Official Lexus RC thread
2015 Lexus RC 300h is a hardcore hybrid cherry coupe
Lexus is tag-teaming back into the hardcore coupe ring with this, the red rum RC 300h that's jumping off the top rope to "[inject] emotional appeal into the Lexus DNA." It's the hybrid version of the twin, powered by a 2.5-liter V6 aided by a 105-kW electric motor, the pair putting out 217 total horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque through a continuously variable transmission. The RC's other, more conventional half will come with a 3.5-liter V6 with 314 hp and 380 lb-ft shifted with an eight-speed sequential transmission.
The brand doesn't want you to take this RC Coupe for a two-door version of the IS. It's based on the GS platform but its dimensions are unique, being wider, lower and shorter in wheelbase than the IS. Concept-car headlights flank the most extreme version of the spindle grille yet seen on a production car, and the lighting novelty continuing in the cabin with illumination that is aimed up instead of down. The package will ride on either 18- or 19-inch wheels.
The "high contrast," dual-zone cabin is graced with shimamoku wood and Lexus' Remote Touch Interface, and Lexus says the seats have been conceived via an "integrated foaming construction method" like racing seats – we think they look spectacular stitched up in this carmel-colored leather.
It's all about the driving eventually, though, the promise of the RC backed by a body made more rigid through supplemental adhesive in its construction, thicker rocker panels, underbody aerodynamics, double wishbones in front and a multi-link suspension in back. We're told the RC will exhilarate drivers instead of overwhelm. Rear-wheel drive will be standard, all-wheel drive will be offered in select markets.
There are live images above, an expanded gallery of press shots below and a press release with even more tidbits awaits your perusal.
The brand doesn't want you to take this RC Coupe for a two-door version of the IS. It's based on the GS platform but its dimensions are unique, being wider, lower and shorter in wheelbase than the IS. Concept-car headlights flank the most extreme version of the spindle grille yet seen on a production car, and the lighting novelty continuing in the cabin with illumination that is aimed up instead of down. The package will ride on either 18- or 19-inch wheels.
The "high contrast," dual-zone cabin is graced with shimamoku wood and Lexus' Remote Touch Interface, and Lexus says the seats have been conceived via an "integrated foaming construction method" like racing seats – we think they look spectacular stitched up in this carmel-colored leather.
It's all about the driving eventually, though, the promise of the RC backed by a body made more rigid through supplemental adhesive in its construction, thicker rocker panels, underbody aerodynamics, double wishbones in front and a multi-link suspension in back. We're told the RC will exhilarate drivers instead of overwhelm. Rear-wheel drive will be standard, all-wheel drive will be offered in select markets.
There are live images above, an expanded gallery of press shots below and a press release with even more tidbits awaits your perusal.
Horsepower 314 hp @ 6,400 rpm 176 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque 380 lb.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm 163 lb.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm
Total System Output - 217 hp
Transmission 8AT E-CVT
Suspension Front ouble Wishbone
Rear:Multilink Front ouble Wishbone
Rear :Multilink
Tire 255/35 R19 (front)
275/35 R19 (rear) 255/35 R19 (front)275/35 R19 (rear)
Torque 380 lb.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm 163 lb.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm
Total System Output - 217 hp
Transmission 8AT E-CVT
Suspension Front ouble Wishbone
Rear:Multilink Front ouble Wishbone
Rear :Multilink
Tire 255/35 R19 (front)
275/35 R19 (rear) 255/35 R19 (front)275/35 R19 (rear)
it's better than the IS350/GS350 specs...so cant complain, but could have definitely squeezed some more power out of that motor
also, seems to be 19x9 F and 19x10 R wheels...loving this!
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, ON
My one doubt about purchasing one of these is what happens when the turbo i4 is ready for deployment? I worry that they'll upgrade the 350 at the same time, and early adopters will be stuck with an inferior power-train.
In the summary of the press release it does mention 280 so that does appear to be a typo. 314/280 ain't too bad, but I wonder if North America will get slightly worse specs due to environmental nonsense, just as what happens with the IS350.
My one doubt about purchasing one of these is what happens when the turbo i4 is ready for deployment? I worry that they'll upgrade the 350 at the same time, and early adopters will be stuck with an inferior power-train.
My one doubt about purchasing one of these is what happens when the turbo i4 is ready for deployment? I worry that they'll upgrade the 350 at the same time, and early adopters will be stuck with an inferior power-train.
if the 2.0T motor is stout like Audi's 2.0T on the A5/A4...that in itself will be very impressive for Lexus, and a really good buy IMO (FSport inclusive)
Last edited by baddis es; Nov 20, 2013 at 08:55 AM.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 20,211
Likes: 260
2.0t is certainly coming in 2014... it is not going to be a long wait, or at all... they probably just want to introduce the engine in Europe or USA, as thats where it will be sold a lot.
As to V6,, its 314hp now... pretty good for V6. Not sure what will they do to it and when, it is class leading engine. Will they completely redesign it and when? Who knows.
As to V6,, its 314hp now... pretty good for V6. Not sure what will they do to it and when, it is class leading engine. Will they completely redesign it and when? Who knows.
2.0t is certainly coming in 2014... it is not going to be a long wait, or at all... they probably just want to introduce the engine in Europe or USA, as thats where it will be sold a lot.
As to V6,, its 314hp now... pretty good for V6. Not sure what will they do to it and when, it is class leading engine. Will they completely redesign it and when? Who knows.
As to V6,, its 314hp now... pretty good for V6. Not sure what will they do to it and when, it is class leading engine. Will they completely redesign it and when? Who knows.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 20,211
Likes: 260
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 8,127
Likes: 223
From: New York
I doubt new TT V6 will have over 350hp, so there would be no sense in keeping the current V6.
The turbo 4 should be sufficient for 80% of buyers anyway, BMW 4coupe with 2.0 turbo does 0-60 in 5.7 sec. I would hope Lexus RC would be similar.
Current BMW N55 is way underrated at 300 hp its really about 330hp
Audi 3.0v6 supercharched makes 330hp
Jaguar 3.0 v6 turbo make 340hp
MB is coming with turbo V6
Cadillac has TT v6 of 420hp