Lexus RC Brings the Sport Coupe Back to the Lexus Range

LexusLexusJapan, 1989 > present26 models
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had decided that it has lacked a sports coupe in its lineup for too long, and it is bringing the LF-CC concept to production with the Lexus RCLexus RCJapan, 2014 > present15 versions
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. It will launch first in Japan with V6 RC350Lexus RC 350Japan, 2014 > present and four-cylinder hybrid RC300hLexus RC 300hJapan, 2014 > present, but eventually be on sale worldwide.

“One of the main reasons motoring enthusiasts aspire to own coupes is that they look cool, sexy even. We developed the RC to deliver the kind of extra responsiveness that drivers find exhilarating, not overwhelming,” said RC Chief Engineer Junichi Furuyama.

The RC is nearly identical to the LF-CC concept that it is based on and uses the same platform as the new Lexus GSLexus GS Gen.4Japan, 2012 > present19 versions
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and ISLexus Lexus IS Gen.3Japan, 2013 > present18 versions
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. Up front it uses Lexus’ spindle grill with a mesh insert, but the real beauty of the car comes in profile. The car blends the sharp creases of the front and rear with long flowing lines at the side. The rear has two exhausts molded into the lower portion of the car with brake cooling ducts behind the rear wheels.

The interior is basically borrowed from the IS and features a 7in navigation screen with a touch interface on a panel between the front seats.

The RC350 uses a 3.5-liter V6 with 314hp and 280lb-ft (380Nm) with an eight-speed automatic, and the RC300h has a hybrid 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a total system output of 217hp and 163lb-ft of torque (221Nm) with a CVT.

While it shares a platform with it, the RC is 30mm wider, 35mm lower and has a 70mm shorter wheelbase than the current IS. The rocker panels are also thicker for better body rigidity, and the panels are partially bonded with adhesives rather than welding.

Sales outside of Japan are scheduled to begin in 2014, and all-wheel drive versions are being developed.