Official Lexus RC thread
New Lexus RC Coupe Detailed in Fresh Batch of Photos
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Leaving aside the exclusive, exorbitant and extremely limited production LFA and after fiddling around with coupe-convertible models like the second generation SC and IS C for more than a decade, Lexus has finally given in and presented a traditional coupe, one that a wider audience should be able to afford.
We've already provided you with a first taste of the 2015 Lexus RC, and now we can give a more detailed photo look at Lexus' BMW 4-Series and Audi A5 Coupe challenger, after several Japanese sites released a host of new pictures.
Speaking of the 4-Series, Lexus is following a very similar, if not identical path to BMW with the RC, which while based on the IS sedan, sports a more seductive body with different panels. The coupe also has a 70mm (2.8 inches) shorter wheelbase at 2,730mm (107.5 inches), but is both longer and wider by 30mm (1.2 inches) compare to the saloon.
Nevertheless, Lexus Chief Engineer Junichi Furuyama made it a point to tell Motortrend magazine that the RC is a different car than the IS:
"One thing I want to emphasize, the aim of introducing this new model RC is to add a new level of excitement to the existing Lexus lineup," he said. "This is not an IS Coupe, it is the RC, a new coupe in its own right. It is an independent model. It’s not a deviated version of the IS so it has its own unique styling and its own unique performance."
As far as powertrains are concerned, Lexus mentioned the RC 350 featuring a 3.5-liter V6 and the RC 300h with a hybrid unit pairing a 2.5-liter inline four to an electric motor, without providing any other information, so we don't know, for example, if both or only one of these units (V6) will be sold in the States. For the record, both type of engines are available in the IS sedan (the hybrid not in the States).
Lexus didn't say it, but we know for a fact that it is preparing a high-performance F version to go against the BMW M4 (see the spy shots here, and our rendering here).
We've already provided you with a first taste of the 2015 Lexus RC, and now we can give a more detailed photo look at Lexus' BMW 4-Series and Audi A5 Coupe challenger, after several Japanese sites released a host of new pictures.
Speaking of the 4-Series, Lexus is following a very similar, if not identical path to BMW with the RC, which while based on the IS sedan, sports a more seductive body with different panels. The coupe also has a 70mm (2.8 inches) shorter wheelbase at 2,730mm (107.5 inches), but is both longer and wider by 30mm (1.2 inches) compare to the saloon.
Nevertheless, Lexus Chief Engineer Junichi Furuyama made it a point to tell Motortrend magazine that the RC is a different car than the IS:
"One thing I want to emphasize, the aim of introducing this new model RC is to add a new level of excitement to the existing Lexus lineup," he said. "This is not an IS Coupe, it is the RC, a new coupe in its own right. It is an independent model. It’s not a deviated version of the IS so it has its own unique styling and its own unique performance."
As far as powertrains are concerned, Lexus mentioned the RC 350 featuring a 3.5-liter V6 and the RC 300h with a hybrid unit pairing a 2.5-liter inline four to an electric motor, without providing any other information, so we don't know, for example, if both or only one of these units (V6) will be sold in the States. For the record, both type of engines are available in the IS sedan (the hybrid not in the States).
Lexus didn't say it, but we know for a fact that it is preparing a high-performance F version to go against the BMW M4 (see the spy shots here, and our rendering here).
http://www.carscoops.com/2013/11/new...-in-fresh.html
I'm quite sure there will be a convertible RC after dropping both the SC and ISc...they've got to have one. I just hope that, like you say, they don't bulk up the design too much in making it accommodate a drop top.
Lexus Fanatic
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From: Waiting for next track day
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 8,127
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From: New York
If Lexus brings out the same old 3.5 V6 mated to the 6speed auto, it will kill the excitement of this car completely.
Where the hell is the turbo engines that ppl mentioned in the other thread???
This is the perfect model to introduce a new powertrain.
Where the hell is the turbo engines that ppl mentioned in the other thread???
This is the perfect model to introduce a new powertrain.
It's a lot of speculation on motor options from Lexus right now. all we know is that Lexus is leaning the route of boosted motors but other than the confirmed 200t trademarks, I don't think there's much else to go off of. and the 5L is most definite for the RC-F as trademarks are in place as well.
if the same V6 is carried over, I'd hope a 25-40hp bump and it will have the 8spd auto rather than the 6spd, I think the IS350 comes with the 8spd currently.
The RC350 will certainly have the 8-Speed Auto. I do hope that they massage a tiny bit more power out of the 3.5L DI V6 - because they said the RC is its own model and not a IS coupe meaning they want to make it more special. But I personally believe it'll be carry over for 1-2 years before TwinTurbo Mills start making their way as replacements
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 8,127
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From: New York
The RC350 will certainly have the 8-Speed Auto. I do hope that they massage a tiny bit more power out of the 3.5L DI V6 - because they said the RC is its own model and not a IS coupe meaning they want to make it more special. But I personally believe it'll be carry over for 1-2 years before TwinTurbo Mills start making their way as replacements
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
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I stipulated that RC might come out sooner than 2.0t engine, maybe even by April this year, hence no info on turbo in Japan, but turbo will be revealed for sure for US launch.
Japan has hybrid and V6, might not even have the turbo.
Lexus Fanatic
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Looking over the photo of the Lexus RC interior, it shows a design very similar to the third-generation IS — in fact, the only noticeable difference is the new Remote Touch controller:
As seen in previous spy photos, the earlier mouse-like puck has been replaced with a touchscreen divided into four quadrants, with the HOME, MENUS & UP/DOWN buttons carried over.
There’s no mention in the press release how the new Remote Touch touchscreen might work, but I’m expecting a dramatic improvement over the previous controller — considering how important these infotainment interfaces have become to consumers, this update could be very important for Lexus in the years to come.
http://lexusenthusiast.com/2013/11/0...ch-controller/
They basically perfected the 3IS interior.
As to the touch pad, i hope it works great... in general, on computers, people use mouse a lot easier than touch pad. Nevertheless, it looks cool and uses less space.
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 539
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From: Cali
I think the 2014 GS350 now comes with with 8-speed. Only the GS350 AWD and GS 350 F Sports
AWD comes with the Six-speed.
http://www.lexus.com/models/GS/specs/
http://www.lexus.com/models/IS/specs/
AWD comes with the Six-speed.
http://www.lexus.com/models/GS/specs/
http://www.lexus.com/models/IS/specs/