Lexus has revealed a new coupe concept based on the existing GS platform called the RC. Mechanically, this car mostly uses existing components, but has a different body and offers up some minor tweaks to set it apart from the Lexus lineup.

In the style of the original Lexus SC, there’s an acceptable amount of power on tap, the lines set it apart somewhat and it’s a posh, four-seater coupe. In gas-only form, 314bhp from a 3.5-liter V6 goes to the rear wheels through the eight-speed automatic from an IS-F. In hybrid form, the full system output is only 217bhp, which seeps through a six-speed CVT. Lexus makes special note of a new touch interface system called “Remote Touch Interface”, which in English translates to a trackpad right next to the cupholder.

The hybrid luxury coupe market may not be a massive one, but Lexus seems to merely be dipping their toe in the water with this car. Not unlike a stack of pancakes and sausage at a diner after a long backpacking trip, this concept appears comforting and inoffensive, but nothing more.

November 19, 2013

Lexus Unveils All-New RC Coupe

• Striking Concept-to-Reality Coupe to Launch in 2014
• Development Focus on Body Rigidity Ensures Agile Performance
• New Lexus Dedicated Coupe with the Most Aggressive use yet of the Iconic Spindle Grille
• NewRemote Touch Interface Implements Intuitive Touch-Sensitive Design
• New Generation Technologies and Advanced Manufacturing Techniques Utilized in Vehicle Development

TOKYO (Nov. 20, 2013) — Lexus unveiled its striking new production-ready RC coupe, scheduled for launch in 2014, at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. The RC raises Lexus’ profile with a broader audience, injecting emotional appeal into the Lexus DNA which has become well known for building quality, refinement and reliability.

“Our focus is to strengthen the brand’s emotional appeal through our products and RC is another demonstration of this focus,” said Mark Templin, Lexus International executive vice president. “The emotional attachment of a coupe is found in its purity of design and its engaging driving experience, and with RC the engineers have achieved the balance.”
 
“We developed RC to deliver extra response that exhilarates rather than overwhelms drivers, in keeping with the true spirit of Japanese hospitality, or omotenashi.,” noted Junichi Furuyama, RC and IS chief engineer.

RC is part of a ride and handling revolution at Lexus, which started with GS mid-size luxury sedan and continued with the new IS sport sedan. The RC is a stand-alone model, rather than a two-door derivative of a sedan. Based on the GS platform, the coupe differs in all dimensions from the GS and IS lines.

The aggressively styled coupe will be available with two powertrains:3.5-liter V6 teamed with an eight-speed sequential transmission and 2.5-liter Lexus Hybrid Drive system.

Design Exterior
The RC has been infused with deeply contoured lines, integrating the widest and lowest application yet of the Lexus spindle grille. It is unique in the Lexus range – 1.2-inches wider, 1.4-inches lower and 2.8-inches shorter in wheelbase than the new IS sedan, providing a road stance that emphasizes the attraction of a luxury two-door vehicle.

The unique headlamp design adopts the symbolic Lexus L-shaped motif front and rear. There are two choices of aluminum wheels – a deeply sculpted 10-spoke 19-inch and a muscular five-spoke 18-inch.

A new red exterior paint color is made brighter and shows more contrast thanks to a new painting process.
 
Design Interior
Highly acclaimed sports concept vehicles have greatly influenced the RC interior, making 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 cabin. High contrast interior colors emphasize design lines and accentuate the elegant cabin. Genuineshimamoku 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.

The seats utilize an integrated foaming construction method, much like the molding of racing seats, to ensure optimum occupant comfort and support which is important in a sport coupe.
 
Driving Dynamics
The RC’s strong and purpose-built chassis is the latest evolution of Lexus’ objective to achieve a world class driving experience, epitomized by the improved performance of both the GS and IS lines.
 
Extra thick underbody rocker panels greatly increase the two-door’s rigidity to support driving performance. New manufacturing techniques pioneered in the LS and IS models, including the use of body adhesives, have strengthened the chassis.

Aerodynamic aids, especially on the underbody, contribute to the handling package.

RC uses double wishbone front suspension and multi-link suspension at the rear.
 
Powertrains
The dual injection 3.5-liter V6 gas engine produces maximum power of 314 hp at 6,400 rpm, and peak torque of 280 lb.-ft. at4,800 rpm.

An eight-speed Sport Direct Shift with paddle shift transmission adapted from the ISF performance sedan optimizes power delivery and fuel economy. In manual (M) mode full torque converter lock up from second to eighth gears allows for down changes in just 0.2 seconds.

The hybrid variant – the first Lexus hybrid coupe – uses a dual-injected 2.5-liter four cylinder engine with a 105kW electric motor driven through an electronic continuously variable transmission with six step gears in a sequential shift-matic feature.

The RC coupe will be offered in rear wheel drive and all-weather drive (AWD), however availability will vary by market.
           
The sound generated by the engine has been tuned to ensure it delivers a stirring exhaust note under spirited driving conditions.
 
Advanced Technology
The RC offers several advanced technology features including an updated Spot Monitor and newRemote Touch Interface (RTI).

RC is the first Lexus to adopt the revised Blind Spot Monitor system which detects vehicles that are approaching from behind at a higher speed and from a greater distance than is covered by the current system.

The innovative touch-sensitive Lexus Remote Touch Interface for audio and navigation systems is particularly important in a coupe in which tactile reaction is a desirable part of the driving experience.

Specifications

	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
Driven wheels	Rear-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive
Engine type	2GR-FSE	2AR-FSE
Cylinders	V6	L4
Horsepower	314 hp @ 6,400 rpm	176 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque	280 lb.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm	163 lb.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm
Total System Output	–	217 hp
Transmission	8AT	E-CVT
Suspension	Front:Double Wishbone Rear:Multilink	Front:Double Wishbone Rear:Multilink
Tire	235/40 R19 (front)  265/35 R19 (rear)	235/40 R19 (front) 265/35 R19 (rear)

*Japan specification

– By: Sawyer Sutton