Lexus RC coupe to bow out globally with RC F Final Edition
01/21/2025 05:00 PM
The Lexus RC coupe has been discontinued globally – more than three years after it was axed in Australia due to safety regulations – with a limited-run RC F Final Edition to see it out.
Global production of the Lexus RC rear-wheel drive coupe will end in November 2025, it has been confirmed.
Launched in 2014 based on the then-new IS and GS sedans – with a midsection from the previous IS Convertible – the RC has reached the end of the road after more than 90,000 sales globally, with no direct successor planned.
Lexus has announced a Final Edition of the V8-powered RC F to see the nameplate out – but it won't come to Australia after the RC was axed alongside the IS and CT as the brand did not invest in safety upgrades to meet stricter side-impact regulations introduced in November 2021.
Priced from ¥13,600,000 ($AU140,000) in Japan and $US94,000 ($AU150,000) in the United States – about $US26,000 ($42,000) more than the standard RC F – the Final Edition builds on the Carbon Package offered in earlier model years.
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Key additions over the standard RC F include a carbon-fibre roof, front spoiler, rocker fin, rear diffuser and active rear spoiler, along with 19-inch five-spoke BBS lightweight forged alloy wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, and six-piston and four-piston rear Brembo brakes with red calipers.
Its 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol V8 – the same 2UR-GSE unit found in the IS F, GS F, LC 500 and IS 500 F Sport Performance – has been "further refined to deliver a smooth-revving feel and exhilarating engine sound", Lexus said.
A race-tuned version of the 2UR-GSE V8 will be found in the Toyota GR Supra race car set to enter the Supercars Championship in Australia in 2026.
In addition, Lexus said its technicians have adjusted the rear differential backlash to improve acceleration and deceleration performance for the Final Edition – however its 4.2-second 0-60mph (97km/h) sprint time is identical to the standard RC F.
MORE: Every car discontinued in Australia in 2021
The limited-run model – restricted to 200 units in Japan – receives a carbon-fibre 'Final Edition' emblem with each car's production number, as well as unique black and red leather/suede upholstery.
Final Edition versions of the RC300, RC300h and RC350 will be available in Japan with 19-inch Enkei wheels, red brake calipers, black and red leather/suede upholstery, and black side mirror caps.
Australia received a small number of examples of the RC F Track Edition between 2019 and 2021 with similar additions to the Final Edition – but it went further with a carbon-fibre bonnet and rear wing, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, and a titanium exhaust system.
The RC F Track Edition – priced from $164,994 before on-road costs in Australia in 2021 – shaved 65 kilograms over the standard RC F, with a 3.96-second 0-60mph (97km/h) time.
The post Lexus RC coupe to bow out globally with RC F Final Edition appeared first on Drive.
