a Torsen limited slip differential. Inside, this special edition features exclusive Circuit Red and Black Ultrasuede interior, red seatbelts, interior carbon trims, an Ultrasuede power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, console serial badging, F puddle lamps and an exclusive Final Edition MID start up animation.

2025 Lexus RC and RC F Series pricing

ModelStarting MSRPEstimated Vehicle Price*
RC 300 AWD Premium$58,499$61,839
RC 300 AWD F SPORT 2$64,015$67,355
RC 350 AWD F SPORT 3$68,880$72,220
RC F Final Edition$112,060$115,400
*NOTE: Vehicle Price includes MSRP/Delivery and Destination charges/AC charge/maximum Dealer fees/maximum other fees and charges, and excludes taxes, license, insurance and registration.

The 2025 Lexus RC and RC F Series are expected to arrive in Canadian dealerships in the first quarter of this year.

For complete and up to date details and specifications on the Lexus RC Series, visit www.lexus.ca/rc and www.lexus.ca/rcf.

 

Randen Montalvo

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The sales figures say otherwise. Lexus is growing, just not the way some of us want it to. I think we should deal with the reality that Lexus isn't going to be a Japanese BMW.
This is a fair opinion and was initially my wish during the Yaguchi years. Yaguchi San was targeting BMW and thats what made many BMW guys like myself go ....wait Lexus has a performance brand and jump ship. Im optimistic but im certainly aware of Akio's public wishes for GR which are very very clear at this point. The only thing not clear is Lexus performance at this time. Toyota is already sorted. I'm staying positive.
 
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