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When you frequent certain places with a new car every week, you’re bound to be asked about it. Case in a point a few weeks ago; I was at a car wash getting one of my test cars cleaned up to do a photoshoot. As I’m paying for the wash, the car wash attendant asks me what do I do for a living. I explain that I am an automotive writer. “Oh,” the attendant says. “I thought you worked for a dealership.” “No no,” I said. “A few weeks back. You brought in this car with the bright orange paint. Really stood out. Never seen one before and haven’t since.” “Well, I haven’t seen one aside from the one I brought in,” I said jokingly. We talked for a few more moments before I rolled in into the wash. As I was sitting there, I was racking my brain. What orange car had I brought in a few weeks back? Then it hit me. It was a Lexus. But not just any Lexus. It was their new coupe, the RC 350. Let’s see how this new coupe fares. Lexus has been trying to make their cars look more exciting with varying results. The IS and GS have earned a fair amount of praise from us for their sharp looks. Meanwhile, the crossover and SUV lineup fall in the ‘if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything’ category. The RC straddles the middle. The design is sleek with a low-slung front end, aggressive lines along the side, and similar rear end styling the IS sedan. Opt for the F-Sport package and the RC transforms into an assertive coupe with a body kit, mesh grille insert, vents on the bumpers, and 19-inch wheels finished in gunmetal gray. But there are two key issues in the RC’s design. First is the spindle grille which can make or break a design. In the case of the RC, it seems to break it since it happens to be the widest version available on Lexus vehicle. The grille looks like it could swallow up small children. The RC is also one of those vehicles where the color used can make or break a design. In the case of our tester’s orange color, it was a bit much and looked like a creamsicle. Go with a red or blue, and the RC looks quite sharp. Step inside the RC and it shows its sporting intentions clearly. The dashboard comes from the IS sedan with an angular center space, brushed metal accents and soft-surfaced plastics, and the configurable gauge cluster. The sport seats which come part of the F-Sport package do you hold you in when you decide to explore the limits of the coupe. But I found the seats to have a bit too much side bolstering to allow me to slip into the seat fully. The RC is one of the first Lexus vehicles to debut the latest version of Lexus Enform that drops joystick controller for a touchpad. This fixes one of the biggest issues with the infotainment system where you had to be precise with moving the controller and selecting a function. If you weren’t, you found yourself in a completely different function from the one you wanted. Now the touchpad has an issues where there is delay from when you move your finger across the pad to the cursor moving across the screen. Aside from this, the touchpad is a noticeably better than the joystick controller. For power, the RC 350 packs Lexus’ 3.5L V6 with 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This only comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. I adored this powertrain combination is the IS 350 F-Sport I drove last year. This still holds true for the RC as there is plenty of power throughout the rev range. The throttle response is ok when the RC is set in Normal, but it becomes noticeably better when put into Sport or Sport+. Plus, there is a noticeable growl coming out the exhaust when you have V6 in either sport mode. The eight-speed automatic delivers smooth and quick shifts. As for fuel economy, the RC 350 is rated by the EPA at 19 City/28 Highway/22 Combined. My week saw an average of 23.1 MPG. Now the F-Sport package adds some goodies underneath the skin such an adaptive variable suspension system and a new variable gear system for the steering. It does make a difference in the corners as the RC is able to smoothly transition from corner to corner and show no sign body roll. Steering is nicely weighted and has an excellent feel of the road. Ride quality is mostly like a standard Lexus vehicle as harshness is dialed out for the most part. Road and wind noise are also kept in close check. For the most, the Lexus RC 350 F-Sport has most of the components to make it a credible coupe to take on the likes of BMW 4-Series, Audi A5, and even the Cadillac ATS. But in this class, looks are the most important item. This is where the RC does stumble. The design is quite polarizing and will draw attention. But the question is whether that attention will lead to like or hate? For me, the RC 350 F-Sport did strike a chord for me. But the orange paint could have drawn me the other way. Disclaimer: Lexus Provided the RC 350, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2015 Make: Lexus Model: RC 350 Trim: F-Sport Engine: 3.5L 24-Valve DOHC VVT-i V6 Driveline: Eight-Speed Automatic, Rear-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 306 @ 6,400 Torque @ RPM: 277 @ 4,800 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 19/28/22 Curb Weight: 3,748 lbs Location of Manufacture: Tahara, Aichi, Japan Base Price: $42,790 As Tested Price: $54,720 (Includes $925.00 Destination Charge) Options: F-Sport Package - $3,985 Navigation System/Mark Levinsion Audio System - $2,610 Variable Gear Ratio Steering - $1,900 Moonroof - $1,100 Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Pre-Collison System - $500.00 Intuitive Parking Assist - $500.00 Foglamps - $410.00 -
