Lexus Adds To RC Lineup for 2016

Just one model year in, the Lexus RC coupe gets two new variants: the 2016 RC 200t, whose turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes 241 horsepower and 258 pounds-feet of torque, and the RC 300 with a 3.5-liter V-6 that's good for 255 hp and 236 pounds-feet of torque. That's less torque than the RC 200t - yet another reason forced induction has gained momentum - but it comes with standard all-wheel drive. The RC 200t is rear-drive only.

Related: 2016 Lexus IS Gets New Turbo Engine

The RC 350 coupe (306 hp, 277 pounds-feet) carries over with rear- or all-wheel drive. The engine offerings align the RC with the also-updated 2016 IS sedan, which shares some but not all components. The RC 200t and RC 350 will offer beefed-up F Sport versions, which include performance shocks on the RC 200t F Sport. They're optional on the RC 350 F Sport. Both cars also have an optional limited-slip rear differential.

Automatic transmissions are standard across the board, with six speeds in all-wheel-drive models and eight speeds with rear-wheel-drive versions. Here's the model lineup:

• RC 200t: 241 hp, rear-wheel drive with eight-speed automatic, available F Sport
• RC 300: 255 hp, all-wheel drive with six-speed automatic
• RC 350: 306 hp, rear-wheel drive with eight-speed automatic or all-wheel drive with six-speed automatic; available F Sport

The RC 350 F Sport gets a number of unique performance features, including an adaptive suspension, larger disc brakes (14.1 inches versus 13.2-inchers elsewhere) and optional variable-ratio steering. Rear-drive RC 350 F Sport models have rear-wheel steering.

Manual-transmission purists will still bemoan the RC's lack of a proper stick shift, which the rival BMW 4 Series, Cadillac ATS coupe and Audi A5/S5 offer. Still, the extra engines bring the RC better in line with its two-door competitors, which offer both four- and six-cylinder power.

We reached out to two Lexus spokespeople to see when the 2016 RC goes on sale and how much it costs, but neither responded. The 2015 RC 350 starts at $43,730, including a destination charge.