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Is Lexus RC front or rear wheel drive?

The Lexus RC is a rear-wheel-drive luxury sports coupe. It is designed with a rear-wheel-drive layout, which provides better weight distribution and handling characteristics compared to a front-wheel-drive configuration. This rear-wheel-drive setup is a key feature of the Lexus RC that contributes to its sporty and dynamic driving experience.


Rear-Wheel-Drive Layout of the Lexus RC


The Lexus RC is built on a rear-wheel-drive platform, which means the engine's power is delivered to the rear wheels rather than the front wheels. This layout offers several advantages, including:



  • Improved weight distribution: By placing the engine and drivetrain components towards the rear of the vehicle, the Lexus RC achieves a near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution between the front and rear axles. This balanced weight distribution enhances the car's handling and stability.

  • Better traction and acceleration: Rear-wheel-drive vehicles typically have better traction and acceleration, especially when launching from a stop or during high-performance driving. The rear-wheel-drive layout of the Lexus RC allows for more efficient power delivery to the road.

  • Enhanced driving dynamics: The rear-wheel-drive configuration of the Lexus RC provides a more engaging and responsive driving experience, with better steering feel and a more balanced, neutral handling character.


The Lexus RC's rear-wheel-drive layout is a key part of its design and contributes to its reputation as a sporty and dynamic luxury coupe.


Lexus RC Powertrain Options


The Lexus RC is available with several powertrain options, all of which feature a rear-wheel-drive layout:



  • Lexus RC 300: Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower.

  • Lexus RC 350: Equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 311 horsepower.

  • Lexus RC F: The high-performance variant with a 5.0-liter V8 engine generating 472 horsepower.


Regardless of the specific engine, the Lexus RC maintains its rear-wheel-drive layout, which is a key part of its driving dynamics and performance characteristics.

Which Lexus models are FWD?


Lexus FWD vs. AWD: Front-Wheel Drive Models

  • Lexus ES 350.
  • Lexus ES 350 Luxury.
  • Lexus ES Hybrid Series.
  • Lexus LS Hybrid Series.
  • Lexus UX 200 and Hybrid Series.
  • Lexus NX Series.
  • Lexus RX Series.



Is the Lexus RC FWD or RWD?


The base RC300 is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder good for 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Full torque is available at 1,650 rpm, so while not overtly quick, it won't leave you waiting to too long to get up to speed.



Is the Lexus RC fast?


The Lexus RC F is remarkably fast offering a 4.2-second 0-60 time and an even quicker 3.96-second time on the RC F Track Edition. The performance of the RC F is something to behold, with high-performance parts and features, this luxury sports car stuns on the roadways or on the track.



Is the Lexus RC being discontinued?


After 10 years since its official launch, the Lexus RC is being discontinued. With the introduction of the RC F Final Edition, Lexus is ringing the last call bell for the Japanese sports car. The automaker has also confirmed that production of the RC and the V8-powered RC F will come to an end after 2025.



Is Lexus rc300h front or rear-wheel drive?


rear wheel drive
In most European countries, other than the high performance RC F, only the rear wheel drive RC 300h is offered as the base, F Sport, and special edition called Takumi. The RC300 h Takumi comes with multi-spoke 19-inch alloys and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.



Is Lexus front or rear-wheel drive?


The answer would be the ES sedan, which comes in front-wheel drive only, and the Performance category of vehicles – the RC F, GS, and LC – which are exclusively rear-wheel drive.



What is the difference between the Lexus RC 300 and the RC350?


The RC300 features a turbocharged inline-four standard; opting for all-wheel drive or stepping up to the RC350 brings a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6. But even the V-6 version in the available F Sport trim lacks the immediacy and bravado of some of its European competition."



Is Lexus discontinuing the RC?


After 10 years since its official launch, the Lexus RC is being discontinued. With the introduction of the RC F Final Edition, Lexus is ringing the last call bell for the Japanese sports car. The automaker has also confirmed that production of the RC and the V8-powered RC F will come to an end after 2025.



What does RC in Lexus RC stand for?


Radical Coupé
The name given to Lexus' mid-size luxury sports car stands for 'Radical Coupé' and in any variation the RC looks superb.



Does the Lexus RC require premium gas?


Most Lexus models require you use at least 91 octane (premium) gasoline, while there are a few that can use 87 octane regular unleaded.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.