BREAKING NEWS: Lexus RC & LF-NX Turbo Revealed
As we’re gearing up to cover the SEMA Show this week in Las Vegas, Lexus shocks us with two new vehicles late last night. Forget the teasers as Lexus revealed this sultry new RC coupé globally on their international site. A first for Lexus, a turbocharged LF-NX will also be revealed alongside the RC at the Tokyo Motor Show on November 20, 2013.
Lexus RC 350 & RC 300h
The RC Coupé is a welcome addition to the Lexus line up as a true two door hard top coupé has been absent over 13 years ago since the first SC. The RC will be offered with two different powertrains, a 3.5L V6 (RC 350) and a 2.5L 4cyl hybrid (RC 300h) which are shared directly from the IS and GS. The spindle grille makes a presence with a new partial waterfall grille design. Newly shaped LED headlamps feature L-shaped patterns, a departure from the old projector units. Two different wheel options will be had in both 18″ and 19″ sizing.
On the inside, the instrument panel is shared with the current Lexus IS, but features a new paddle shift equipped steering wheel with new buttons. A new contrasty “Clove” colored interior leaves behind the plain one-colored Lexus interiors of years past. New Lexus interior accent lighting which surrounds the interior will point upward rather than downward as we’ve seen in the GS and latest LS. A new Remote Touch interface will be featured for the first time with a touchpad further simplifying operation of functions in the 7″ NAV screen. To further enhance the upscale feel of the RC, shimomoku wood featured from the flagship LS will be utilized.
We’re excited about this sleek new Lexus coupé as it is something that has been missing in the Lexus line up for too long. So is this an IS coupe or a GS coupe? Most likely neither as this is possibly going head to head with the new BMW 4 series and the Audi A5 variants. The 2nd Generation SC and the IS Convertible are indeed coupés but are not exactly what us enthusiasts want. We expect an F SPORT model of the RC to follow suit as well as the rumored powerhouse F version called the RC F. It’s going to be an exciting future for Lexus!
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 |
Lexus LF-NX Turbo
Revealed not too long ago at Frankfurt, the bold and aggressive LF-NX crossover concept has drawn a lot of attention as the need for a baby RX is long overdue. With the recent news of the RC comes another surprise from Lexus. A 2.0L turbocharged gas engine will be featured in Tokyo for the LF-NX concept.
As the rest of the industry is evolving with higher horsepower, higher efficiency engines, Lexus is finally jumping on board with forced induction. Lexus’ parent company is no stranger to turbocharging motors as they’re responsible for many legendary turbocharged powerplants like the 3S-GTE 2.0L Turbo found in the MR2, the 2JZ-GTE from the Supra and of course the 22R-TE found in Toyota trucks from the 80s. Like the RC, the LF-NX will feature a new Remote Touch controller with a touchpad.
LX-NX Turbo Stats: |
||
| Length / in. | 182.7 | |
| Height/ in. | 63.8 | |
| Width / in. | 73.6 | |
| Wheelbase/ in. | 106.3 | |
You can watch the live reveal of the new Lexus RC and LF-NX Turbo online, November 20, 2013 8:45A JST. More details on the Lexus International website.
Source: [Lexus]
