Lexus’ mid-size SUV, the NX, was again the brand’s best seller in Europe with 27,789 units (+6% vs. 2016), capitalizing on the renewed model introduced in the second half of 2017. The RX large SUV came second with 18,918 units (+5%), prolonging the success story of this model’s latest generation. Supported by a product refresh introduced in the autumn, the CT compact hatchback also achieved a strong performance in 2017, with a sales increase of 5% to reach 8,842 units.

With 45,049 self-charging hybrid vehicles sold in Europe in 2017, an all-time record, Lexus continues to lead the electrification trend in the region. Self-charging hybrids represent more than 94% of Lexus sales in Western and Central Europe.

With the introduction of two flagship models, the LC luxury coupe and the 5^th generation LS luxury sedan, 2017 was a milestone year for Lexus, demonstrating our passion for bold design, imaginative technologies, exhilarating performance and takumi craftsmanship at the highest level.

“We are extremely satisfied to see that the attractive image of these halo models had a positive impact on our brand image, resulting in a strong sales performance overall and an increase of volumes compared to 2016”, said Pascal Ruch, Head of Lexus Europe. “We expect to see our sales momentum continue in 2018, as we are well on our way to reach our mid-term target of selling 100,000 Lexus vehicles in Europe by 2020.”

*Lexus Europe sales include the European Union countries, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland, as well as the following Eastern markets: Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Caucasus region, Turkey and Israel.

The all-new car, now homologated by the sport’s governing body, the FIA, will participate in racing championships in USA and Japan, as well as a number of selected European races.

In the USA, Lexus has supplied two Lexus RC F GT3 to the 3GT Racing team, to compete in the GTD class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Series.

In Japan, two cars are contesting the GT300 class of the Super GT Series with the LM corsa team.

In Europe, Farnbacher Racing and Emil Frey Racing, the two teams which competed in VLN Endurance series with RC F GT3 prototype vehicles last year, will continue their development work this season, aiming to compete at higher levels in GT3 racing in Europe in the future. On this basis, they will compete in European races in 2017, including selected events in the International GT Open series.

Last year, Lexus became the first Asian carmaker to win a VLN Endurance Championship race at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, with a RC F GT3 prototype claiming overall victory at the VLN9 race on 8 October.

Lexus also achieved outstanding results last year with the RC F GT500, another racing car derived from the RC F. The 2016 RC F GT500 dominated the Super GT series in Japan last year, with Team SARD and drivers Heikki Kovalainen and Kohei Hirate respectively claiming the team and drivers’ championship titles in the GT500 category.

SPECIFICATIONS

Vehicle Name LEXUS RC F GT3

Engine 5.4 L V8

Power 373+ kW (500+ hp)

Torque not available

Transmission 6-sd sequential racing box

Wheels 13x18 ft, 13 x 18 rr - centre-lock

Brakes iron rotors

Wheelbase 2730 mm

Overall Length 4845 mm

Overall Width 2030 mm

Overall Height 1270 mm

Curb Weight 1,300 kg