2019 Lexus RC 350 F Sport new car reviews

Don’t confuse the RC 350 F Sport with the brand’s RC F. The RC F gets the V8; the RC 350 F Sport, our tester this time, is powered by a 331-horsepower V6.

The standard RC also comes in more than one flavor. Want a turbo-four? Easy. How about all-wheel drive? Done.

Our car wore the F Sport package. It receives its own suspension tuning along with a host of extras that mix in both sport and luxury–stuff like bolstered seats, summer tires, navigation and unique nose and tail treatment. The F Sport also gets a G-force monitor.

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David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens
Editorial Director

The Lexus coupes, I admit, aren’t always on our radar. Ask us to name our favorite ones that are still available, and the list will likely start with the BRZ. The hardtop MX-5 can be added to that list. Mustang, of course. The Supra is new on that list. And, if there’s the budget, how can you skip a 911 or Boxster?

But there’s something familiar about these Lexus coupes: quick and comfortable. All the extras without being annoying about it. And they look good.

First, what they’re not. Sorry, no stick shifts. They’re from Lexus, not Mazda. Call them, maybe, a grown-up version of the BRZ.

The V6 Lexus coupe is fairly quick for daily use. If you didn’t know that the V8 car existed, you’d probably be okay with things. The V6 engine is smooth. Really smooth. Lexus has also been nailing their transmission programming lately.

Where does this one land in today’s marketplace? It’s not a track car. Not a dedicated autocrosser, either.

I picture it going to someone who has the budget and wants something sporty but–and here’s the biggie–without the penalty. They want to be comfortable. They like sound deadening. They don’t care about manual boxes. They’re into Japanese brands. They have the budget to fulfill those wishes.

Does that make them any less than a hardcore car enthusiast? Hey, at least they’re not shopping SUVs. Welcome to the club.

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Comments
300zxfreak
300zxfreak New Reader
8/27/19 6:22 a.m.

I see that this model comes with the brake delete option. 

bmw88rider
bmw88rider GRM+ Memberand SuperDork
8/27/19 7:30 a.m.

It's really the return of the personal luxury coupe in a small way. In a market where the coupe is not very popular, It's a throw back to the 90's and a Tbird SC or something like that. To me that's not a bad thing. Japanese reliability with a comfortable yet somewhat sporty tuning without having the concerns of German reliability. 

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