The Lexus “RC” stands for “Radical Coupe” and its story began in 2015 when the engineers at Lexus envisioned a new, radical coupe version of the popular Lexus IS sports sedan. Originally available with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, 306-horsepower, and 8-speed transmission (RWD), the radical coupe has since expanded its lineup throughout the years, seeing substantial upgrades along with several model name changes – something that can be confusing for anyone shopping online for a new or L/Certified Lexus RC. Looking back on the RC story and it’s many name changes, we cannot help but think of William Shakespeare’s famous soliloquy in Romeo & Juliet, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name smell as sweet.”

Striking from every angle, the Lexus RC is crafted to stand apart and designed to turn heads. The radical coupe features a bold front fascia, strong character lines, and quick reflexes. For 2021, the RC model lineup will see several enhancements and additional standard features that build on an already solid, dynamic platform.

With a litany of noteworthy enhancements, color changes, and even more standard features, we thought it best to share what’s new for the 2021 Lexus RC by simply listing them below.

• Maximum horsepower is now reached at a lower RPM for RC 300 RWD; previously 5,800 RPM, now 5,200 RPM for 2021
• Adaptive Control has been added to RC 300 RWD transmission; it automatically selects a suitable gear according to driving conditions and driver input-independent of Drive Mode Select mode
• Increased fuel economy for RC 300 and RX 350
• The rear stabilizer bar has been strengthened and the diameter has been increased
• Rear brake rotor diameter has been changed on non-F SPORT models; previously 12.2-inch, now 12.7-inch
• On F SPORT models, Active Sound Control (ASC) has been revised for a clearer, more powerful sound

• Grecian Water (8Y6) paint color now available
• Nebula Gray Pearl (1H9) paint color discontinued
• Blue Vortex Metallic (8X9) paint color discontinued (for anyone sad about this one, just check out the new Grecian Water)
• Heated electrochromic side-view mirrors now standard
• Fuel tank capacity has increased from 17.4 gallons to 17.5 gallons … yes!

• Steering Wheel horn pad design updated
• Metallic silver-painted trim changed to satin silver-painted trim
• Shift knob chrome-painted ornamentation changed to satin silver-painted ornamentation
• The brake pedal pad shape and orientation has been updated to increase contact surface area between the pad and sole of the foot

• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) has been updated to all-speed; previously high-speed only
• Parking Brake changed to electric type (just looking at the 2021 RC pictures on Lexus.com makes us wonder if those pictures need to be updated… let us know your thoughts in the comments below)
  • Removes footwell pedal
  • Adds parking brake switch to the lower instrument panel and brake hold switch in the center console
  • Adds Brake Hold indicator to Multi-Information Display (MID)
• Rear seatbelt reminder for all seats has been added
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) now standard
• Fuel cap tightening reminder added to MID

• RC 300 F SPORT and RC 350 F SPORT Black Line Special Edition (RWD: SE, AWD: SF … for anyone ordering their new RC and in need of the codes)
  • Special Edition with a total of 350 units. Learn more about the Black Line Special Edition here.
  • Contents of F SPORT Style
  • Available in Cloudburst Gray (1L1) or Ultra White (083)
  • Exclusive Bright Black radiator grille
  • Black-painted exterior mirrors
  • Black chrome-plated exhaust tips
  • 19-inch F SPORT wheels with Black Sputter Chrome finish
  • Premium triple-beam LED headlamps
  • F SPORT Black NuLuxe with silver stitching
  • Ash Wood interior ornamentation
  • Ash Wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel
  • Two-piece Zero Halliburton luggage set

We couldn’t leave anyone still wondering about the different RC model names in limbo any longer. Let’s break it down and make it easy for anyone shopping for a new or L/Certified Lexus RC coupe.

First, a little history. The Lexus RC 350 was first built in 2015 and came with a 3.5-liter V6, 306-horsepower, with an 8-speed transmission on the RWD model and a six-speed automatic matched to the AWD models. Well, in 2016, Lexus expanded the RC lineup with two new engines. The RC 200t was born and powered by a 241-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder while a new RC 300 had 255-horsepower and 3.5-liter V6. In 2017, triple-beam LED headlights were offered on the RC 350, and the RC 350 RWD featured standard Yamaha suspension dampers. Fast forward another year, and in 2018 Lexus added forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane departure alert with steering assist and, adaptive cruise control to the RC standard list of features. The RC 200t was also renamed in 2018 to the RC 300. Another improvement, the RC V6 versions gained 5 horsepower; the AWD RC 300 was rated at 260-horsepower while the RC 350 delivered 311-horsepower.

The RC coupe saw substantial upgrades in 2019 with fresh style updates in the front and rear, revised springs and shocks, and an updated turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The 2020 RC (available and on sale right now at Lexus RGV) offered updated option choices but remained pretty much unchanged.

For the “standard” RC, you can get four different named model styles.

• RC 300 RWD – 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 241-HP
• RC 300 AWD – 3.5-liter V6 with 260-HP
• RC 350 RWD – 3.5-liter V6 with 311-HP
• RC 350 AWD – same engine as the RWD model but with slightly lower fuel economy of 19/26/22

The RC coupe is also available – and wildly popular in the F SPORT style. Drivers looking to up their game with more performance and race-inspired styling would be interested in the RC F SPORT. The RC F SPORT models are available in the RC 300 F SPORT RWD, RC 300 F SPORT AWD, RC 350 F SPORT RWD, and the RC 350 F SPORT AWD.

Exclusive F SPORT features include:

• Unique front bumper, grille, and rear valence
• F SPORT-tuned suspension
• Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS)
• 19-inch split-five spoke alloy wheels with summer (RWD) or all-season (AWD) tires
• Drive Mode Select with Eco, Normal, Sport S, Sport S+, and Custom modes
• Rain-sensing wipers (worth the upgrade alone!)
• F SPORT bolstered front heated and ventilated power seats
• Lexus Memory System for driver’s seat, outside mirrors, and steering wheel position
• Aluminum pedals and black headliner
• LC-inspired instrumentation with G-force monitor
• Standard navigation system with a 10.3-inch display

The Lexus RC offers evocative style and sophistication all while delivering an engaging yet comfortable driving experience. But as the saying goes, nothing beats the feel of the wheel. To fully appreciate the radical Lexus coupe, we invite you to test drive at North Park Lexus Rio Grande Valley.

Contact our team at North Park Lexus Rio Grande Valley to learn more about the Lexus RC or shop our in-stock inventory online here.