2018 Lexus RC Gets Performance Bump, Standard Navigation

Now in its third year, Lexus has given the RC lineup minor changes for 2018. The most notable change is the modest five horsepower bump for V6-powered models, which brings output for the 3.5-liter V6 in the RC 300 AWD up to 260 hp and up to 311 hp for the V6 in the RC 350 models.

While the RC 300 and RC 350 models get an increase in power, the RC 200t receives a strange name change to join the RC 300 family, as it is now called the RC 300 (RWD). Power, though, still comes from a 241-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine. This probably won't be confusing at all (sarcasm).

Other changes that affect the entire RC family include a new, larger 10.3-inch screen, the addition of Enform Safety Connect, which is a 24-hour emergency response system, and Enform Service Connect that helps owners keep track of the their car’s health by providing and sending maintenance notifications to a preferred dealer, for 10 years.

Lexus Enform Destination Assist and the automaker’s Wi-Fi system are now complimentary for the first year of ownership. Scout GPS Link, which allows owners to access cell phone-driven navigation and voice-activated search on the center display, is now available for a three-year trial period. Lexus’ suite of safety features, which is called Lexus Safety System+, is now standard and brings automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, a forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning with a steering assist system to the RC lineup.

Lastly, the RC F Sport model recieves a new exterior color called Flare Yellow and an updated Drive Mode Select that adds two new driving models, including Sport S+ that adjusts the coupe’s adaptive suspension, and Custom that allows drivers to customize the car’s suspension and powertrain settings to their liking.

While Lexus didn’t provide any information on the RC’s pricing, assuming things remain the same, the 2018 RC is a better value proposition than the 2017 model.