The Tokyo Motor Show is the first showing for the Lexus RC Coupe, based on the Lexus IS. Lexus also showed the LF-NX SUV concept, this time with a turbo-petrol powertrain.
Lexus is trying hard to give its offerings a ‘performance’ image, getting away from the staid middle-aged sensibility image. The Lexus PR hand-out states they are doing this “while injecting emotional appeal into the Lexus DNA that is synonymous with build quality, refinement and reliability”. This is hoped to give Lexus a broader customer base.
Lexus RC Coupe.
The design is unmistakably derived from the LF-CC coupe concept from last year’s Paris motor show, and while it features a slightly toned down look, it maintains a number of elements that saw many motoring writers voting the LF-CC ‘best in show’.
The spindle-shaped grille is featured strongly, this being another of the items that Lexus want to make distinguishably their own. Unfortunately, look at the Nissan Almera and you have another spindle shape.
The fence-like mesh grille of the show car is gone in favour of a more conventional slatted grille and front bumper set-up, although it keeps Lexus’ now familiar spindle shape.
Lexus says the red hero color of the show car features a brighter and more contrasting tone thanks to a new painting process that uses multiple layers of deep-colored coating.
Two alloy wheels are offered, depending on the model – 10 spoke 19 inch or five-spoke 18 inch wheels.
Lexus has confirmed the RC will be available in two trim levels with two different powertrains – the RC 350 powered by a 3.5 liter V6 petrol engine and the RC 300h hybrid matched with a 2.5 liter petrol unit.
The cabin is stolen from the Lexus IS, with a 300 mm touch screen sitting high up in the center stack. “Lexus-first” features include an upward reflecting lighting package that is said to envelop the cabin, while the center console houses a new ‘Remote Touch Interface’ that allows the driver to instruct the sat-nav or infotainment system using fingers.
More from the blurb includes seating in the coupe uses an integrated foaming construction method to ensure high levels of comfort and support for occupants.
Lexus also used Tokyo to show off a further development of its sharp and chunky-looking LF-NX compact SUV concept, which I did not like at all, to be frank. This car was shown at the Frankfurt show in September this year and will likely go into production as the NX, sitting under the RX as the brand’s entry-level crossover offering.
The Frankfurt show car featured a hybrid powertrain, but the Tokyo concept car is powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol engine and features a front under-spoiler, while the cabin gets a ‘Remote Touch Interface’ with touch-pad.
