Brussels, Belgium - Sales in Europe increased 20 percent to approximately 64,000 vehicles, the most for a major market in percentage terms; including a 31 percent gain in Western Europe. Sales in China increased to approximately 88,500 vehicles, a 14 percent increase; and North America sales increased to approximately 368,000 vehicles, a 12 percent gain. Accentuating its luxury hybrid leadership, with almost 1 million hybrid Lexus vehicles sold to date, hybrid sales globally were approximately 149,000 vehicles and accounted for 23 percent of sales.

Mark Templin, Executive Vice President at Lexus International said: “2015 was an amazing year for Lexus International. In addition to the new and redesigned models in our stable, we began rolling out our most advanced vehicle safety portfolio – Lexus Safety System +, and began ES production in North America. Our entire vehicle line-up design has evolved to be more bold and emotional, and our brand initiatives are resonating as an extension of the Lexus ownership experience. We appreciate luxury consumers taking notice and honoring us with a fourth straight year of double digit percentage growth.”

At Lexus, we believe growth is the product of doing the right things for our customers and building brand advocacy. The following are just some of the activities we undertook and industry honors received in 2015.

Initiatives

The first INTERSECT BY LEXUS luxury brand experience space outside Japan opened in Dubai, UAE. This new two story space is located in the heart of the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC).

Lexus named the first automaker winner ofthe Milano Design Award for Best Entertainingfor its "Lexus – A Journey of the Senses" exhibit at Milan Design Week, the world's largest design exhibition. Additionally, the first-ever Lexus Design Award Grand Prix winner was announced.

The third Lexus Short Films Series winners announced at the Napa Valley Film Festival. In 2013, Lexus Short Films was launched with the goal of supporting and nurturing a new generation of emerging filmmakers.

Lexus partnered with leading super conductive technology experts to create one of the most advanced Hoverboards ever. The Lexus Hoverboard is part of the global ‘Amazing in Motion’ campaign.

Lexus Safety System +, a portfolio of active safety technologies designed to help prevent or mitigate collisions across a wide range of vehicle speeds package began rolling out in Europe, Japan and North America.

Honors

Lexus named the Luxury Brand with the Best Resale Value in Kelley Blue Book’s 2016 Best Resale Value Awards. This is the fifth year in a row Lexus has been named the luxury brand with the best projected retained value through the initial five-year ownership. Six 2016 Lexus models were honored with Best Resale Value for their perspective vehicle categories: RC 200t/RC 300/RC 350, ES 300h, GS 200t/GS 350, RX 450h, GX 460, and LX 570.

The NX 200t was awarded ‘Best Compact Premium SUV’ at the 2015 Middle East Car of the Year Awards (MECOTY).

CT was the overall winner in the Car Environmental List, an annual evaluation by the Traffic Association Germany (VCD).

Lexus topped the largest car satisfaction surveys, Autoindex, in Sweden and Norway, for the fourth time.

Lexus dominated the Auto Express Driver Power 2015 survey, receiving six awards including those for best manufacturer and – for the IS sedan – best car. The IS also took the top spot in the best compact executive car category and was the highest­ rated model for ease of driving. The NX was named best car for build quality within its first six months on the road in the UK.

The independent German institute for environmental research ‘Ökotrend’ (Ecological Trend) and the car magazine ‘Auto Test’ recognized the GS 300h as the most ecological car in the premium middle class. The evaluation of the vehicle’s environmental performance was conducted based on its fuel consumption and emissions for its entire life cycle, including production, logistics and recycling.

RX achieved the best-ever pedestrian protection score out of all large SUVs ever tested by Euro NCAP and achieves a 5 –Star rating.

CT , ES, RC, and NX, earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK+, IIHS’s highest recognition for crashworthiness and front crash prevention.

