2020 LEXUS RC 350 F SPORT AWD REVIEW BY TESTDRIVENOW CAR CRITIC STEVE HAMMES. The RC possesses that unique blend of Lexus luxury in its ride quality with a spirited character that’ll have you seeking the long way home.  Coupe owners, obviously, crave fun and driving precision and the RC provides that without any white knuckle drama as it sticks to the road with all-wheel drive grip and the benefit of the F SPORT-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension.  Dial into the highest Sport S + drive mode and gear shifts happen faster, the steering is firmer, and the suspension less yielding.  But to get the most out of the experience, use the paddle shifters otherwise the 6-speed can feel tardy.  And even though from out here the RC doesn’t sound like much, Lexus has created a convincing soundtrack for those inside…it really works quite well.  All-season tires make sense on this trim I suppose, but a more aggressive set of rubber would help scrub out some of this understeer as you attack a corner.    

The idea of “sharper and more graceful” defines the LC flagship, so Lexus engineers have applied the same concept to the new RC. This included enhancing the car’s aerodynamics and fine-tuning the suspension system and powertrain. Armed with a more stable ride quality and sharper handling characteristics, the new RC is more athletic and responsive than ever.
Enhanced aerodynamics — such as a new fin shape on the side window mold and a duct on the rear bumper that improves air flow, result in improved stability. New available 19-in. wheels and tires with increased grip deliver excellent steering response. Stiffer suspension bushings have been incorporated along with new shock absorbers which provide significant damping force from low suspension stroke speeds. Thanks to a significant amount of real-world testing that allowed constant
fine-tuning by the chassis engineers, the new RC delivers an extremely supple ride quality and razor-sharp handling characteristics.
Lexus RC 300 rear-wheel drive is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. This smooth operator produces 241 horsepower with 258 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 1,650-4,400 rpm. It’s paired with an eight-speed sport direct-shift automatic transmission with paddle shifters and consumes fuel at a rate of 21 mpg city / 30 mpg highway / 24 mpg combined manufacturer estimated fuel economy.

The RC 300 all-wheel drive has a 3.5-liter V6 engine. It produces 260 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. torque at 2,000-4,800 rpm, and is teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The RC 350 gets a 311-horsepower version of the V6. With rear-wheel drive, it gets the eight-speed Sports Direct Shift automatic transmission with paddle shifters; with all-wheel drive, it’s a six-speed automatic.

GENEVA – Enthusiasts who want a sportier and more aggressive new RC 350 coupe will be excited to know the 2015 RC 350 F SPORT will debut at the Geneva International Motor Show. The Lexus RC Coupe F SPORT will feature…