The rear of the RC platform is based on the new-generation IS sport sedan, a car that has already proven its performance and handling mettle in a hotly contested segment. In the center, where the structure needed to maintain rigidity with two large door openings, Lexus borrowed from the IS convertible structure.
None of those three portions was directly taken from the other cars. Rather, each contributed more than the sum of its parts to the overall chassis package. Lexus fine-tuned the resulting platform to provide the specific high-performance character sought for its new coupe.
Eight is enough. That's certainly true of transmissions for high-performance cars. But what's the best way to control the gears for the ideal performance experience?
The 2015 Lexus RC 350 answers with one of the most acclaimed transmissions in use today, the eight-speed Sports Program Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission. This transmission debuted in the esteemed IS F high-performance sedan. The SPDS transmission combines the best of both worlds: torque converter smoothness with shifting speed of a dual-clutch unit when shifting manually. A long-travel damper for the lock-up torque converter boosts fuel economy and ensures smooth, quiet lock-up.
The SPDS transmission has three driver-selectable modes - NORMAL, SPORT and MANUAL (M), which have full torque-converter lock-up from second to eighth gears for "clutchless" manual shifting. Downshifts are made in just 0.10-second in M mode, with the transmission's throttle blipping control matching the engine speed to the gear. The transmission's shift control has been further developed to respond precisely to slight changes in accelerator-pedal operation for an even more dynamic and inspiring driving feel.
The eight ratios have been chosen to balance the needs of performance driving and fuel efficiency. Compared to the Lexus six-speed automatic transmission, first gear is 8.5 percent shorter and top gear is 2.9 percent taller.
The transmission SPORT mode includes G-sensor AI-Shift control, which uses information from the G-sensor on driving status to provide the optimal gear ratio for sporty driving. In SPORT mode, the transmission offers more dynamic acceleration control for a more sporting driving experience. The transmission will automatically downshift during hard braking for a corner, hold a lower gear through the corner for greater control, and then give the driver a greater power response on corner exit by selecting a suitable low gear.
NORMAL mode provides fuel economy and seamless acceleration traditionally associated with Lexus electronically controlled transmissions. It uses all eight gears for optimum fuel economy, while coordinating control with the throttle to provide smooth acceleration and minimal feeling of gear changes.
Accentuating the vibrant paint colors, the Lexus RC debuts new 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels, each featuring machined spokes. The 18-inch wheel and available 19-inch wheel uses a five-spoke design. The 19-inch F Sport wheel has a distinctive 10 twin-spoke layout to create a deeply sculptured shape.
The bright machined finish of the 18-inch wheel widens towards the rim. On the 19-inch F Sport wheel, a bright machined finish is applied to the silhouette of each of the 10 individual spokes, adding a touch of elegance. With either wheel, the RC uses a staggered array, with wider wheels at the rear to emphasize the car's wide stance.
The 306-horsepower V-6, rear-wheel-drive coupe will start at $43,715 with destination charge. Variants in addition to the standard RC 350 include an all-wheel drive RC 350 at $45,950, plus the higher-performance 467-hp V-8 RC F that's rear-wheel-drive only and starts at $63,225.