Lexus RC350 2015 News

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.DESIGNIt'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.INTERIORA 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.TECHNOLOGYThe 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.UNDERPINNINGSRC 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_______________________________________ 

Lexus' LF-CC Coupe Concept, shown at the 2012 Paris Auto Show, was a brilliant exercise in design and proportion--but it was clearly concept-only, despite hints that it might presage a production model. This appears to be that production model, the 2015 Lexus RC F. The latest images show the car testing on the Nordschleife. Earlier shots showed the car in testing on city streets.Why RC F? Because Lexus recently trademarked the name, as an expansion of the also-trademarked RC name. Given Lexus' penchant for somewhat sensible names, the C likely indicates a coupe. In fact, we expect the RC to be the coupe version of the IS sedan. The LF-CC was taken as a preview of the IS, in coupe form, at the time of its unveiling, as well. From the design elements seen in these spy shots, we can see the proportions of the LF-CC have held through to the current development vehicle quite clearly. The RC F's dimensions are tipped to be 4700mm long and 1845mm wide, with it riding on a 2730mm wheelbase. Details such as the extremely narrow headlights, blade-like side scoop, and involuted rear diffuser found on the LF-CC concept have been replaced by simpler, more production-oriented designs.Other differences include larger tail lights, stacked exhaust outlets (like on the current IS F) and what appears to be a functional centre hood vent on the car spied in testing. Inside the cockpit of the RC F, there is a dashboard and centre stack very similar to that found in the 2014 IS sedan.So what will power the RC F? Some reports are suggesting it will carry over the high-output 5.0-litre V8 engine found in the outgoing IS F sedan, which delivers 311kW of power and 505Nm of torque -- though even more is possible.Lexus IS chief engineer Junichi Furuyama hinted last week that the 5.0-litre V8 could be dropped because of its difficulty meeting Euro 6 emission standards, and be replaced by a completely new engine for the F model. We'll update you with more details and information as the car progresses through its development cycle, which should come to completion in time for a full unveiling sometime in 2014 as a 2015 model.www.motorauthority.com