Tokyo Motor Show marks the debut of 2014 Lexus RC Coupe which will be launched next year. The car is based on the GS platform, however it differs in all dimensions from the GS and IS Lines.
The aggressive appearance of the RC has achieved via its deeply contoured lines and the integration of the widest and lowest application of the brand’s spindle grille. It is 30mm wider, 35mm lower and 70mm shorter in wheelbase than the IS Line.
Furthermore, the unique headlamps have L-shaped design at both the front and rear. The car runs on aluminium wheels offered in two choices – a deeply sculpted 10-spoke 19-inch and a muscular five-spoke 18-inch. To make the exterior even more expressive, the designers at Lexus have of course decided to paint it in red.
The same exclusivity of the exterior design is continued in the interior, where one can see an extensive use of contrasting colours, materials and lighting. For example, the Lexus-first lighting package delivers a great sense of occasion, with illumination that reflects upwards, rather than downwards.
Other highlights here include accents in genuine shimamoku wood, which surround the trim.
The driver’s cockpit is divided into operational and display zones. To be more precise, the upper zone houses the instrument panel and a seven-inch navigation screen, while the centre console integrates a new Lexus-first Remote Touch Interface.
The driving dynamics deliver their best thanks to the purpose-built chassis which is a result of the latest goal of the brand to achieve a world-class driving experience. Thicker underbody rocker panels enhance the two-door’s rigidity and support driving performance.
The handling package on the other hand includes aerodynamic aids to underbody. RC sports double wishbone front suspension and multi-link suspension at the rear.
Next, the aggressively styled coupe will be offered with a choice of two powertrains – 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine coupled with an eight-speed Sports Direct Shift with paddle shift transmission, and 2.5-litre hybrid system. The dual injection petrol unit generates 318 hp (234 kW) at 6,400rpm, and a peak torque of 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) at 4800rpm.
The hybrid system utilizes dual injected 2.5-litre four cylinder engine with a 143 hp (105 kW) electric motor driven through an electronic continuously variable transmission with six step gears in a sequential shift-matic feature. 2014 Lexus RC Coupe will drive either through its rear wheels or be available in all-wheel drive (AWD).
Advanced technology is also included here. For instance the upgraded Blind Spot Monitor detects vehicles that are near the back of the car and are driven in higher speeds. In addition, the innovative touch-sensitive Lexus Remote Touch Interface is there to aid the audio and navigation systems.
2014 Lexus RC Coupe Specifications:
| RC 350 | RC 300h | |
| Length (mm) | 4,695 | 4,695 |
| Height (mm) | 1,395 | 1,395 |
| Width (mm) | 1,840 | 1,840 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,730 | 2,730 |
| Seating | 4 | 4 |
| Driven wheels | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Engine type | 2GR-FSE | 2AR-FSE |
| Cylinders | V6 | L4 |
| Power (kW/rpm) | 234/6,400 | 131/6,000 |
| Torque (Nm/rpm) | 380/4800 | 221/4200-/4800 |
| Total Output kW | – | 162 |
| Transmission | 8AT | E-CVT |
| Suspension | Front: Double wishbone
Rear: Multilink |
Front: Double wishbone
Rear: Multilink |
| Tyres | 255/35R19 + 275/35R19 | 255/35R19 + 275/35R19 |
Source: Lexus
