Lexus RC coupe previewed before Tokyo debut

Lexus brings us an official preview of its RC coupe ahead of its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month. And if you don’t look at the face of the RC it’s not a bad looking car. But you do look at the face, don’t you. You can’t help it.

Lexus says the front-end of the RC is the “most aggressive use yet of the iconic spindle grille.” Well that grille is iconic, in much the same way as the SsangYong Stavic was iconic; for all the wrong reasons.

Inspired by the LF-LC Concept the RC has taken a mostly sensible path from concept to production model. The dramatic shoulder line is its best aspect, based on this handful of photos anyway.

The RC350 will be powered by a 3.5 litre V6 engine and will be joined by a 2.5 litre engine at the heart of the RC 300h hybrid. Full details to be revealed in Tokyo.

All-new Lexus RC to make world debut at Tokyo Motor Show

• Striking concept-to-reality coupe explores new frontiers for Lexus, including the first use of “sexy” as a design catchphrase
• High performance V6 petrol and hybrid powertrains accentuate the strong sports nature of RC
• New styling direction for Lexus in a dedicated coupe with the most aggressive use yet of the iconic spindle grille
• High contrast interior colours with unique new trim create a driver’s cockpit that enhances the fun-to-drive intention of RC

04 November 2013 – Lexus has released information and images of its all-new RC coupe ahead of its world premiere at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show on November 20.
RC will have two models in its range – RC 350 with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, and RC 300h hybrid with a 2.5-litre engine.

The RC Line brings to life the luxury marque’s focus on emotional appeal through a dynamic and alluring two-door coupe.

It has been developed to raise the brand’s profile with a broader audience and new-to-Lexus customers while injecting emotional appeal into the Lexus DNA that is synonymous with build quality, refinement and reliability.

Design exterior

Lexus designers have infused the RC design with deeply contoured lines never before seen in the Lexus line-up, and have integrated the widest and lowest application yet seen of the Lexus spindle grille.

Triangular headlamps evoke the sporty characteristics of the LF-LC design while concept vehicle inspiration is evident in the unique three-lamp LED design. At low beam, the lamps adopt an L-shaped pattern as an expression of the Lexus identity.

The sharp, thin design of the rear combination lamps adopts the symbolic Lexus L-shaped motif.

RC’s aluminum wheels continue the concept-to-production design philosophy with two available combinations – a deeply sculpted 10-spoke 19-inch wheel or a muscular five-spoke 18-inch version, each precision-machined and finished with elegant black and platinum centre caps.

The hero color is red – featuring a brighter and more contrasting shade made possible by a new Lexus painting process that uses multiple layers of clear and deeper-colored coating.

Design interior

Highly acclaimed sports concept vehicles have greatly influenced the interior of the RC coupe, with maximum use of contrasting colors, materials and lighting.

A purpose-built Lexus-first lighting package provides a sense of occasion, with illumination that reflects upwards, rather than downwards, to envelop the cabin.

High contrast interior trim, including a startling new tone called Clove, emphasises design lines and accentuates the elegant cabin.

Genuine shimamoku wood highlights – the result of an intense, layered wood production technique refined by Lexus – are used to highlight the surrounding trim.

The driver’s cockpit is divided into operational and display zones.

The upper zone houses the instrument panel and a seven-inch navigation screen while a layered centre console integrates a new Lexus-first Remote Touch Interface.

Importantly for a coupe, the seats utilise an integrated foaming construction method – much like the moulding of racing seats – to ensure optimum occupant comfort and support.

A press conference will be held at 8.45am November 20 (JST) which will be webcast live via www.lexus-int.com.

NOTE: All information based on pre-production models. Specification and availability may be subject to change.