Lexus ranked highest in vehicle dependability among all nameplates for a fourth consecutive year in the 2015 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). The ES ranked highest in the Compact Premium Car segment and the GX was awarded among Midsize Premium SUVs. The ES was the highest ranked model among all vehicles in the study.

Sales by Region

North America: Approximately 368,000 vehicles, 12 percent increase

China: Approximately 88,500 vehicles, 14 percent increase

Europe: Approximately 64,000 vehicles, 20 percent increase

Japan: Approximately 48,000 vehicles, 9 percent increase

Middle East: Approximately 44,400 vehicles, 5 percent increase

East Asia and Oceania: Approximately 30,000 vehicles, 10 percent increase

Other markets combined: Approximately 9,400 vehicles, 26 percent increase

For more information, please visit the following:

newsroom.lexus.eu

lexus-int.com

intersect-by-lexus.com

lexusshortfilms.com

lexusdesignaward.com

Mated to an 8-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission, the turbo unit adopts numerous sophisticated engine technologies to offer drivers an engaging combination of smoothness, turbo-lag-free throttle responsiveness and fuel-efficiency.

The superior driving dynamics of the new RC 200t may be further enhanced through the availability of an F SPORT version, which is equipped with a Torsen Limited Slip Differential.

Together with the already announced RC 300h, the new RC 200t go on sale throughout Europe at the end of the year.

2.0 Litre Turbo Petrol Engine with 8-Speed SPDS Transmission

Weighing just 160 kg, the remarkably light and compact 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol unit features a unique combination of advanced, ESTEC (Economy with Superior Thermal Efficiency Combustion) engine technologies for increased thermal efficiency through combustion enhancement.

They include a D-4ST (Direct injection 4 stroke gasoline engine Superior version with Turbo) fuel injection system, a twin-scroll turbocharger, a water cooled cylinder head with integrated exhaust manifold, and VVTi-W (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide).

Combining a fast throttle response and high torque at low engine revs with remarkably frugal fuel consumption, the engine develops 245 DIN hp/180 kW and maximum torque of 350 Nm. This equips the RC 200t with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h, allied to a 7.2 l/100 km average fuel consumption and CO2 emissions from 166 g/km.

D-4ST combines high pressure direct cylinder injection with low pressure intake port injection. This achieves optimum, uniform combustion even under high loads and cold during temperatures.

This advanced fuel injection system works in combination with turbocharging to create a high level of compatibility between the 'high tumble ratio' achieved by optimising the shape of both the cylinder head intake ports and the piston tops, and turbo 'boost control'.

The water cooled cylinder head features and integral, four-into-two exhaust manifold. This system pairs cylinders according to their expansion or compression stroke. Acting in conjunction with the highly-efficient, twin-scroll turbocharger, this innovative manifold structure prevents interference between the exhaust gasses from each cylinder, generating high torque across the widest possible rev band.

The adoption of an air-to-liquid intercooler mounted directly to the engine significantly reduces the intake volume downstream of the turbocharger, minimising turbo lag for a rapid throttle response.

The 2.0 turbo unit further benefits from variable valve timing technology which adopts VVT-i on the exhaust valves and VVT-iW on the intake valves. This combines wide open throttle performance with optimised torque delivery throughout the rev range, whilst allowing the engine to start in the Otto cycle and yet run in the more fuel-efficient Atkinson cycle.

The engine drives the rear wheels via an 8-Speed SPDS (Sport Direct Shift) transmission originally developed for the high-performance RC F. Equipped with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts for manual override, the transmission varies gear shifting in accordance with the G-forces generated. It automatically downshifts during hard braking before a corner, holds a lower gear through the corner, then selects the most suitable gear on corner exit to give the driver greater throttle response.

Superior Driving Dynamics

The driving dynamics of the new RC 200t perfectly reflect Lexus' objective to optimise the ride and handling of its vehicles, offering its customers a more sporting and engaging driving experience.

