Lexus has always received some flak about their approach to sportiness ever since they made it a point to chase after the Germans and satisfy the automotive enthusiast culture. Naturally, Lexus did quench the thirst for some enthusiasts but they still have a way to go before they can leverage their well-known success within the enthusiast realm – not to mention their unicorn enthusiast vehicle (Lexus LFA) still costs $375,000.
Now, Lexus is focusing on their approach a bit more in a slightly new language and in comes the all-new 2015 Lexus RC, basically perceived by us as a derivative of the current Lexus IS only with two doors, but said to be designed on its own without any of the IS’ infrastructure. The new Lexus RC is said to be a fresh formula from the ground up that Lexus may shoehorn a new V8 engine into to compete with the likings of the new BMW M4 and C63 AMG Coupe.
The new Lexus RC will start life on our American roads as the RC 350 with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a RC300h hybrid with a 2.5-liter setup. Down the road we will expect a potent 400+ horsepower RC-F purpose-built around its powerful engine and poised to take the Germans head on.
Expect the 2015 Lexus RC to make its official debut in the flesh at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show later this month.
2015 Lexus RC Press Release
All-New Lexus RC Coupe to Make World Debut at the Tokyo Motor Show– Striking concept-to-reality coupe explores new frontiers for Lexus.
– High performance V6 gas and hybrid powertrains accentuate the strong sport-nature of RC.
– New Lexus dedicated coupe with the most aggressive use yet of the iconic spindle grille.
– High contrast interior colors with unique new trim create a driver’s cockpit that enhances the fun-to-drive intention of RC.TOKYO – Nov. 4, 2013 – The all-new Lexus RC coupe will make its world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show on Nov. 20,2013. The press conference will be held at 8:45 a.m. and a live webcast stream of the event will be available at //www.lexus-int.com.
Two RC models will be displayed at the Tokyo Motor Show – RC 350 with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, and the RC 300h hybrid with a 2.5-liter engine. Today Lexus released photos of the all-new RC in advance of the world premiere. The RC line brings to life the luxury marque’s focus on emotional appeal through a dynamic and alluring two-door coupe. It has been developed to raise the brand’s profile with a broader audience and new-to-Lexus customers. It injects emotional appeal into the Lexus DNA that is synonymous with build quality, refinement and reliability.
Design Exterior
Lexus designers have infused the RC design with deeply contoured lines never before seen in the Lexus line-up. They have integrated the widest and lowest application yet seen of the Lexus spindle grille.
Triangular headlamps evoke the sporty characteristics of the LF-LC styling while concept vehicle inspiration is evident in the unique three-lamp LED design. At low beam, the lamps adopt an L-shaped pattern as an expression of the Lexus identity. The sharp, thin design of the rear combination lamps adopts the symbolic Lexus L-shaped motif.RC’s aluminum wheels continue the concept-to-production design philosophy with two available combinations – a deeply sculpted 10-spoke 19-inch wheel or a muscular five-spoke 18-inch version, each precision-machined and finished with elegant black and platinum center caps.
A new Lexus painting process that uses multiple layers of clear and deeper-colored coating brings the RC coupe to life with a brighter and more contrasting shade, especially on the racy red exterior.
Design Interior
Highly acclaimed sport concept vehicles have greatly influenced the interior of the RC coupe, with maximum use of contrasting colors, materials and lighting. A purpose-built Lexus-first lighting package provides a great sense of occasion, with illumination that reflects upwards, rather than downwards, to envelop the interior. High contrast interior trim, including a new tone called Clove, emphasize design lines and accentuate the elegant cabin. Genuine shimamoku wood highlights – the result of an intense, layered wood production technique refined by Lexus – are used to emphasize the surrounding trim.The driver’s cockpit is divided into operational and display zones. The upper zone houses the instrument panel and a seven-inch navigation screen while a layered center console integrates a new Lexus first Remote Touch Interface.
Important for a coupe, the seats utilize an integrated foaming construction method – much like the molding of racing seats – to ensure optimum occupant comfort and support.
RC 350 RC 300h Length / in. 184.8 184.8 Height/ in. 54.9 54.9 Width / in. 72.4 72.4 Wheelbase/ in. 107.5 107.5 Seating capacity persons 4 4 Engine type 3.5L Gasoline 2.5L HV
Source: Lexus
