The new Lexus RC coupe made its debut at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, which also hosted the world premiere of its F SPORT declination.
This coupé with its assertive lines is offered with a choice of two powertrains: Full Hybrid with a 2.5-liter gasoline engine for the RC 300h marketed in Europe in 2015, and a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine mated to an 8-speed sequential gearbox for the RC 350 marketed in Russia at the end of 2014.
Revealed at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, the RC is not the two-door version of a sedan but a model in its own right which, although based on the GS platform, shares none of its dimensions with the GS and IS.
The new RC range benefits from the latest Lexus technological developments, including the Remote Touch Interface (RTI), now touch-sensitive, and an optimized blind spot monitor (BSM).
Aimed at a younger clientele, the new RC range reinforces the brand’s image with a wider audience. With its sleek design and appealing driving experience, it introduces an emotion gene into the DNA of Lexus, a brand already synonymous with build quality, refinement and reliability.
DECLINATION F SPORT
Derived from the stunning Lexus RC, the RC 300h F SPORT and RC 350 F SPORT boast an exclusive, even sportier exterior and interior design, in line with reworked roadholding.
Capitalizing on the refined comfort and handling already offered by the RC, GS and IS models, the evolutions dedicated to the F SPORT model include specific suspension settings, the adoption of Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with SPORT S+ driving program and the arrival of the Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) system, for an even more rewarding and attractive driving experience.
ATTRACTIVE EXTERIOR DESIGN FOR THE TWO-DOOR COUPÉ
The design features a compact cabin contrasting with the body’s prominent fenders and highly sculpted lines.
Immediately recognizable by the exclusive ‘F’ mesh on the grille, the front end of the F SPORT version evolves the Lexus trapezoidal grille. In keeping with the coupé’s elegance, it is wider and lower than that of other Lexus models. In a perfect synthesis of form and function, it incorporates fog lamps and air inlets for brake cooling.
The triangular headlamps evoke the sporty design of the LF-LC concept car. Simultaneously illuminating three-lamp units house the high and low beams. The low-beam headlamps echo the Lexus L-shaped design and combine with independent daytime running lights to give the new RC a unique, sporty visual signature.
The incisive, highly tapered taillights give a new interpretation of the Lexus L motif. Previous designs incorporated the L as a graphic element in the headlamp. On the RC, however, the red and brake lights are repositioned to form a 3D L.
What’s more, the smooth lighting of previous models is replaced by sparkling, gem-like illumination created by a multi-striated internal lens, giving the RC an equally unique rear lighting signature.
The new Lexus RC comes with a choice of 18″ 5-spoke or 19″ 10-spoke alloy wheels. The F SPORT version combines specific 19-inch alloy wheel badging with a dedicated design, with 10 polished outer spokes superimposed on 10 dark metallic-finish inner spokes.
The RC will be available in seven exterior colors, including a new Red, featuring an innovative paint process. This new technique is based on the application of a silver basecoat to give the color a brighter sheen, and coats of a deeper tone for a richer, deeper tone. Three other colors – Nova White, Orange and Blue – are reserved for RC F SPORT.
UNIQUE INTERIOR DESIGN
The interior of the new RC is largely inspired by recent Lexus sports concept cars. Emphasizing the coupe’s sporty elegance, it features contrasting colors, materials and lighting.
It inaugurates an exclusive lighting concept that highlights the interior by reflecting light upwards rather than downwards, enveloping the entire cabin. The high-contrast interior ambience underscores the intricate design of the center console and door jambs, while real wood shimamoku (grained wood) appliqués, a complex multi-layer veneering technique refined by Lexus, punctuate the surrounds.
Contrasting stitching on the seats, ornamentation on the center console and generous knee pads accentuate the cabin’s premium ambience, while complementing the support offered by the upholstery.
The cockpit, a veritable cocoon at the driver’s service, is divided into a control zone and an information zone. The upper zone houses the instrument cluster and a 7″ (18 cm) navigation screen, while the center console features a new Remote Touch Interface (RTI) control system.
The dedicated, wrap-around seats are manufactured using an integrated foam process, molding large, concave surfaces with no gaps between the upholstery and the foam padding to guarantee unrivalled comfort and exceptional lateral support.
