2021 Lexus RC Price, Specs, New Design, and Release. The new 2021 Lexus RC will try to improve sales numbers with a redesign. Last year we saw the special edition of the compact executive car. Now, the base version will get major updates to revive the interest. Well, after five years of production, it is about the time. Nowadays, rare cars can bear the competition of crossovers and SUVs. When it appeared in 2015, the RC model was pretty attractive. Sales dropped to 3,000 units in 2018 and the redesign could help this car recover its position in the market.
Changes on the 2021 Lexus RC will include modifications of the interior and exterior. The car will be aggressive two-door coupe model with few engine options. It is very close to the Lexus IS model. Top of the class version remains the F Track with 5.0-liter drivetrain and 470 hp. Outside the car we will see the new front fascia and headlights. Back end will also suffer updates. The competition remains the same– Audi A5 and BMW Series 4 are the biggest rivals.
2021 Lexus RC Specs
One of the main advantages of the 2021 Lexus RC is a wide choice of engines. As the base drivetrain we will find a four-cylinder unit. It is a turbo mode with 240 hp and 260 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is still there. Well, it is time to replace this gearbox, and Lexus offers an eight-speed case only with all-wheel drive setup. The smallest 2.0-liter displacement returns the best fuel economy, reaching 30 mpg on the open road.
The next option is a V6 unit. This time, a 3.5-liter displacement has two different setups. Standard configuration bursts 260 hp, while the upper grade brings 310 horsepower. These is also a 40 lb-ft difference in torque. All-wheel drive harms the fuel economy, but it boosts everything else. The V8 engine is also there, but for the special edition– 2021 Lexus RC F. If you choose to buy this one, it will award you with 470 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. It needs just above 4 seconds for 0-60 mph acceleration. Top speed on track stops the gauge at 170 mph. Track Edition will add upgrades helping the F version reach 60 mph in less than 4 seconds.
Versions
The 2021 Lexus RC is available in four different trim levels. Each of them carries the different engine, and that is the major upgrade. The standard equipment is available through all trims, with special upgrades as you are taking your RC to another level. The base one is RC 300. Some things in common for all models are transparent gauges and the huge infotainment screen. It will be a 10-inch display for the base version. The company will have to update controls, since it harms overall safety. This is a two-door car, it is pretty comfortable, especially up front. Well, passengers on the rear seat will lack head- and legroom. If there is only one occupant besides a driver, there won’t be reason to worry, especially with the extremely comfortable seats.
Some of the standard features for all trim levels are two USB ports, Bluetooth, and audio system with 10 speakers and HD Radio. Upper trim levels add premium sound and more speakers. Apple CarPlay was standard, and Toyota (Lexus’ parent) recently announced the upcoming models will also offer Android Auto. Few standard modes are available.
Changes for the 2021 Season
The new 2021 Lexus RC will be redesigned. Notable changes are mostly on the front fascia. Designers will revisit a grille and add more aggressive splitter and bumper. Headlights are new, while the taillights are bigger than before. This is nothing spectacular, and it seems like Lexus is saving the real deal for the next generation. Spindle grille is there for standard models, while F Sport versions are adding the mesh design.
Inside, the company adds more options. Of all, there is a new upholstery with different colors than before. Aluminum trim will refresh the lineup. Other details are minor and only true fans will notice the difference. Well, the RC remains very comfortable car with a lot of options. Of course, update of the Enform infotainment system is on the way. Upper trim levels will offer 13-inch display.
2021 Lexus RC vs BMW 4 vs Audi A5
The base price of the 2021 Lexus RC is $40,000. Top of the line model is F trim with the price sticker around $65,000. If you think the Lexus is offering a lot of options, BMW 4 will come with over 30 different configurations. It will be everything for anyone. The German carmaker responds to the RC F with its M package. It will be interesting to see how these two will perform. Audi A5 lacks some power and the high-end models. Still, the base version is capable to rival both 2021 Lexus RC and BMW Series 4.
