Lexus has sprinkled some LC bits into the RC

This is the new Lexus RC Coupe. It looks rather a lot like the current Lexus RC Coupe, but as is typical with Japanese carmakers’ updates – latest Mazda MX-5 included – it’s more about subtle, detail improvements than outright revolution.

And seemingly everything has enjoyed a bit of a fiddle. The exterior gains new lights, air intakes and reshaped bumpers, apparently inspired by the Lexus LC. The interior clock has been nicked wholesale from the LC, meanwhile, with new brushed metal finishes around it.

The best bit of thievery, though, comes from Lexus’s promise of “sharper handling characteristics derived from the LC”. Given that’s the best Lexus sports car since the LFA, we’ve some hope the RC can take a decent swipe at the Audi A5 and BMW 4 Series, neither of which has an all-time great chassis.

Lexus hasn’t gone into firm details, but we’re promised more involvement via enhanced aerodynamics, new shock absorbers and stiffer suspension bushings, as well as “higher-grip tyres”. No names are provided, though.

We’re told the powertrain has been fine-tuned too, but there’s yet more mystery here. The only RCs you can currently buy in Britain are the hybrid RC 300h (not so good) and the V8, nat-asp RC F (really rather good). Quite how each benefits from the RC’s facelift we’ll find out at October’s Paris motor show, when the covers are whipped off.