The foundation of the RC coupe's agility, precise steering response and high levels of mechanical grip is its high rigidity bodyshell, the strength of which is enhanced by numerous specialised Lexus manufacturing techniques including body adhesives, and laser-screw and multi-spot welding.

The RC coupe's front double wishbone and rear multi-link suspension systems have been exclusively tuned for the new 200t, combining well-balanced, agile handling with superior straight line ride comfort.

The RC 200t is equipped with a Drive Mode Select system, offering drivers a choice of SNOW, ECO, NORMAL and SPORT (SPORT S with F SPORT) modes.

RC 200t F SPORT Enhanced Handling Performance

Significantly enhancing handling performance without detriment to ride quality, the RC 200t F SPORT combines exclusively tuned front and rear suspension systems with a Torsen Limited Slip Differential and the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS).

AVS automatically activates adjustable damping force shock absorbers to independently adjust the performance of the suspension at all four wheels, offering drivers the optimum combination of straight line ride comfort and cornering stability.

When the RC F SPORT-unique SPORT S+ Drive Mode is selected, the system increases the difference between inner and outer shock absorber damping through corners, further reducing body roll.

Elegant Coupe Styling and Driver-focused Cockpit

The stunning, two-door RC 200t coupe's exterior design features a compact cabin contrasted by aggressively flared wings and body contours etched with deeply sweeping lines. The resultant, powerfully three-dimensional forms constantly change in appearance as you move around the car, creating a striking presence when viewed from any angle.

Befitting the coupe's styling flair, the F SPORT version's 'F' mesh design spindle grille is wider and lower than that of any other Lexus, emphasising the RC's wide, purposeful stance and low centre of gravity. Perfectly integrating design and function, the grille incorporates both fog lamps and brake cooling air intakes.

The RC 200t may be fitted with a choice of 9-spoke 17", 5-spoke 18" or 10-spoke 19" aluminium alloy wheels. The F SPORT variant combines model-specific badging with a unique 19" F SPORT alloy wheel design.

Highlighting the sporting elegance of a coupe, the RC 200t's premium quality interior makes maximum use of contrasting colours, materials and lighting; the latter featuring unique, upward- rather than downward-reflecting ambient illumination.

Featuring an exclusive, highly-supportive, 'integrated foaming' construction sports seat design, the snug, focused and ergonomically superb driver's cockpit is divided into Operational and Display zones, optimising the efficiency of Lexus' advanced on-bard technology.

The upper, Display zone houses the instrument panel; and a 7" multi-information display screen, whilst the lower, Operation zone features a layered centre console which integrates the second generation of Lexus' Remote Touch Interface (RTI).

The F SPORT version inherits a descendant of the innovative driver's meter with moving centre ring from the LFA. The F SPORT-exclusive interior design is completed by a perforated leather-clad steering wheel and shift lever, aluminium pedals and scuff plates, and the 3D surface treatment of Wedge Metal ornamentation.

About Lexus

Launched in 1989, Lexus has become renowned throughout the world for its pursuit of perfection, the outstanding quality and sophisticated high-technology content of its products, and for its unique concept of complete customer service. Further reinforcing the traditional Lexus values of unparalleled build quality, comfort and interior luxury, Lexus is currently rejuvenating its line-up, launching a new wave of emotional and inspirational products featuring bolder product execution, superior driving dynamics and state-of-the-art technologies. Today, Lexus remains the first - and only - premium automotive manufacturer to offer a comprehensive full-hybrid model range comprising the RX 450h, the GS 450h and GS 300h, the LS 600h, the ES 300h, the IS 300h and the CT 200h. In Europe, models featuring Lexus Hybrid Drive account for more than half of all Lexus sales. Lexus sold 53,230 vehicles in Europe in 2014 and aims to increase sales to exceed 60,000 vehicles in 2015.

Using the latest virtual reality technologies, Lexus has created an action-packed scenario in which the user embarks on a high-speed pursuit around a race track in the new RC F coupe.

