Lexus unveils all new rc coupe at the 2013 tokyo motor show

Lexus today unveiled its striking new production-ready RC coupe at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. The RC raises Lexus' profile with a broader audience, injecting even more emotional appeal into the Lexus DNA which has become well known for build quality, refinement and reliability.

RC is part of a ride and handling revolution at Lexus, which started with GS and continued with the new IS. It is a stand-alone model, rather than a two-door derivative of a sedan. Based on the GS platform, the coupe differs in all dimensions from the GS and IS lines.

The aggressively styled coupe will be available with two powertrains: 3.5L V6 teamed with an eight-speed sequential transmission and 2.5L hybrid system.

Chief engineer Junichi Furuyama, also in charge of the IS line, said RC was intended to engage with owners on an emotional level: "Motoring enthusiasts have always aspired to own coupes for one reason: coupes look cool — sexy even. We developed RC to deliver extra response that exhilarates rather than overwhelms drivers, in keeping with the true spirit of Japanese hospitality, or omotenashi."

Lexus International executive vice president Mark Templin said growing the emotional appeal of Lexus will allow the brand to engage with a broader audience. "Our focus is to strengthen the brand's emotional appeal through our products and RC is another demonstration of this focus," Mr Templin said. "The emotional attachment of a coupe is found in its purity of design and its engaging driving experience, and with RC the engineers have achieved the balance."

EXTERIOR DESIGN

The RC has been infused with deeply contoured lines, integrating the widest and lowest application yet of the Lexus spindle grille. It is unique in the Lexus range — 30mm wider, 35mm lower and 70mm shorter in wheelbase than the new IS line, providing a road stance that emphasizes the attraction of a luxury two-door vehicle.

The unique headlamp design adopts the symbolic Lexus L-shaped motif front and rear. There are two choices of aluminium wheels — a deeply sculpted 10-spoke 19-inch and a muscular five-spoke 18-inch.

The hero colour is red — a brighter, more contrasting shade made possible by a new painting process.

INTERIOR DESIGN

Highly acclaimed sports concept vehicles have greatly influenced the RC interior, making maximum use of contrasting colours, materials and lighting.

A purpose-built Lexus-first lighting package provides a great sense of uniqueness, with illumination that reflects upwards, rather than downwards, to envelope the cabin. High contrast interior colours 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 centre console integrates a new Lexus first Remote Touch Interface.

Importantly for a coupe, the seats utilize an integrated foaming construction method, much like the moulding of racing seats, to ensure optimum occupant comfort and support.

DRIVING DYNAMICS

The RC's strong and purpose-built chassis is the latest evolution of Lexus' objective to achieve a world class driving experience, epitomized by the improved performance of both the GS and IS lines.

Extra thick underbody rocker panels greatly increase the two-door's rigidity to support driving performance. New manufacturing techniques pioneered in the LS and IS models, including the use of body adhesives, have strengthened the chassis.

Aerodynamic aids, especially on the underbody, contribute to the handling package.

RC uses double wishbone front suspension and multi-link suspension at the rear.

LEXUS RC COUPE POWERTRAINS

Specific power output per litre of the RC is second only to the super-sports LFA in the Lexus range.

The dual injection 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine produces maximum power of 234 kW (318 DIN hp) at 6,400 rpm, and peak torque of 380 Nm (38.7kgm・f) at 4800 rpm.

An eight-speed Sports Direct Shift with paddle shift transmission adapted from the IS F optimizes power delivery and economy. In M (manual) mode full torque converter lock up from second to eighth gears allows for down changes in just 0.2 sec.

The hybrid variant — the first Lexus hybrid coupe — uses a dual-injected 2.5-liter four cylinder engine with a 105kW (143 DIN hp) electric motor driven through an electronic continuously variable transmission with six step gears in a sequential shift-matic feature.

Depending on market requirement, the RC coupe will drive either through its rear wheels or be available in all weather (AWD) configuration.

The sound generated by the engine has been tuned to ensure it delivers a stirring note under spirited driving conditions.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

Advanced technology includes upgraded Blind Spot Monitor and new Remote Touch Interface (RTI).

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 than is covered by the current system.

The innovative touch-sensitive Lexus Remote Touch Interface for audio and navigation systems is particularly important in a coupe in which tactile reaction is a desirable part of the driving experience.

SPECIFICATIONS (JAPANESE MODEL)

Official pictures of the new Lexus RC are available on http://newsroom.lexus.eu