What replaced Lexus RC?
There is no direct replacement for the Lexus RC in the current lineup as of 2025. Lexus has not announced a one-to-one successor to the RC, and the brand’s two‑door offerings today are not a like-for-like replacement for the RC’s niche.
In place of a formal RC successor, Lexus has leaned on the LC for a similar sense of luxury and performance in a two‑door package, but the LC is a larger, more premium model. The broader market shift toward SUVs and electrified propulsion has also shaped Lexus’ product priorities, leaving the RC’s exact niche without an official replacement.
Official stance and current lineup
The official stance from Lexus is that there has been no direct RC successor announced. The brand’s present two‑door lineup centers on the LC, which occupies the high‑end, performance‑leaning segment but does so at a larger scale and price point than the RC.
Closest analogue within Lexus’ current offerings
- Lexus LC: A two‑door flagship coupe with performance variants (including LC 500 with a V8 and LC 500h hybrid) that aims at a similar audience seeking luxury, style, and performance in a two‑door chassis, albeit in a larger package.
In short, the LC serves as the most direct, though not exact, continuation of the RC’s two‑door prestige, rather than a true replacement of the RC itself.
Market context: why no direct replacement?
Several external factors help explain the absence of a RC‑style replacement. The automotive market has shifted significantly toward SUVs and crossovers, while electrification reshapes performance branding and product planning. Lexus has prioritized expanding its electric and hybrid lineup, alongside larger sport coupes, rather than introducing a compact, dedicated two‑door sports coupe to fill the RC’s niche.
- Demand has trended toward utility vehicles, which reduces the priority for compact two‑door coupes.
- electrification strategy emphasizes crossovers and performance hybrids, with future EVs planned beyond conventional coupes.
- Global market variations mean the RC’s niche isn’t uniformly required or funded across regions.
Ultimately, the lack of a direct RC successor reflects broader market and strategic considerations rather than a simple one‑to‑one product replacement.
The RC’s legacy and what enthusiasts look for
Enthusiasts have long valued the RC for its combination of design, driving dynamics, and Lexus’ luxury ethos. While the LC offers a similar lane, fans still hope for a future two‑door sport coupe that pairs aggressive performance with modern electrification, though no official confirmation has been provided as of now.
Summary
There is no official direct replacement for the Lexus RC. The closest current model is the Lexus LC, a larger and more premium two‑door coupe, but it does not serve as a direct one‑for‑one substitute. Market trends toward SUVs and electrified vehicles have influenced Lexus’ broader strategy, and as of 2025, Lexus has not announced a dedicated RC successor.
What will replace Lexus RC?
The Lexus RC's successor is expected to be a new coupe that will replace both the RC and the larger LC models. This consolidated coupe is anticipated to be a luxury sports hybrid and may arrive in markets around 2026 or 2027. While the specific model name is unknown, some rumors suggest it could potentially revive the "SC" nameplate, notes MotorTrend.
You can watch this video to learn more about the successor of Lexus RC and LC: 59sKirk KreifelsYouTube · Jun 26, 2025
- Consolidated model: The new coupe will likely combine the RC and LC lineups into a single, new model.
- Luxury hybrid powertrain: The new coupe is expected to be a front-engine, rear-drive sports hybrid, possibly using a V6 hybrid system, and will not be a V8.
- Potential name: Some speculation suggests the coupe could be a revival of the SC name, but this is unconfirmed.
- Timeline: It is expected to be released in the Japanese Domestic Market around 2026, with a North American release likely following in 2027.
- Development: The project is believed to be linked to the Toyota GR GT3 concept, with reports suggesting the production version will wear a Lexus badge, says MotorTrend.
Is RC F or LC 500 faster?
Both the Lexus RC F and Lexus LC 500 are remarkably fast luxury sports cars with the RC F offering a top speed of 168 MPH and the LC 500 offering a 168 MPH top speed. The Lexus RC F can go from 0-60 in around 4.20 seconds and the RC F Track Edition can go from 0-60 in an amazing 3.96 seconds.
Is there going to be a 2025 Lexus RC?
Offering consumers one last taste of their exhilarating performance and unparalleled grace, the RC and RC F will cross the proverbial finish line in harmony as 2025 comes to a close.
Why did Lexus discontinue the RC?
Lexus discontinued the RC after its 2025 model year due to a declining sports coupe market and to focus on newer, more electrified performance vehicles. Other contributing factors include the retirement of the naturally aspirated V8 engine used in the RC F and potential legislative and homologation issues, particularly in markets like Europe.
- Market shifts: The overall market for sports coupes has shrunk, and the RC was showing its age compared to rivals from other brands.
- Engine retirement: The naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 in the RC F was retired, a change that impacted the model's appeal and future.
- Legislative and homologation issues: Lexus faced challenges with meeting European regulations and homologation requirements, which led to the discontinuation of the RC and LC in some European markets.
- Focus on electrification: The discontinuation allows Lexus to pivot towards future performance vehicles that align with an electrified future, potentially collaborating with Toyota's GR division or developing a new electrified lineup.
- Replacement strategy: Lexus is expected to replace the RC with a new coupe that may also replace the larger LC, with rumors pointing to a twin-turbo V6 or hybrid powertrain.