To ensure a truly immersive experience, the action was filmed live on the exclusive Ascari circuit in southern Spain, using a battery of cameras inside and outside the car as well as trackside to capture high-quality, 360-degree digital footage.

The result is as close as you can get to enjoying the authentic speed, handling and sound of the 475hp RC F without actually sitting in the cockpit. You can even choose between a smooth or aggressive driving style, to suit your personal preference.

The experience is being offered as a smartphone app for iOS and Android which can be used stand-alone or with the Google Cardboard VR viewer. For even greater immersion, there is also an Oculus Rift VR version available. Additionally, you can also experience the 360° RC F film with the newly introduced 360° YouTube video streaming function (currently only working with Chrome browsers). Lexus launched the RC F experience at the Geneva motor show 2015 and will be giving people the chance to put themselves in the virtual race experience at key events across Europe this summer.

Lexus has also designed a branded version of Google Cardboard that will be publically available soon.

Spiros Fotinos, Lexus Europe's Head of Marketing, said: "At Lexus we are determined to push the boundaries in everything we do, whether that's in the design of our cars or the way we market our products to customers. For the RC F, we have created an amazing virtual reality experience that can be enjoyed and shared by anyone, anywhere — without the traditional hardware limitations. The combination of realism, multi-platform availability and YouTube 360° video streaming makes it truly a world first."

The RC F smartphone app is available for download now on the App store and Google play store (search: Lexus RC F). For more information please also visit http://www.lexus.eu/vr.

Launched at the end of 2014, the RC F is a premium sports coupe, born and bred at Japan's famous Fuji Speedway and inspired by the advanced technologies and performance-focused character of the Lexus LFA supercar.

Two RC F GT3s, campaigned by European teams Farnbacher Racing and Emil Frey Racing, finished first and second in the SPX prototype class and 10th and 11th in the overall classification.

Both cars also completed 28 laps of the full Nurburgring endurance racing circuit - the same as the overall winner - in a further confirmation of their pace and consistency.

The result marks a significant milestone for the program to hone the new Lexus RC F GT3 throughout 2015.

Farnbacher Racing and Emil Frey Racing are co-developing the RC F GT3 and will run the vehicle at other events of the VLN, a series of endurance races at the Nurburgring organised by German motoring clubs.

Japan's LM Corsa team is also running an RC F GT3 in the GT 300 class of the 2015 Japanese Super GT championship.

The Lexus RC F GT3 is built to comply with GT3 regulations, which are for grand tourer style racecars that can be campaigned in various championships around the world.

It is based on the Lexus RC F sports coupe but is lower, wider and weighs just 1250kg.

It also features a modified version of the RC F's 5.0-litre V8 engine that produces in excess of 400kW of power (540 horsepower).

• World-first use of Torque Vectoring Differential in a front-engined rear-drive sports car, providing enhanced traction and control

• Aggressive exterior styling incorporating advanced, race-bred aerodynamics

• Bespoke interior featuring RC F-unique instrumentation, seats and finishes

• Debut marks the 25th anniversary of the Lexus brand launched at the 1989 Detroit motor show

Lexus has today revealed the high performance version of its new RC coupe, the RC F, at the North American International Auto Show, 25 years after the very first Lexus car, the LS 400, was launched in Detroit in 1989.

The strikingly aggressive RC F features a new 5.0-litre engine developing well in excess of 450 DIN hp and more than 520 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful V8 performance car yet developed by Lexus.

Harnessing this power with optimum efficiency, the RC F combines a newly calibrated eight-speed transmission with the world's first installation of a Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD) in a front-engined rear-drive sports coupe, enhancing traction and control to guarantee extraordinary levels of handling and performance.

