2015 Lexus RC 350

The luxury-sport coupe category gets a lot hotter with the 2015 Lexus RC 350, melding audacious design and high performance like no Lexus before.

While the RC 350 swaggers with a striking exterior, it features efficiency under the hood. A standard 306 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 teamed to an eight-speed Sports Program Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission for rear-wheel drive models helps provide smooth acceleration, predictable torque and good fuel economy.

A key to the RC's exceptional handling ability is a new ultra-stiff platform. From launch, Lexus offers the new RC 350 in both rear-wheel drive and with all-weather drive, the latter using a six-speed automatic transmission, and an F SPORT version.

Distinguished by exclusive exterior design and interior features, the F SPORT also raises the performance ante with standard Adaptive Variable Suspension system and the available Lexus Dynamic Handling system, which includes rear-wheel steering.

Lexus chose a naturally aspirated V6 for its instantaneous response and performance-driving character. It also sounds like a proper GT car, with a distinct but refined growl under acceleration and a pleasingly present but quiet demeanor when cruising.

Front fender liners have an aero-groove shape to help direct airflow along the tires, in the same direction as the wheel rotation. The electric power steering provides a natural, form feel with good feedback thanks to rigid mounting hardware.

The RC is a pure 2+2 coupe, with the comfort priority placed on the first "2" in that equation. There's enough room in back for friends to ride along, though, and there are unique features to make getting into and out of the rear seats easier. But the RC was designed first and foremost to please the driver and a lucky front passenger.