2019 Lexus RC Coupe Gets LC-Inspired Upgrade

Lexus has pulled the sheets off the 2019 RC, its updated luxury sports coupe that will make an official debut at the Paris Motor Show 2018 in October. Borrowing styling tweaks from the concept-like Lexus LC, the refreshed car also promises to be more engaging on the road with various steering and suspension changes, among other things.

On the outside, there's a new front bumper design that adjusts how the corners meet the headlamps and lower mesh. Triple LED headlamps are optional, with L-shaped LED clearance lamps. The rear bumpers, meanwhile, get new air ducts in the corners.

The rear lamps, too, have been modified, with more pronounced L-shaped lenses. For the 2019 RC F Sport, there's a new grille mesh pattern and new 19-inch wheels. Those, Lexus says, were also inspired by the LC, along with the LS sedan. Finally, there'll be a new color – Blue Vortex Metallic – which brings the total paint options for the model year 2019 to ten.

Inside, the color scheme has changed to what Lexus IS calling Dark Gray Streamline. That's applied to the HVAC control panel and the audio controls. New knee pads, larger than before, are included; Lexus says they should leave the cabin feeling more spacious.

The 2019 RC F Sport gets extra Dark Gray Streamline trim, with a new design versus the 2018 model year car. If that's not to your taste, Lexus will be offering a total of seven interior finishes, including Glazed Caramel and Black with Yellow accents.

Perhaps more important, though, are the mechanical adjustments. The engine seemingly stays the same – currently Lexus offers either a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, or a 3.5-liter V6 – albeit with some new tuning, but the suspension system has been adjusted for what the automaker promises will be more stable ride quality and sharper handling. Stiffer suspension bushings work with new shock absorbers that increase the amount of damping force from low suspension stroke speeds.

Better aerodynamics play a part, too. There's a new fin shape on the side window mold, along with a duct on the rear bumper that, by improving the flow of air there, adds to the car's stability. The result, Lexus says, is a car that's "sharper and more graceful" on the road.

We'll know more details come October, when the 2019 Lexus RC will make its official debut in the metal at the auto show in Paris.