The Lexus RC and its high-performance sibling, the RC F, are officially on their final lap. After the 2025 model year, Lexus will discontinue these two-door coupes, marking the end of yet another naturally aspirated V-8 sports car. While the flagship LC coupe will remain in the lineup, the RC’s departure signals a shift in Lexus' performance offerings and a farewell to one of the last non-turbocharged V-8 engines in the industry.
A Short-Lived Legacy: The End of the Lexus RC and RC F
Introduced in 2014, the Lexus RC was envisioned as a luxury sports coupe aimed at competing with the likes of the BMW 4 Series, Audi A5, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe. Built on a combination of platforms derived from the Lexus IS and the discontinued GS, the RC was praised for its aggressive styling and solid build quality. However, it never quite captured the enthusiast market the way Lexus had hoped.
The high-performance RC F, launched in 2015, packed a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 under its hood, producing 472 horsepower. Despite its throaty exhaust note and old-school performance charm, the RC F struggled against more powerful, turbocharged rivals from BMW’s M division and Mercedes-AMG. While purists appreciated its unfiltered driving experience, the car’s relatively high price and weight limited its appeal.
The Final Edition: Lexus’ Last Hurrah for the RC F
To commemorate the RC F’s departure, Lexus is offering a special RC F Final Edition for the 2025 model year. This exclusive send-off model builds on the Carbon Package from previous years, featuring key performance and aesthetic upgrades:
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19-inch BBS forged aluminum wheels
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Carbon-fiber front spoiler, rear diffuser, roof, and active rear wing
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Hand-assembled limited-slip differential for enhanced acceleration and deceleration response
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Red and black leather with Ultrasuede interior trim
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Special Final Edition badge with unique production number
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Limited color options: Incognito, Radiant Red, Sonic Iridium, and Ultra White
While these upgrades enhance the RC F’s performance and exclusivity, they also highlight Lexus' final commitment to naturally aspirated V-8 power in a rapidly electrifying automotive world.
Pricing and Availability
The final model year of the Lexus RC and RC F will be available at dealerships starting in early 2025. Here’s how pricing shakes out for the final iterations:
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RC 300: $47,620 (AWD +$2,690)
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RC 300 F Sport: $52,240 (AWD +$2,290)
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RC 350: $50,550 (AWD +$2,165)
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RC 350 F Sport: $55,170 (AWD +$1,725)
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RC F Final Edition: $95,175
For enthusiasts who have long admired the naturally aspirated V-8’s character, this is the last chance to own a brand-new RC F before it becomes a collector’s item.
What’s Next for Lexus Performance Coupes?
While the RC and RC F are bowing out, Lexus remains committed to performance models. The LC coupe will continue production, and Lexus’ F division is shifting toward hybrid and electric powertrains. Future high-performance offerings will likely embrace electrification, with rumors of a possible all-electric sports coupe in the works.
For now, the demise of the RC lineup is a poignant reminder of the industry’s shift away from naturally aspirated V-8s. The Lexus RC F’s Final Edition represents the end of an era, making way for a new chapter in Lexus’ performance legacy.
Final Thoughts: The Coupe de Grâce
The Lexus RC and RC F may not have achieved the cult status of the IS F or the LFA, but they carved out a niche for enthusiasts who valued a luxurious, naturally aspirated sports coupe. As the industry moves towards turbocharging and electrification, the loss of the RC lineup leaves Lexus with one less two-door offering.
For those who still appreciate the raw, high-revving nature of a V-8, the RC F Final Edition is a fitting send-off. With production wrapping up after 2025, Lexus’ coupe lineup will be permanently changed—leaving enthusiasts to wonder what’s next for the brand’s high-performance future.