Lexus has announced the arrival of the RC coupe, which will make its debut at the Tokyo motor show. It has the Audi A5, BMW 4 Series and Infiniti Q60 (nee G35) in its sights.
Following on from the 2012 LF-LC and LF-CC concept presented at last year’s Paris motor show, the RC is the first production two-door coupe created by Toyota’s luxury offshoot since the SC400 (Soarer). Though almost 200mm shorter than the SC400 (at 4695mm long) it is 40mm wider (1840mm) and stands 45mm (1395mm) lower than its immediate predecessor. The new coupe sits on a 2730mm wheelbase and will be powered by a 3.5-liter V6 or a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain. There’s no V8 on offer this time around.
Exterior design
The exterior design is characterized by deeply contoured lines and features the widest and lowest-set interpretation yet of the Lexus spindle grille. Its triangular headlamps — derived from the LF-LC concept — have been diluted for production yet retain the novel three-lamp LED configuration that was part of the show car’s design. The RC also shares the separate L-shaped indicators first seen on the LF-CC with the IS sedan.
The RX’s rear end design appears to be very close to the LF-LC concept precursor. Its horizontal rear lamps include the Lexus L motif and are in line with those of other models in the range, while vertical air vents again point towards the concept car’s influence.
The aluminum wheels further express the concept-to-production design philosophy, with two designs: a sculpted 10-spoke 19-inch wheel and a five-spoke 18-inch version. Both are precision-machined and finished with black and platinum caps.
Interior design
The four-seat interior of the RC has also been influenced by Lexus’s sports concepts, reflected in the extensive use of contrasting colors, materials and lighting.
The interior lighting package has been designed to give a sense of occasion, with illumination that reflects upwards rather than down to envelop the cabin. The high-contrast trim, including a new color called Clove, emphasizes the interior’s elegance, together with shimamoku highlights — a genuine wood finish created using an intense layering technique refined by Lexus.
The driver’s cockpit follows established Lexus design principles. The upper zone houses the instrument panel and seven-inch navigation screen, while a layered center console integrates the Lexus’ remote touch interface controller. The seats are made using an integrated foaming construction, similar to the moulding technique used for racing seats, which are claimed to provide excellent comfort and support.
The new car will be revealed on November 20.
