The latest iteration of the Lexus RC 350 F-Sport model landed locally in 2019. Since then Lexus announced two performance-oriented derivatives namely the RC F and RC F Track Edition as well as an upgrade to the parking brake and infotainment system. While the Lexus RC 350 F-Sport offer striking styling on both the interior and exterior, the RC F and RC F Track Edition takes it to the next level.
Similar to its competitors the Lexus RC range caters for a wide audience ranging from those looking for a comfortable and elegant coupe to those that prefer razor-sharp steering and the performance from a V8 engine. Let us take a closer look at the top three things you need to know about the Lexus RC range.
1. Powertrain
As alluded to earlier, each of the three Lexus RC models caters to different demographics. The RC 350 F-Sport offers the least amount of power, however, ample for those weekend breakfast runs. The RC F and RC F Track Edition come with a completely different engine, more suited to performance enthusiasts.
| Lexus RC 350 F-Sport | Lexus RC F | Lexus RC F Track Edition | |
| Engine | 3.5-litre V6 petrol | 5.0-litre V8 petrol | 5.0-litre V8 petrol |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Power | 232 kW | 351 kW | 351 kW |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 530 Nm | 530 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 6.3s | 4.3s | 4.3s |
| Top speed | 230 km/h | 270 km/h | 270 km/h |
| Fuel consumption | 9.1 L / 100 km | 11.2 L / 100 km | 11.2 L / 100 km |
| CO2 emission | 212 g/km | 254 g/km | 254 g/km |
*The information listed in this table has been sourced from www.duoporta.co.za
2. Safety
Considering the size of the Lexus RC models, it is hard to imagine more than four airbags fitted. The Japanese automaker, however, managed to fit eight airbags into a car, two in front of the driver and front passenger, two side airbags for the driver and front passenger, two units to protect the knees of both front occupants and a curtain airbag on each side of the vehicle.
Furthermore, owners can expect their Lexus RC to come fitted with ABS brakes with electronic brake assist as well as stability control and traction control systems. In addition to this, the RC range is serviced by lane keep assist as well as blind-spot monitoring, electronic parking brake and hill-start assist. ISOFIX mounting points also feature on the outer rear seats.
3. Tech and infotainment
Another stand out feature as part of the standard assist systems is the adaptive cruise control which works in conjunction with the lane-keep assist system to keep the vehicle true in its lane and at a safe speed and distance behind the vehicles upfront. This means more of your attention can be grabbed by the 7.0-inch infotainment system.
The system is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and offers Bluetooth pairing as well as USB and AUX inputs. The system also offers owners navigation as standard as well as an impressive 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.