The F SPORT version features an evolution of the LFA’s central dial, combined with a perforated leather-wrapped F SPORT steering wheel and gearshift lever. The exclusive F SPORT interior design is rounded off by Wedge Metal ornamentation featuring fine, polished metallic appliqués coated by a precision 3D surface treatment. Aluminum pedals and sill plates and a black headliner add a further touch of sportiness.
The interior features 5 bright, contrasting color schemes, including a new Clove ambience that accentuates the cabin’s sporty elegance, and an exclusive F SPORT Dark Rose.
SOVEREIGN ROADHOLDING
Improving vehicle comfort and handling for an ever more appealing driving experience is a constant objective for Lexus, and the new RC follows this logic, capitalizing on the progress already made by models in the GS and IS ranges.
The new RC’s excellent roadholding is due above all to the high rigidity of the body, which adopts rocker panels twice as wide as those of the IS and an ultra-rigid lower front crossmember. Rigidity is also enhanced by a number of specialized Lexus manufacturing techniques, such as structural adhesives and laser welding.
The suspension, with double wishbones at the front and multi-link at the rear, has been specially tuned for the RC F SPORT, for improved roadholding without compromising ride comfort.
The F SPORT trim level offers a choice of Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS).
The AVS system allows the driver to adapt the F SPORT’s dynamic response by choosing between two damping modes: NORMAL for everyday driving comfort, and SPORT for finer control of body movements and more precise response to directional impulses when cornering.
Depending on driving style, body movements and road surface quality, the AVS system automatically optimizes the suspension action, independently at all four wheels, by correcting the damping force to ensure various control functions, such as accentuating the damping difference between the inside and outside wheels when cornering, thus limiting roll.
The work on the RC 350 F SPORT’s suspension is complemented by the benefits of the four-wheel steering system, Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH). This cutting-edge technology integrates rear-wheel steering (DRS), variable gear ratio steering (VGRS) and electric power steering (EPS), to coordinate each element of front and rear wheel control for agile, incisive and confident dynamic behavior, with a more direct response to driver input.
Informed by vehicle speed, steering angle and driver actions, the LDH system calculates the optimum angle for all four wheels. Using Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) at the front and DRS at the rear, the system controls the steering angle of the front and rear wheels independently, enhancing steering response, rear grip, dynamic stability and cornering agility.
The DRS system monitors vehicle speed, yaw rate, steering angle, steering speed and lateral acceleration to calculate the appropriate steering angle. The rear wheels steer in opposition to the front wheels at low speeds, and in the same direction at high speeds.
The RC F SPORT features an advanced LDH system that accentuates the maximum steering angle of the rear wheels in the initial cornering phase, enhancing the vehicle’s responsiveness and agility.
A comprehensive arsenal of aerodynamic elements, particularly underbody, and the adoption of aerostabilizing ducts and fins in the front bumper, help to enhance the high-speed dynamic stability of RC models.
TWO ADVANCED POWERTRAINS
The Full Hybrid version of the RC, the RC 300h combines two engines: a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder, dual-injection gasoline engine delivering 178 hp at 6,000 rpm and 221 Nm from 4,200 to 4,800 rpm, and an electric motor delivering 143 hp. The hybrid system produces a combined output of 220 hp.
The continuously variable transmission features a six-speed sequential manual mode. This configuration promises a driving experience worthy of a sports coupe, and delivers the fuel savings characteristic of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system.
The RC 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 direct-injection engine developing a maximum power output of 318 hp at 6,400 rpm and maximum torque of 380 Nm at 4,800 rpm, ensuring optimum power and response at all engine speeds.
The V6 engine is mated to the Lexus Sport Direct Shift (SDS) 8-speed sequential transmission, with manual gearshift option, used on the IS F but specially redesigned. Shift patterns have been optimized for precise response to the slightest throttle input. In manual mode, the torque converter lock-up from second to eighth gear enables ultra-fast downshifts in just 0.2 seconds.
RC drivers also benefit from an intake sound generator that adds a sportier note to the engine sound. It uses a muffler to accentuate the low tone on start-up, and a damper that amplifies the intake pulses and introduces this seductive note into the cabin to accentuate the sportiness of the driving experience.
STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY
The new RC range benefits from the latest advances in man-machine interface technology and features a touch-sensitive Remote Touch Interface (RTI). For Lexus, it also introduces the latest version of the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM).