When you frequent certain places with a new car every week, you’re bound to be asked about it. Case in a point a few weeks ago; I was at a car wash getting one of my test cars cleaned up to do a photoshoot. As I’m paying for the wash, the car wash attendant asks me what do I do for a living. I explain that I am an automotive writer. “Oh,” the attendant says. “I thought you worked for a dealership.” “No no,” I said. “A few weeks back. You brought in this car with the bright orange paint. Really stood out. Never seen one before and haven’t since.” “Well, I haven’t seen one aside from the one I brought in,” I said jokingly. We talked for a few more moments before I rolled in into the wash. As I was sitting there, I was racking my brain. What orange car had I brought in a few weeks back? Then it hit me. It was a Lexus. But not just any Lexus. It was their new coupe, the RC 350. Let’s see how this new coupe fares. Lexus has been trying to make their cars look more exciting with varying results. The IS and GS have earned a fair amount of praise from us for their sharp looks. Meanwhile, the crossover and SUV lineup fall in the ‘if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything’ category. The RC straddles the middle. The design is sleek with a low-slung front end, aggressive lines along the side, and similar rear end styling the IS sedan. Opt for the F-Sport package and the RC transforms into an assertive coupe with a body kit, mesh grille insert, vents on the bumpers, and 19-inch wheels finished in gunmetal gray. But there are two key issues in the RC’s design. First is the spindle grille which can make or break a design. In the case of the RC, it seems to break it since it happens to be the widest version available on Lexus vehicle. The grille looks like it could swallow up small children. The RC is also one of those vehicles where the color used can make or break a design. In the case of our tester’s orange color, it was a bit much and looked like a creamsicle. Go with a red or blue, and the RC looks quite sharp. Step inside the RC and it shows its sporting intentions clearly. The dashboard comes from the IS sedan with an angular center space, brushed metal accents and soft-surfaced plastics, and the configurable gauge cluster. The sport seats which come part of the F-Sport package do you hold you in when you decide to explore the limits of the coupe. But I found the seats to have a bit too much side bolstering to allow me to slip into the seat fully. The RC is one of the first Lexus vehicles to debut the latest version of Lexus Enform that drops joystick controller for a touchpad. This fixes one of the biggest issues with the infotainment system where you had to be precise with moving the controller and selecting a function. If you weren’t, you found yourself in a completely different function from the one you wanted. Now the touchpad has an issues where there is delay from when you move your finger across the pad to the cursor moving across the screen. Aside from this, the touchpad is a noticeably better than the joystick controller. For power, the RC 350 packs Lexus’ 3.5L V6 with 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This only comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. I adored this powertrain combination is the IS 350 F-Sport I drove last year. This still holds true for the RC as there is plenty of power throughout the rev range. The throttle response is ok when the RC is set in Normal, but it becomes noticeably better when put into Sport or Sport+. Plus, there is a noticeable growl coming out the exhaust when you have V6 in either sport mode. The eight-speed automatic delivers smooth and quick shifts. As for fuel economy, the RC 350 is rated by the EPA at 19 City/28 Highway/22 Combined. My week saw an average of 23.1 MPG. Now the F-Sport package adds some goodies underneath the skin such an adaptive variable suspension system and a new variable gear system for the steering. It does make a difference in the corners as the RC is able to smoothly transition from corner to corner and show no sign body roll. Steering is nicely weighted and has an excellent feel of the road. Ride quality is mostly like a standard Lexus vehicle as harshness is dialed out for the most part. Road and wind noise are also kept in close check. For the most, the Lexus RC 350 F-Sport has most of the components to make it a credible coupe to take on the likes of BMW 4-Series, Audi A5, and