What year did Lexus RC come out?
The Lexus RC first arrived in production form in 2014 for the 2015 model year.
The RC lineage began as the LF-CC concept shown in 2012, and Lexus followed with a production RC unveiled in 2014, with sales starting in 2015.
Origins and Launch Timeline
The following milestones chart how the RC moved from concept to showroom.
- 2012 — LF-CC concept preview signals Lexus’ two-door coupe direction.
- 2014 — Production RC introduced (RC 350 and RC F) at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
- 2015 — Sales begin in the United States for the RC as the 2015 model year.
The timeline highlights how the RC evolved quickly from a concept to a road-ready GT within a couple of years.
Variants and Powertrains
Several RC variants were offered, spanning different engines and trims to appeal to luxury and performance buyers.
- RC 350 — 3.5L V6, rear-wheel drive (with all-wheel drive option in some markets).
- RC 350 F Sport — sport-tuned variant with upgraded suspension, styling, and handling features.
- RC 300h — hybrid model blending a gasoline engine with electric motors.
- RC F — high-performance variant with a V8 engine and track-focused tuning.
These configurations represent the core lineup the RC offered during its production run.
Summary
The Lexus RC entered the market in 2014 as a production model for the 2015 model year, following the LF-CC concept reveal in 2012. Over its lifecycle, Lexus expanded the RC lineup with multiple variants, maintaining a presence in global markets through updated trims and powertrains.