The new multifunction touchscreen control developed by Lexus for the RTI system ensures simple, fast and intuitive operation of the multimedia system. Simply slide your finger across the surface of the touchscreen to move the cursor, and press to confirm your choice.
Haptic feedback makes the screen surface vibrate when the cursor passes over an icon, so that the driver can follow the cursor’s movement without having to take his eyes off the road.
The touchscreen illuminates at night in 3D perception. What’s more, it offers a wide operating area, a surface that’s pleasant to the touch and offers no resistance to finger slippage, for perfectly fluid operation.
The optimized version of the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) detects vehicles approaching at high speed at the rear from further away, and alerts the driver to their presence with a light signal in the corresponding rearview mirror.
EUROPEAN PREMIERE OF THE NEW LEXUS RC F HIGH PERFORMANCE COUPÉ EQUIPPED WITH THE MOST POWERFUL V8 EVER DEVELOPED BY LEXUS
– Most powerful Lexus V8 to date with over 450 hp
– Synergy between Atkinson and Otto cycles offering fuel consumption gains and an impressive level of performance
– Adoption of a torque vectoring differential for enhanced traction and control
– Sleek exterior design including sophisticated aerodynamic elements, from the competition
– Exclusive interior featuring instrumentation, seats and finishes dedicated to the RC F
– Launch in Europe in autumn 2014
The new Lexus RC F will go on sale in autumn 2014.
The RC F, with its racy design, gets a new 5.0-liter engine developing over 450 hp and more than 520 Nm, making it the most powerful V8-powered car ever developed by Lexus.
Harnessing this power with unfailing efficiency, the RC F combines a new eight-speed transmission with a torque-vector differential (TVD) – a world-first on a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe – to the benefit of driveability and control for unrivalled handling and performance.
“It’s a common misconception that racing cars are difficult to drive,” explains Yukihiko Yaguchi, chief engineer of the Lexus RC F. In truth, it’s exactly the opposite when they’re in the right hands, as they’re developed with the skills of their drivers in mind. This is also the case with the RC F, which I have developed so that all enthusiasts, whether experts or not, can enjoy themselves. The electronics can be instantly modified on board to ensure the appropriate level of performance and safety according to the driver’s skills. And even with the first level of adjustment, it’s a bomb!”
NEW HIGH-PERFORMANCE 5.0-LITER V8 ENGINE
The most powerful V8-powered Lexus F ever adopts a new 5.0-liter, 32-valve engine that develops over 450 hp and over 520 Nm of torque. The cylinder heads and all moving parts are new and designed to deliver increased maximum power, unmatched at high revs.
The RC F is the first Lexus model whose engine uses the Atkinson cycle at cruising speeds for better fuel economy, then reverts to the Otto cycle at higher revs to guarantee a remarkable level of performance.
Developed exclusively for the RC F, the powertrain offers exceptional driver involvement, including in terms of transmission and exhaust system.
The shift patterns of the 8-speed Sports Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission optimize linear response to throttle inputs, giving the driver more precise control of power and torque delivery.
A new intake and exhaust sound modulation system allows greater driver involvement, with a deep tone up to 3,000 rpm and a seductive, higher-pitched timbre that accompanies the engine’s soaring revs above 6,000 rpm during hard acceleration.
EXCLUSIVE TORQUE VECTOR DIFFERENTIAL
Designed to enhance driving pleasure through optimized handling and impeccable traction and control, the Lexus RC F features a torque vector differential (TVD).
The TVD system offers three programs:
– STANDARD: agile handling and stability at high speeds
– SLALOM: optimized responsiveness to directional impulses
– TRACK: consistency and dynamic stability in cornering for circuit driving with optimum control for the driver, all combined with a new setting for the integrated dynamic management system (VDIM) which also features a vertical acceleration sensor for even greater vehicle stability.
SOVEREIGN ROADHOLDING
The exceptional handling of the new RC F is due above all to the high rigidity of the body, which features thicker side sills and an ultra-rigid lower front crossmember. Rigidity is also enhanced by a number of specialized Lexus manufacturing techniques, such as structural adhesives and laser or multiple-spot welding. Grip is also enhanced by wider rims and tires.
The RC F features independent coil-spring suspension front and rear, with monotube gas-charged shock absorbers and ball-joint stabilizer bars. Unsprung weight is kept to a minimum by the use of 19″ forged aluminum rims, to the benefit of the lighter, stiffer wheel assembly.