even the Cadillac ATS. But in this class, looks are the most important item. This is where the RC does stumble. The design is quite polarizing and will draw attention. But the question is whether that attention will lead to like or hate? For me, the RC 350 F-Sport did strike a chord for me. But the orange paint could have drawn me the other way. Disclaimer: Lexus Provided the RC 350, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2015 Make: Lexus Model: RC 350 Trim: F-Sport Engine: 3.5L 24-Valve DOHC VVT-i V6 Driveline: Eight-Speed Automatic, Rear-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 306 @ 6,400 Torque @ RPM: 277 @ 4,800 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 19/28/22 Curb Weight: 3,748 lbs Location of Manufacture: Tahara, Aichi, Japan Base Price: $42,790 As Tested Price: $54,720 (Includes $925.00 Destination Charge) Options: F-Sport Package - $3,985 Navigation System/Mark Levinsion Audio System - $2,610 Variable Gear Ratio Steering - $1,900 Moonroof - $1,100 Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Pre-Collison System - $500.00 Intuitive Parking Assist - $500.00 Foglamps - $410.00 View full article
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You might not think of Lexus playing around in the same lot as the BMW M4, Mercedes-Benz C63 Coupe, and the upcoming ATS-V. But that's what the automaker has got planned with the introduction of the new 2015 RC-F coupe at the Detroit Auto Show next week. The RC-F ratchets up the aggression on the exterior with a mesh insert for the comically large grille, massive intakes, new hood with vents, modified side sills and rear fascia, three different choices of nineteen-inch wheels, and a LFA-inspired active rear wing that improves traction and stability when the vehicle is traveling over 50 MPH. Inside is very similar to what you'll find in the standard RC. That means bucket front seats, thicker steering wheel, reconfigurable gauge cluster (with an analog gauge cluster), and a touchpad taking the place of the joystick for Lexus' Remote Touch system. One item Lexus is keeping quiet on is what the RC-F is packing power wise. All they will say for the time being is that a V8 engine lies under the hood. We'll likely find that out next week. Source: Lexus William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 Lexus RC F Redefines the Daily Commute with Asphalt-Grinding Performance and Bold Head-Turning Design -Global Premiere of RC F Coupe at North American International Auto Show on Jan. 14 -Aggressive Design Cues Demonstrate Performance Potential -Aerodynamic Wings and Scoops Illustrate Uncompromising Grit TORRANCE, Calif. – Jan. 8, 2014 – Giving new meaning to "back to the grind," the daily commute is now transformed in to a day at the track with the all-new Lexus RC F. The RC F coupe is styled with fins, ducts and scoops to support the most power V8 performance car ever developed by Lexus. Based on the spectacular all-new RC coupe that was revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show last November, the RC F has wider wheels and tires, an active rear wing, air scoops, cooling ducts and carbon fiber components, each delivering uncompromising grit to the driving experience. Design Exterior The signature Lexus spindle grille, featuring a single F-pattern, dominates the front of the RC F from the bottom of the hood to the lower lip. The hood is higher than that of the RC to accommodate the larger V8 engine and create the powerful flared profile suited to an F model. Ducts beneath the front bumper, fenders, and strategically-placed aerodynamic stabilizing fins create a stance which further identifies the F model. Air outlets at the rear of the front fender form the shape of an L when they merge with side sill extensions, while stacked trapezoidal quad-outlet tailpipes at the rear add further aggression. Taking design cues from the Lexus LFA supercar, the RC F features a speed-sensitive active rear spoiler. It enhances the coupe's lines at standstill and deploys from the RC F's deck at approximately 50 mph and retracts when the speed is less than 25 mph. The wing helps the RC F maintain traction and stability at higher speeds. Three variations of 10-spoke 19-inch forged aluminum wheels are available, including two machine polished designs and one design hand polished by a craftsman. Design Interior The striking cockpit-like interior of Lexus RC F complements the aggressive exterior. Unique components include the meters, steering wheel, seats, ornamentation and pedals. The instrument panel is dominated by a central meter which changes according to the four selectable driving modes. The information, color of the display and size of text can be changed. Occupant comfort is all important. RC F debuts a Lexus-first elliptical cross-section thickgrip steering wheel with optimum placement of paddle gear shifts. All-new high back seats with an embossed F on the headrests offer the driver and passenger an exceptional performance fit. The seats are available in a selection of five leather trims, each with contrasting stitching. Outstanding new L-shaped rubber slits in the brake and accelerator pedals combine form and function. View full article -
