Lexus Reveals The RC Coupe Before Tokyo

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

November 4, 2013

Ladies and Gentlemen, may we introduce the brand new Lexus RC coupe. Revealed today before its official debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in a couple weeks time, the RC is expected to go on sale sometime next year as a 2015 model.

The RC is definitely a Lexus in its design. The overall profile is very reminiscent of the LF-NX concept shown at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show. Up front is the largest spindle grille ever put onto a Lexus vehicle. The side features embellished wheel wells and a distinctive character line running the whole length.

Inside the RC, its very similar to the new IS sedan. There is seating for four and new lighting that illuminates upward. Lexus has fitted the RC with the next-generation Remote Touch system that swaps the joystiq control for a touchpad.

There will be two RC models shown at Tokyo; the RC 300h which pairs a 2.5L four-cylinder with a hybrid powertrain, and the RC 350 which packs the 3.5L V6.

We'll have more information when the RC is shown in Tokyo later this month.

Source: Lexus

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected]or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

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 http://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.