'I've built the RC F to be enjoyed by all enthusiasts, no matter what their level of expertise', said Lexus RC F Chief Engineer, Yukihiko Yaguchi. 'There's a false perception that racing cars are hard to drive. In fact, they're easy in the right hands because they've been purpose-built for the skill level of their drivers. It's the same with RC F. Electronics can be modified instantly on board to provide appropriate levels of performance and protection. But even at its basic setting, it's a blast.'

ALL-NEW HIGH-PERFORMANCE 5.0-LITRE V8 

The most powerful Lexus V8 F model yet built features an all-new 5.0-liter, 32 valve engine which develops in excess of 450 hp and more than 520 Nm of torque. The cylinder heads and all moving parts are newly designed to provide increased maximum power at higher engine revolutions than has previously been possible.

For the first time in a Lexus performance engine, the RC F uses the Atkinson cycle at cruising speeds for enhanced fuel economy, and then switches to the Otto cycle at higher revolutions to realise impressive performance levels.

Developed exclusively for the RC F, every aspect of the powertrain has been specifically designed to deliver the highest possible levels of driver engagement, including the transmission and exhaust systems.

The uniquely calibrated eight-speed Sports Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission improves linear response to accelerator-pedal operation, for more precise driver control of power and torque delivery.

A new system of regulating induction and exhaust sound further enhances driver involvement, creating a deep tone up to 3000rpm, and a pleasing, higher-pitched tone as revolutions rise freely above 6000rpm under hard acceleration.

UNIQUE TORQUE VECTORING DIFFERENTIAL

Designed to further heighten driving enjoyment through the greater usability promoted by enhanced traction and control, the Lexus RC F incorporates the world's first front-engined rear-drive installation of a Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD).

The TVD has three operating modes:

• STANDARD, for a balance of agile performance and high-speed stability
• SLALOM, for an emphasis on nimble response to steering inputs
• TRACK, for consistent, stable cornering behaviour whilst circuit driving, with optimum driver control -a newly calibrated VDIM adds a vertical G-sensor to provide even greater vehicle stability

SUPERB DRIVING DYNAMICS

The foundation for the new RC F's outstanding mechanical grip is its high rigidity body, which features large cross-section rocker panels and a highly rigid front lower brace. Numerous specialised Lexus manufacturing techniques further enhance rigidity, including body adhesives, laser-screw welding and multi-spot welding. Grip is further enhanced through the use of a wider tyre and wheel assembly.

The RC F is equipped with coil-sprung independent suspension systems to both front and rear, incorporating monotube gas dampers and ball-jointed stabiliser bars. Unsprung weight is lowered by the adoption of 19-inch forged aluminium alloy wheels which minimise the wheel assembly mass whilst maximising rigidity.

As in the Lexus' LFA supercar, an active rear wing is incorporated into the boot lid to provide down force at speeds of more than 80kmh. The wing is a highlight of the RC F's comprehensive aerodynamic grip and stability package, which also includes careful tuning of the flat underbody, race-bred air-management ducts to the rear of the front bumper and front fenders, and the strategic placement of aero stabilising fins.

AGGRESSIVE F PERFORMANCE STYLING

The Lexus RC F is instantly identifiable by the visual aggression it adds to the stylish design of the new RC coupe on which it is based.

It features its own version of the Lexus signature spindle grille which dominates the front of the vehicle, with a subtle 'F' motif embedded in the mesh below the Lexus symbol.

Adding further visual aggression, the bonnet front is higher than that of the RC, creating a powerful, flared profile appropriate to an F model. This striking profile is further enhanced by a choice of three, 10-spoke 19" forged aluminium wheels, one version of which is hand polished by Lexus craftsmen.

The RC F takes certain design cues from the Lexus LFA supercar, most notably in the application of essential air cooling and aerodynamic devices. Bonnet air outlets such as those on the LFA combine with front cooling ducts, contributing to engine cooling and overall vehicle stability.

To the side, air outlet ducts at the rear of the front fender further aid engine and brake cooling performance, merging with side sill extensions to form a powerful 'L' shape.

