ALL-NEW LEXUS RC COUPE
- Concept-to-reality coupe that takes Lexus into new territory
- High-performance V6 petrol and hybrid powertrains that accentuate the RC’s sporting nature
- New Lexus styling direction in a dedicated coupe, including the strongest interpretation yet of the trademark Lexus spindle grille
- Driver’s cockpit design, with dedicated trim and high-contrast colours, emphasises the RC’s fun-to-drive character
The all-new Lexus RC will make it world debut at the Tokyo motor show in 20 November.
Two versions will be unveiled: the RC 350, with a 3.5-litre V6 engine; and the RC 300h hybrid, with a 2.5-litre unit.
The new RC brings to life Lexus’s focus on giving its cars emotional appeal. A desirable two-door coupe, it is designed to raise the brand’s profile with a wider audience and customers who are new to Lexus. At the same time it displays elements that are fundamental to Lexus: build quality, refinement and reliability.
Exterior design
The designers have endowed the RC with deeply contoured lines of a kind never before seen on a Lexus and crafted the widest and lowest-set interpretation yet of the Lexus spindle grille.
Triangular headlamps capture the sporty characteristics of the earlier LF-LC concept, along with the novel three-lamp LED configuration that was part of the show car’s design.
At the rear, the sharp, thin appearance of the rear combination lamps follows the shape of the Lexus L motif.
The aluminium wheels further express the concept-to-production design philosophy, with two designs: a deeply sculpted, 10-spoke19-inch wheel and a muscular, five-spoke 18-inch version. Both are precision-machined and finished with elegant black and platinum caps.
The hero colour for the RC is red, with a new Lexus painting process giving brighter and stronger contrasts through using multiple layers of clear and deeper-coloured coating.
The RC measures 4,695mm long, 1,840mm wide and 1,395mm high, with a 2,730mm wheelbase.
Interior design
The four-seat interior of the RC is also strongly influenced by Lexus’s sports concepts, reflected in the extensive use of contrasting colours, materials and lighting.
The purpose-designed lighting package gives a sense of occasion, with illumination that reflects upwards rather than down to envelop the cabin.
The high-contrast trim, including a striking new colour called Clove, emphasises the elegant lines around the interior, together with shimamoku highlights – a genuine wood finish created using an intense layering technique refined by Lexus.
The driver’s cockpit follows the established Lexus design principle of an upper operation zone and lower display zpne. The upper zone houses the instrument panel and seven-inch navigation screen; lower down the layered centre console integrates the Remote Touch Interface controller.
The seats are made using an integrated foaming construction, similar to the moulding technique used for racing seats, to provide excellent comfort and support.
Driving Dynamics
The RC’s strong and purpose-built chassis represents the latest stage in Lexus’ mission to deliver a world-class driving experience, building on the advances made with both the latest GS and IS models.
Extra-thick underbody rocker panels greatly increase the car’s rigidity and enhance its driving performance. Lexus has also used new manufacturing techniques it pioneered in the LS and IS models, including the use of innovative body adhesives, to strengthen the chassis.
Aerodynamic aids, especially those featured on the RC’s underbody also contribute to the handling package. The suspension design features front double wishbones and a multilink system at the rear.
An Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system is available with F Sport trim. The system allows the driver to fine tune ride characteristics with a choice of two damper settings; Normal, for everyday driving comfort, and Sport, for improved body control and precise responses to steering input while cornering. In response to driving operation, vehicle body motion and road surface conditions, AVS automatically adjusts the performance of the suspension and shock absorbers at all four wheels to further reduce vehicle roll through corners.
Powertrain
The RC 300h combines a 2.5 litre, dual-injection 4-cylinder petrol engine generating 176 bhp/131 kW at 6,000rpm and peak torque of 221 Nm between 4,200 and 4,800rpm with a 141bhp/105kW electric motor, delivering maximum system power of 217 bhp/162kW.
The hybrid system’s electronic continuously variable transmission features a six step, sequential shiftmatic manual override gear change. This configuration delivers all the driving engagement expected of a sporting coupe, combined with excellent fuel economy that is associated with Lexus Hybrid Drive.
Advanced Technologies
A new, touch-sensitive Lexus Remote Touch Interface (RTI) multi-function control device offers the driver simple, fast and intuitive multimedia system operation. Simply moving a finger over the panel’s surface moves the cursor, and pressing down on it enters the selection.
An upgraded Lexus Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) system detects vehicles that are approaching the rear of the car at a higher speed and from a greater distance. When the BSM system detects other vehicles travelling behind the RC, an indicator light in the corresponding door mirror alerts the driver to the presence of such a vehicle.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| Engine type | 2AR-FSE |
| Cylinders | 4 in line |
| Max. power (bhp/kW) | 176/131 @ 6000rpm |
| Max. torque (Nm) | 221 @ 4200-4800rpm |
| Total system output (bhp/kW) | 217/162 @ 6,000rpm |
| Transmission | E-CVT |
| Driven wheels | Rear-wheel drive |
| Seating capacity | 4 |
| Overall length (mm) | 4,695 |
| Overall width (mm) | 1,840 |
| Overall height (mm) | 1,395 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,730 |
| Suspension | Front : Double Wishbone
Rear : Multilink |
