- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru He Ar Fr
New Lexus RC. Another update
The Lexus RC is a beautiful Japanese quality coupe, produced since 2014. The Israeli market offered the 2-door sports compact car in the Lexus RC300 restyled in 2018 version with a 2.0-liter turbo engine producing 245 hp, and an 8-speed automatic gearbox. And if you think the time has come for a new generation, you are wrong… The car has been updated yet again! The new modernization hardly touched anything: the sporty RC F version got new wheels and a new multimedia system, and that’s probably it. In Japan, the new Lexus RC will appear in early 2023, and the updated car will reach other countries later.
Of course, everyone was waiting for a new generation, but the manufacturer was not generous: few of these cars are sold. Since sales began, the Lexus RC has only found 74,000 buyers in 62 countries. As for the RC F, around 11,000 cars were sold in 57 countries.
Exterior
The exterior of the updated car remains unchanged except for the rims: Enkei created new black rims with new graphics for the RC F Sport version, and the RC F can also boast new BBS rims in black with silver details.
Interior and electronics
The new multimedia system screen is touch-sensitive instead of the previous classic screen. It is still 10.3-inch, but its position has become more ergonomic, being closer to the driver and located above the center console. In addition, the Lexus Safety System+ package of assistance systems has become more extensive. The new coupe now offers recognition of pedestrians and cyclists in the dark, as well as passing vehicles turning at the intersection. The powerful RC F version got new paddle shifters.
Powertrains
The new 2023 Lexus RC is still rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive; in RC 300 (2.0 l, 245 hp), RC 300h (hybrid, 223 hp) and RC 350 (3.5 l, 318 hp) versions. The main role is assigned to a powerful modification with an 8-cylinder RC F engine (5.0 l, 481 hp). But the engineers adjusted the handling ability of their car: the power steering and electronic assistants have been reconfigured. The new design of the wheel hubs also deserves attention: the rims are no longer mounted on studs, but on bolts. The RC F features new springs and stabilizers, as well as body boosters. Of course, in order to feel these improvements you have to drive on the track at a minimum.
Future plans
Why is this modernization so moderate? Probably because the manufacturer has other plans. Lexus is actively working on a new SUV, satisfying the tastes of the majority. A vehicle with the name LT (or TX), related to the large 7-seater SUV popular among Israelis, the Toyota Highlander, will replace the 7-seater Lexus RX, of which the fifth generation has only 5 seats. By the way, we are waiting for the new 2023 RX in Israel. The premiere of the Lexus LT/TX is scheduled for spring 2023, and the SUV will go on sale next fall or even winter. It will be equipped with three rows of seats and will be based on the TNGA-K modular platform with transverse engines, including a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine. A hybrid with an electric motor on the rear axle is also expected. While the intrigue remains: it is not known if an all-electric modification will appear and what the car will look like!
