Lexus Previews RC Coupe Ahead Of Tokyo Debut

News I By John Beltz Snyder I November 04, 2013

Lexus is debuting a new sport coupe concept at the Tokyo Motor Show, from which an upcoming production version won’t be much of a departure. Lexus promises it to be a fun car to drive, with a secondary focus on design.

The Lexus RC will be shown with two different powertrain options. The RC350 features a 3.5-liter gasoline V-6 engine. There no word on output yet, but the brand currently uses a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 268 horsepower in the ES350, or 306 horsepower in the IS350. We’re guessing for this sporty coupe, Lexus will lean toward higher the higher end of the output spectrum.

The RC300h will use a hybrid powertrain, again, with no specifics on output, but the current ES300h also uses a 2.5-liter inline-four and electric motor for a total of 200 horsepower.

The dimensions of the RC coupe are compact, with an overall length of 184.4 inches, a wheelbase of 107.5 inches, and a width of 72.4 inches. It’s 1.1 inches longer and 1.1 inches wider than the IS sedan, with a 2.7-inch shorter wheelbase. The RC seats four people.

This new coupe is clearly identifiable as a Lexus by the accentuated spindle grille the brand has adopted in recent years, this one being the widest and lowest yet. It features a three-lamp LED design, which appear as an L-shape on low beams. Wheel options are a 10-spoke 19-inch wheel or a five-spoke 18-inch wheel, each with a black finish and platinum center cap.

Inside the car, the dash is divided into operational and display sectors. The upper zone features the instrument panel and seven-inch display, while the lower portion features the controls, including a Remote Touch Interface.

The RC’s interior features four sculpted, form-fitting seats to add to the sporting character. Interior illumination reflects upward to envelop the car with light. High contrast materials include a layered wood technique that emphasizes the trim pieces.

We’re sure we’ll learn more about the Lexus RC coupe after it debuts in Tokyo, and as it approaches production.

Scroll down for more details in the press release, below. Click through the attached gallery for a closer look at the Lexus RC.

ALL-NEW LEXUS RC COUPE TO MAKE WORLD DEBUT AT THE TOKYO MOTOR SHOW

Striking concept-to-reality coupe explores new frontiers for Lexus.
High performance V6 gas and hybrid powertrains accentuate the strong sport-nature of RC.
New Lexus dedicated coupe with the most aggressive use yet of the iconic spindle grille.
High contrast interior colors with unique new trim create a driver’s cockpit that enhances the fun-to-drive intention of RC.

TOKYO — Nov. 4, 2013 — The all-new Lexus RC coupe will make its world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show on Nov. 20, 2013. The press conference will be held at 8:45 a.m. and a live webcast stream of the event will be available at http://www.lexus-int.com.
Two RC models will be displayed at the Tokyo Motor Show – RC 350 with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, and the RC 300h hybrid with a 2.5-liter engine. Today Lexus released photos of the all-new RC in advance of the world premiere. 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. It injects 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. They have integrated the widest and lowest application yet seen of the Lexus spindle grille.

Triangular headlamps evoke the sporty characteristics of the LF-LC styling 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 center caps.
A new Lexus painting process that uses multiple layers of clear and deeper-colored coating brings the RC coupe to life with a brighter and more contrasting shade, especially on the racy red exterior.

Design Interior
Highly acclaimed sport 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 great sense of occasion, with illumination that reflects upwards, rather than downwards, to envelop the interior. High contrast interior trim, including a new tone called Clove, emphasize design lines and accentuate the elegant cabin. Genuine shimamoku wood highlights – the result of an intense, layered wood production technique refined by Lexus – are used to emphasize 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 center console integrates a new Lexus first Remote Touch Interface.

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

	*RC 350*	*RC 300h*
Length / in.	184.8	184.8
Height/ in.	54.9	54.9
Width / in.	72.4	72.4
Wheelbase/ in.	107.5	107.5
Seating capacity persons	4	4
Engine type	3.5L Gasoline	2.5L HV