2016 LEXUS RC 200T F SPORT – OUR FAVORITE LEXUS
Most fashions have acquired a few updates for 2016, and the RC isn’t anyt any exception. The 12 months 2016 sees the advent of brand-new fashions withinside the range. First, there’s the R 200t proposing a four-cylinder turbocharged unit and an RC three hundred the use of the equal 3.5-liter V6, positioned simply underneath the RC 350 concerning overall performance and price. The F Sport model we are able to be discussing afterward now receives a limited-slip differential and overall performance dampers as wellknown at the turbocharged 200t however non-obligatory at the RC 450 F Sport. The Lexus Enform Service Connect has additionally been added as Lexus’ all-new infotainment feature, and it’s to be had during the complete lineup.
The RC is Lexus’ luxurious coupe entry, and as such it’s primarily based totally on their IS sedan. It’s an instantaneous rival to the BMW 4-Series, a vehicle that’s constructed at the 3-Series, a automobile the IS competes with. This phase is specially aggressive on the moment. There are a whole lot of awesome services from diverse vehicle producers now no longer simply the German ones, making status out right here a actual hassle. Thankfully, the RC does have some matters going for it proper from the get-move and may compete towards foremost players.
EXTERIOR DESIGN, INTERIOR & EQUIPMENT
For starters, there’s the look. It’s now no longer only a big deviation from the preceding generation, however lots extra specific than any of the Germans for instance. So ok it can now no longer be as quite or as stylish as a C-Class for example, however in relation to the wow factor, it’s up there. It’s were given a wellknown coupe silhouette, however there are strains and angles everywhere in the area making it pretty competitive.
Let’s begin with the the front fascia. The headlights are extraordinarily competitive and angular, with a sort-of piece layout. They get narrower as they technique the huge grille. Speaking of the grille, it’s a big, one-piece layout starting which includes the real grille with the emblem and the decrease element for cooling. It won’t be as visually attractive to the attention as a well sculpted BMW grille for instance, however it’s a head turner.
As an entry-stage luxurious coupe, the RC lacked some matters at launch. Namely, it handiest had one engine desire. Lexus detected the flaw and have been brief to repair it. So now, we’ve got a choice of 3 RCs to select from, all various relying at the engine however extra on that later. They are the RC 200t, RC three hundred and the RC 350. The equipment, each wellknown and non-obligatory, is much like all fashions, keep for some exceptions of route.
As wellknown, you get 18-inch wheels wrapped with all-season tires, LED headlights, LED taillights, keyless entry, and ignition, selectable force modes, heated mirrors, a dual-region weather manipulate (computerized of route). Furthermore, there are a rearview camera, a strength adjustable driver’s seat with 10 settings, a passenger one with 8, leatherette top class vinyl upholstery, heated seats for the AWD version and a 60/forty folding rear bench.
The wellknown generation is consisted of Bluetooth telecellsmartphone connectivity in addition to audio connectivity, a awesome 7-inch show with voice controls, a crystal-clean audio machine with ten speakers, HD radio, satellite tv for pc radio, an aux jack and USB connections. The Lexus Enform Service Connect is wellknown too, giving get right of entry to to the automobile’s repute and any upkeep indicators via the utility to your smartphone.
The F Sport package deal provides in general look gadgets inclusive of a mesh grille and a unique the front fascia, however a few extra practical enhancements too. Upgrades like 19-inch wheels with all-season tires for the AWD version and summer time season ones for the RWD are to be had. There are adaptive recreation suspension dampers, higher the front brake pads at the rear-wheel force RC or even sportier seats to preserve you in area higher. Perforated leather-based is wellknown as nicely and so is a different, specific device cluster. The standalone alternatives are a strength sunroof, variable-ratio strength guidance with matching four-wheel guidance (handiest at the RWD version), a limited-slip diff for a sportier feel, adaptive cruise manipulate and of route recreation dampers. No count number what trim you select you may be getting an excellent listing of features, and this automobile really merits luxurious badge it has.
ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION OF 2016 LEXUS RC 200T F SPORT
Engine wise, the RC 200t has a 2.zero-liter turbocharged four-cylinder growing 241 hp and 258 lb-toes of torque. All that strength is despatched to the rear wheels thru the eight-pace computerized gearbox. The 200t manages to go back 26 miles in keeping with gallon at the blended run, or 22/32 mpg for the metropolis and the dual carriageway respectively.
The different engine desire is the RC three hundred. It’s were given a 3.5-liter V6 growing 255 horsepower and 236 pound-ft of torque. Sadly, it handiest comes as an all-wheel force automobile with out the choice of RWD. It’s were given a extra traditional six-pace vehiclemobile in place of the eight-pace withinside the 200t, so it receives barely worse gas economic system at 21 mpg at the blended run.
The final engine, or variation, of the RC, dubbed the RC 350 makes use of the equal 3.5-liter V6 however on this shape growing 306 horsepower and 277 pound-ft of torque. It receives the more moderen eight-pace container coupled with the rear-wheel force machine in wellknown guise, however all-wheel force is, of route, non-obligatory when you consider that it’s miles the flagship RC version. Mind you; the all-wheel force model makes use of the six-pace vehiclemobile, so simply do not forget that if you’re making plans to shop for the all-wheel force model. It returns 22 mpg in RWD guise and 21 mpg in AWD configuration.
Truth be told, all engine picks are awesome, however we’re nonetheless very keen on the smallest, turbocharged 2.zero-liter. It’s unexpected how speedy it feels. It can also additionally lack 60 hp at the RC 350, however it’s handiest 15 torques behind. Couple that with the burden financial savings it gives over the RC 350, and you’ve got a vehicle that’s as speedy, if now no longer faster in a few cases. A directly line will see the RC 350 take it of route, however we’d argue the 200t is quicker at the twisty roads and via corners. The manner wherein it incorporates its pace is astonishing; the 350 doesn’t have a chance. It’s agile and nimble, each trends you need in a vehicle inclusive of the RC.
PRICE
Prices begin at around $forty,000 for the bottom RC model. We suggest getting the F-Sport package deal as it’s clearly good. It will fee you some grand extra, however it’s miles nicely really well worth it. Don’t trouble getting the better V6s until you do a whole lot of dual carriageway cruising however even then, the 2.zero unit is extra than enough. With the improve to the bigger engine, you’ll now no longer get plenty concerning overall performance so reflect onconsideration on it earlier than you make a decision to get it.