Like the Lexus LFA supercar, an active rear spoiler is integrated into the trunk lid to improve downforce above 80km/h. The spoiler is the centerpiece of a complete aerodynamic package that contributes to the RC F’s grip and stability, and also includes meticulous work on the very flat underbody, the elegant air intakes under the bumper and front wings, and the strategic positioning of the aero stabilizer fins.
SLEEK DESIGN WORTHY OF AN F MODEL
The Lexus RC F is immediately recognizable by the visual dynamism that complements the elegant styling of the new RC coupe from which it is derived.
It features its own interpretation of Lexus’ signature trapezoidal grille, which dominates the front end and features a discreet F-pattern mesh below the Lexus badge.
The hood, higher than that of the RC, creates a powerful, flared profile in keeping with the nature of an F model. The impressive profile is underlined by 19″ 10-spoke forged aluminum wheels, available in three finishes, including a hand-polished version.
The RC F borrows certain styling cues from the Lexus LFA supercar, and in particular certain elements critical to cooling and aerodynamics. The air outlets on the hood, like those on the LFA, are combined with cooling ducts that contribute to engine cooling and overall vehicle stability.
In profile, the air outlets at the rear of the front fenders improve engine and brake cooling. They join the extensions of the rocker panels, forming a pronounced ‘L’ shape.
At the rear, four trapezoidal tailpipes accentuate the RC F’s wide, impressive stance.
LIGHTWEIGHT THANKS TO CARBON FIBER
Building on the expertise acquired with the LFA and the IS F CCS-R, a limited-series racing car, Lexus has lightened the RC F by making extensive use of carbon fiber for elements such as the roof, hood and active rear spoiler.
RC F INTERIOR DESIGN AT THE DRIVER’S SERVICE
The interior of the RC F puts the driver first with exclusive design elements such as dials, steering wheel, seats, pedals and ornamentation for a level of comfort, support and ergonomic excellence worthy of a high-performance Lexus F model.
The new instrument cluster on the RC F, reserved for F versions, is an extension of the central dial on the LFA, which can be moved and changed according to the driving program. The design is inspired by the on-board instrumentation of an aircraft cockpit, characterized by a wealth of information and a clear, concise presentation for quick, easy reading.
The instrument cluster features a large central speedometer whose appearance changes according to the driving program, analog and digital speed displays, torque-vector differential tracking, an accelerometer, oil and water temperature gauges, odometer and even a stopwatch.
A Lexus F model must offer a man-machine interface of impeccable ergonomics. The RC F is Lexus’ first steering wheel with an elliptical cross-section and thick rim for optimum grip in high-performance driving. The positioning, shape and operation of the steering-wheel-mounted gearshift paddles also enable rapid, precise gear changes.
Inspired by tight-fitting sportswear, the new high-back seats feature Lexus’s integrated foam structure, guaranteeing ideal, seamless support thanks to the absence of movement between the seat upholstery and the seat.
WORLD PREMIERE OF THE RC F GT3 CONCEPT CAR LEXUS SUPPORT FOR GT3 COMPETITION IN 2015
– World premiere of the RC F GT3 concept car at the Geneva Motor Show, marking Lexus’ intention to support GT3 in 2015
– Wider and lower than the production version of the RC F and weighing just 1,250 kg
– Modified RC F V8 engine developing around 540 hp
The world premiere of the new RCF GT3 concept car at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show is tantamount to a letter of intent from Lexus to support the 2015 GT 3 competition season.
The result of two years’ joint development by Lexus International and its subsidiary Techno Craft, and produced by the latter in Japan, the RC F GT3 concept is based on the new RC F coupe, the most powerful high-performance V8 model ever developed by Lexus.
With a length of 4,705 mm, a width of 2,000 mm and a height of 1,270 mm for a wheelbase of 2,730 mm, the RC F GT3 concept is wider and lower than the standard RC F, but weighs just 1,250 kg on the scales thanks to an interior limited to racing requirements.
The modified version of the RC F’s V8 engine develops around 540 DIN hp.
The launch of the RC F GT3 concept car marks the beginning of Lexus’ long-term support for GT3 racing. Testing will start this year, with the aim of providing the necessary support to teams for their entry into the 2015 season.
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