13 November 2015
A real head turner
Visually, the RC350 delivers on its aspirational mission statement with its wide stance, low profile, and deeply contoured lines. The chiselled front bumper that blends in to the flared wheel arches, and the surprisingly good looking ‘spindle grille’ set the Lexus coupe apart from the car maker’s other models.
Power output from the 3.5ltr v6 engine keeps steady, delivering 233kW via the smooth-shifting, 8 speed Sport Direct-shift transmission and withdrawing a modest 9.4 litres of fuel per 100km from the tank.
Like it’s on rails
Where the RC350 really excelled was in its handling. It attacks every corner with confidence, the 19” tyres seemingly glued to the tarmac thanks to the high-rigidity body structure that’s been created exclusively for this coupe. The car felt agile and secure, aided by aerodynamic stability that’s derived from the race track and is evident in its sleek exterior body shape, flat underbody and aero stabilising fins. This enhances driving control, especially at high speeds.
Peace-of-mind driving continues through to the safety department. Thanks to the VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) which controls a raft of features, all with 3 letter acronyms. 8 airbags cushion the occupants when needed. Dynamic radar cruise control ensures a safe following distance is maintained at all times. A must-have nowadays is Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and these come as standard in the RC350.
Seated in sporty style
The interior is comfortable, with soft leather nestled in strategic areas. Ambient illumination, discretely integrated in the doors, provides a gentle upward glow when the engine starts and slowly dims while driving. The low-set front sport seats provide refined comfort for normal driving and firm support with excellent holding performance, should you step on the loud pedal.
Our car has the F-sport touch, complete with enhanced alloy wheels, emblems and grille, and the Lexus Dynamic Handling System with Dynamic Rear Steering which further aids vehicle response and driver confidence. The Limited model also benefits from upgraded front brakes, a Mark Levinson Premium Audio System, and Twin Ring Optitron style meters in the dashboard display.
Priced from $122,500 for the F-Sport to $125,500 for the Limited, the new Lexus RC350-F is a real car for real drivers who crave that mix of sport and luxury.