2015 Lexus RC 350 RWD Automatic

Model Highlights

The RC 350 is an all-new model for Lexus. The 2+2 sports coupe is not based on a previous sedan platform and was instead designed from a clean sheet. The RC's chassis builds on the successes of its model range however, and the result is exceptional stiffness. Lexus deems the RC "the best-handling regular production Lexus yet." While the car's shape screams its sporting intentions with every curve, the RC's performance begins underhood. Power comes from a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 -- good for 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The all-aluminum engine features intelligent dual variable valve timing (VVT-i) and Lexus' direct and port fuel injection. Rear-wheel-drive is standard, and the engine is mated to an 8-speed Sports Program Direct Shift transmission. Drivers can select one of three modes: Normal, Sport and Manual. In Manual mode, this translates to downshifts in just a tenth of a second, with full engine speed matching. Lexus also offers the RC 350 in all-wheel drive, or "all-weather drive." With a 6-speed automatic transmission, the system uses an electronic center differential to vary torque from the standard 20/80 front/rear to as much as 50/50. Braking in all RC 350s is quick and powerful in the RC 350, thanks to 13.1-inch and 12.2-inch rotors front and rear. Outside, all RC 350s feature standard 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, and heated exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals. Inside, the RC includes NuLuxe interior surfaces with aluminum and wood accents, a 60/40 split-fold rear seat, automatic climate control, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, cruise control, HomeLink, a 7-inch VGA screen, a 256-watt, 10-speaker audio system, back-up camera and more. The all-wheel drive RC 350 also features heated front seats. Factory options abound, including 19-inch wheels, a blind spot monitor, leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, parking assist, a moonroof, navigation and an 835-watt Mark Levinson 17-speaker premium surround sound system. The all-wheel drive can be optioned with an All-Weather Package that includes headlamp washers, an instant-heat PTC heater, and a windshield de-icer. The Luxury Package adds many standalone options such as the blindspot indicator, heated/ventilated leather seats, rain-sensing wipers, and more. Finally, the optional F Sport Package adds a mesh grille, 19-inch alloy wheels with summer (RWD) or all-season (AWD) tires, adaptive variable suspension with a Sport+ driving mode, aluminum pedals, sport seats with contrast stitching, unique badging, and more. From Lexus' ultra-performance range of vehicles comes the RC F, which differs from the RC 350 in significant ways. For starters, it is powered by a 32-valve 5.0L V8 that makes 467 horsepower and 389 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel-drive only the RC F includes the eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic, a Torsen limited-slip differential, huge 15-inch front and 13.6-inch rear vented disc brakes, and unique "F" exterior and interior treatments. Lexus claims the RC F will hit 60 mph from a stop in just 4.4 seconds, on its way to a 170-mph top speed. Safety is paramount on the RC 350, and standard features include several airbags for front and side, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, and traction control.