Lexus RC Coupe here in a year

One of the more stylish cars to make an entrance at this year's Tokyo motor show was the glamorous new Lexus RC Coupe. Although based on the GS platform, the RC Coupe is a stand-alone model -- rather than a two-door derivative -- and differs in all dimensions to both the IS and GS lines.

And the two-door is just about a year away from our showrooms. Lexus says the RC Coupe is production ready and will go sale in overseas markets towards the end of 2014, and we will get the car very close to its Japanese release.

DESIGN

It's a real work of art. The emotionally charged RC boasts the widest and lowest application yet of the signature Lexus spindle grille. Sitting 30mm wider, 35mm lower and 70mm shorter in wheelbase than the new IS line, it has a more aggressive stance. The unique headlamp design adopts the symbolic Lexus L-shaped motif front and rear, while the car rides on 18 or 19 inch wheels.

INTERIOR

A highlight of the interior is the specially designed back lighting which shines up rather than down. Genuine layered Shimamoku wood highlights are used to emphasise the surrounding trim while 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 centre console integrates a new Lexus first Remote Touch Interface. The form fitting seats created using a new foam process have been designed to ensure optimum occupant comfort and support.

TECHNOLOGY

The RC coupe is powered by the same drivetrain choices as the IS sedan: either a 2.5-litre hybrid or 3.5 litre V6 -- the latter with an eight-speed Sports Direct Shift transmission (with steering wheel paddles) adapted from the IS F and optimising power delivery and economy. The power output per litre of the RC is second only to the $700,00 LFA supercar -- the dual injection 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine produces 234kW of power at 6400 revs and 380Nm of torque from 4800 revs.

The hybrid combines a dual-injected 2.5-litre four cylinder engine with a 105kW electric motor for a combined output of 161kW and 221Nm, with drive to the rear wheels through a six-step CVT style transmission.

To go with its racy good looks the sound generated by the engine has been tuned to ensure it delivers a more stirring note. Advanced technology includes upgraded Blind Spot Monitor and a new innovative Remote Touch Interface, which controls the audio and navigation systems. The RC is the first Lexus to adopt the upgraded Blind Spot Monitor system which detects vehicles that are approaching from behind at a higher speed and from a greater distance.

UNDERPINNINGS

RC uses double wishbone front suspension and multi-link suspension at the rear. Lighter and stronger the purpose-built chassis is designed to provide a world class driving experience, as epitomised by improvements in both the GS and IS lines. Extra thick underbody rocker panels increase the car's rigidity and new manufacturing techniques pioneered in the IS and LS models, including the use of body adhesives - have been used to strengthen the chassis. Aerodynamic aids, especially on the underbody, contribute to the handling package.

Watch the desktop version of the Lexus RC Coupe video here.

This reporter is on Twitter: @IamChrisRiley

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