To the rear, trapezoidally-stacked quad-outlet exhaust outlets add further visual impact to the RC F's broad, aggressive stance.

LIGHTWEIGHT CARBON FIBRE PACKAGE

Drawing on experience gained by Lexus from the LFA and the IS F CCS-R limited-edition racing car, the weight of the new RC F has been minimised by the adoption of a comprehensive package of carbon fibre parts. Carbon fibre elements include the roof, bonnet and active rear wing.

HIGHLY DRIVER-FOCUSED RC F INTERIOR DESIGN

The driver-focused RC F interior features numerous uniquely designed components, including the instrument meters, steering wheel, seats, pedals and trim, engaging drivers with the high levels of comfort, support and ergonomic excellence appropriate to a high-performance Lexus F model.

The RC F's all-new, F-exclusive instrument meters represent a further development of the LFA's switchable, driving mode-dependent central dial. The design is inspired by aircraft cockpit instrumentation, in providing a wide range of information in clear, concise form which is easily read at a glance.

This information includes a large, centrally-mounted tachometer that alters according to driving mode, digital and analogue speed readouts, a differential torque vectoring monitor, a G-Force meter, oil and water temperature gauges, mileage information and even a stopwatch.

An ergonomically ideal driver/machine interface is fundamental to Lexus F performance models. The RC F debuts a Lexus-first elliptical cross-section, thick grip steering wheel which offers greater control during performance driving. The placement, shape and operation of the wheel's paddle shifters have also been optimised for fast, accurate gear changes during all forms of performance driving.

Styled on close-fitting athletic sportswear, all-new high-back seats feature Lexus' integrated foaming technique, which achieves a cosseting, highly supportive fit and does not suffer from movement between the seat padding and trim.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Official pictures are available on http://newsroom.lexus.eu

"The form of each component is carefully designed to contribute to performance," Lexus RC F chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi said. "Unique air outlets in the hood and rear section of the front fenders contribute to optimum engine cooling and handling stability. They create an aggressive look that immediately conveys the expectation of a dynamic driving experience."

EXTERIOR DESIGN

The signature Lexus spindle grille dominates the front of the RC F, with a subtle 'F' motif embedded in the mesh below the Lexus symbol. As well, the bonnet is higher than that of the RC and it helps create a powerful flared profile suited to an F model. Ducts beneath the front bumper and fenders and strategically placed aerodynamic stabilising fins create a stance which further identifies the F model.

Air outlets at the rear of the front fender form the shape of an L when they merge with side sill extensions, while stacked trapezoidal quad-outlet tailpipes at the rear add further aggression.

The RC F has taken design cues from the Lexus supercar LFA. An active rear wing deploys from the RC F's deck at 80km/h and retracts at less than 40km/h to enhance the coupe's lines at standstill.

Three variations of 10-spoke 19" forged aluminium wheels are available by grade. Two are machine polished and on the High Plus grade the wheels are hand polished by a craftsmen.

INTERIOR DESIGN

The striking cockpit-like interior of Lexus RC F complements the aggressive exterior. Unique components include the meters, steering wheel, seats, ornamentation and pedals. The instrument panel is dominated by a switchable central dial which changes according to the four selectable driving modes. The information, colour of the display and size of text all alter.

Occupant comfort is all important. RC F debuts a Lexus-first elliptical cross-section thick-grip steering wheel with optimum placement of paddle gear shifts while all-new high back seats with an embossed F on the headrests have been styled to resemble tight-fitting athletic sportswear and to offer similar levels of support. The seats are available in a selection of five leather trims, each with contrasting stitching.

Outstanding new L-shaped rubber slits in the brake and accelerator pedals combine form and function to provide better foot grip.

The car will be revealed at the North American International Auto Show and a press conference will be held on the Lexus stand at 8:45am EST (14:45pm CET), January 14^th 2014.

Official pictures are available on http://newsroom.lexus.eu