You might not think of Lexus playing around in the same lot as the BMW M4, Mercedes-Benz C63 Coupe, and the upcoming ATS-V. But that's what the automaker has got planned with the introduction of the new 2015 RC-F coupe at the Detroit Auto Show next week. The RC-F ratchets up the aggression on the exterior with a mesh insert for the comically large grille, massive intakes, new hood with vents, modified side sills and rear fascia, three different choices of nineteen-inch wheels, and a LFA-inspired active rear wing that improves traction and stability when the vehicle is traveling over 50 MPH. Inside is very similar to what you'll find in the standard RC. That means bucket front seats, thicker steering wheel, reconfigurable gauge cluster (with an analog gauge cluster), and a touchpad taking the place of the joystick for Lexus' Remote Touch system. One item Lexus is keeping quiet on is what the RC-F is packing power wise. All they will say for the time being is that a V8 engine lies under the hood. We'll likely find that out next week. Source: Lexus William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 Lexus RC F Redefines the Daily Commute with Asphalt-Grinding Performance and Bold Head-Turning Design -Global Premiere of RC F Coupe at North American International Auto Show on Jan. 14 -Aggressive Design Cues Demonstrate Performance Potential -Aerodynamic Wings and Scoops Illustrate Uncompromising Grit TORRANCE, Calif. – Jan. 8, 2014 – Giving new meaning to "back to the grind," the daily commute is now transformed in to a day at the track with the all-new Lexus RC F. The RC F coupe is styled with fins, ducts and scoops to support the most power V8 performance car ever developed by Lexus. Based on the spectacular all-new RC coupe that was revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show last November, the RC F has wider wheels and tires, an active rear wing, air scoops, cooling ducts and carbon fiber components, each delivering uncompromising grit to the driving experience. Design Exterior The signature Lexus spindle grille, featuring a single F-pattern, dominates the front of the RC F from the bottom of the hood to the lower lip. The hood is higher than that of the RC to accommodate the larger V8 engine and create the powerful flared profile suited to an F model. Ducts beneath the front bumper, fenders, and strategically-placed aerodynamic stabilizing fins create a stance which further identifies the F model. Air outlets at the rear of the front fender form the shape of an L when they merge with side sill extensions, while stacked trapezoidal quad-outlet tailpipes at the rear add further aggression. Taking design cues from the Lexus LFA supercar, the RC F features a speed-sensitive active rear spoiler. It enhances the coupe's lines at standstill and deploys from the RC F's deck at approximately 50 mph and retracts when the speed is less than 25 mph. The wing helps the RC F maintain traction and stability at higher speeds. Three variations of 10-spoke 19-inch forged aluminum wheels are available, including two machine polished designs and one design hand polished by a craftsman. Design Interior The striking cockpit-like interior of Lexus RC F complements the aggressive exterior. Unique components include the meters, steering wheel, seats, ornamentation and pedals. The instrument panel is dominated by a central meter which changes according to the four selectable driving modes. The information, color of the display and size of text can be changed. Occupant comfort is all important. RC F debuts a Lexus-first elliptical cross-section thickgrip steering wheel with optimum placement of paddle gear shifts. All-new high back seats with an embossed F on the headrests offer the driver and passenger an exceptional performance fit. The seats are available in a selection of five leather trims, each with contrasting stitching. Outstanding new L-shaped rubber slits in the brake and accelerator pedals combine form and function. -
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 13, 2013 Motor Trend dug deep and found some interesting information on Lexus' upcoming coupe, the RC. The report says the new RC will have a similar design to the LF-CC concept shown at the Paris Motor Show and have a shorter wheelbase than the IS. As for powertrains, the RC will come with a 2.0L turbo-four, 2.5L hybrid, and 3.5L V6. Then there is the RC-F which is coming locked and loaded. To start, the RC-F will pack a 5.0L V8 with 455 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission handles the shifting duties. Other items to make the RC-F a mean machine includes carbon-fiber panels, scooped hood, Brembo Brakes, beefed-up suspension, and a automatic decklid spoiler. Now earlier reports had the RC coming out in November at the Tokyo Motor Show. Motor Trend says differently. They say that the RC-F will make its official debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January, followed by the rest of the lineup at the New York Auto Show in April. Source: Motor Trend William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. -
