Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, has officially announced the end of production for its sporty coupe models, the RC and RC F, with the launch of the exclusive "Final Edition" on January 16, 2025. This announcement aligns with the impending cessation of production set for November 2025, marking the end of an era for these popular vehicles.
The Lexus RC, introduced to the world as the "Radical Coupe" at the Tokyo Motor Show back in 2013, has captivated drivers with its sporty design and luxurious comfort. Over its production run, approximately 79,000 units of the RC have been sold globally, alongside around 12,000 units of the high-performance RC F.
"Both models will now only be available as Final Editions following the production halt," reported The Tokyo Motor Show, showcasing the importance of this rebranding. The Final Editions reflect the legacy of the RC and RC F, combining elegance and performance with distinctive features and enhancements.
The standard RC offers options for urban driving with luxury and quiet performance, featuring exclusive touches like ENKEI 19-inch aluminum wheels with spalting paint, red brake calipers, and interior upgrades utilizing carbon parts and ultrasuede for a sporty finish.
On the other hand, the RC F, renowned for its powerful 5-liter V8 engine, has seen enhancements to its design and performance with the Final Edition. This variant will retain its 472-horsepower V8 engine but will introduce refined elements like a new metal star gloss black finish for its BBS 19-inch forged aluminum wheels and improved aerodynamics through carbon-fiber components. The tuning adjustments on both the engine and rear differential promise heightened performance, with reports stating, "This engine is optimized for smooth rotation and emotional engine sound, taking it to the next level," as noted by Toyota.
Available only as special editions, the RC finalizes its run with nine body color options, including the new Sonic Iridium, which is expected to turn heads. Pricing for the RC Final Edition ranges from 6.66 million yen to 7.67 million yen, with the RC F Final Edition carrying the premium price of 13.6 million yen. Unlike the RC, which will have no production limit, the RC F is capped at just 200 units.
Such exclusivity adds to the allure of these final iterations, as car enthusiasts and collectors alike have already begun to take notice. Toyota has not made any official announcements about successors to these models, but speculation suggests the development of new coupes combining elements from both RC and the upscale LC model, possibly shifting to more efficient and high-performance hybrid technologies down the line.
While the announcement of the end of these models stands as bittersweet news for fans of the brand, Lexus looks to the future, speculating on what could come next. Enthusiasts remain hopeful for new performance models, particularly as hybrid systems become more prevalent and desirable.
For now, the spotlight shines on the RC and RC F for their farewell. With their sporty character, luxurious interiors, and performance-oriented features, the Final Editions promise to honor the legacy of Lexus coupes and keep their spirit alive among avid fans globally. Interested parties are invited to explore the official Lexus website for more information on this limited release.