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 13, 2013 Motor Trend dug deep and found some interesting information on Lexus' upcoming coupe, the RC. The report says the new RC will have a similar design to the LF-CC concept shown at the Paris Motor Show and have a shorter wheelbase than the IS. As for powertrains, the RC will come with a 2.0L turbo-four, 2.5L hybrid, and 3.5L V6. Then there is the RC-F which is coming locked and loaded. To start, the RC-F will pack a 5.0L V8 with 455 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission handles the shifting duties. Other items to make the RC-F a mean machine includes carbon-fiber panels, scooped hood, Brembo Brakes, beefed-up suspension, and a automatic decklid spoiler. Now earlier reports had the RC coming out in November at the Tokyo Motor Show. Motor Trend says differently. They say that the RC-F will make its official debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January, followed by the rest of the lineup at the New York Auto Show in April. Source: Motor Trend William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 4, 2013 Ladies and Gentlemen, may we introduce the brand new Lexus RC coupe. Revealed today before its official debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in a couple weeks time, the RC is expected to go on sale sometime next year as a 2015 model. The RC is definitely a Lexus in its design. The overall profile is very reminiscent of the LF-NX concept shown at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show. Up front is the largest spindle grille ever put onto a Lexus vehicle. The side features embellished wheel wells and a distinctive character line running the whole length. Inside the RC, its very similar to the new IS sedan. There is seating for four and new lighting that illuminates upward. Lexus has fitted the RC with the next-generation Remote Touch system that swaps the joystiq control for a touchpad. There will be two RC models shown at Tokyo; the RC 300h which pairs a 2.5L four-cylinder with a hybrid powertrain, and the RC 350 which packs the 3.5L V6. We'll have more information when the RC is shown in Tokyo later this month. Source: Lexus William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 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. View full article
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 4, 2013 Ladies and Gentlemen, may we introduce the brand new Lexus RC coupe. Revealed today before its official debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in a couple weeks time, the RC is expected to go on sale sometime next year as a 2015 model. The RC is definitely a Lexus in its design. The overall profile is very reminiscent of the LF-NX concept shown at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show. Up front is the largest spindle grille ever put onto a Lexus vehicle. The side features embellished wheel wells and a distinctive character line running the whole length. Inside the RC, its very similar to the new IS sedan. There is seating for four and new lighting that illuminates upward. Lexus has fitted the RC with the next-generation Remote Touch system that swaps the joystiq control for a touchpad. There will be two RC models shown at Tokyo; the RC 300h which pairs a 2.5L four-cylinder with a hybrid powertrain, and the RC 350 which packs the 3.5L V6. We'll have more information when the RC is shown in Tokyo later this month. Source: Lexus William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 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. -
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com July 22, 2013 For the past year or so, we've been hearing murmurs on a new Lexus IS coupe since Lexus showed off the LF-CC concept at the Paris Motor Show. Now, the Lexus coupe is real and is coming to this year's Toyko Motor Show. A source tells Automotive News that Lexus will unveil the production coupe in November and it will wear the RC nameplate. The base RC will use a 3.5L V6 with 306 horsepower. Follow that will be the RC-F which is reported to pack a 460 horsepower V8 engine. The RC is expected to go on sale late next year. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. -
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com July 22, 2013 For the past year or so, we've been hearing murmurs on a new Lexus IS coupe since Lexus showed off the LF-CC concept at the Paris Motor Show. Now, the Lexus coupe is real and is coming to this year's Toyko Motor Show. A source tells Automotive News that Lexus will unveil the production coupe in November and it will wear the RC nameplate. The base RC will use a 3.5L V6 with 306 horsepower. Follow that will be the RC-F which is reported to pack a 460 horsepower V8 engine. The RC is expected to go on sale late next year. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
