From the sublime to the ridiculous with Lexus then! It was only Friday when its (ok, Philip Chase's)
700hp IS SEMA concept
was unveiled, and now there's this; the Lexus RC coupe.
Rather more palatable from the rear...
Bold, isn't it? Lexus says the front incorporates 'the strongest interpretation yet of the trademark Lexus spindle grille', which is to say it totally dominates the space between the RC's headlights. Perhaps it will look a little lesh garish in the metal, perhaps not. Still, looks better than the
last Lexus show car
Things improve at the back of the RC. The rear lights include the Lexus L motif quite smartly and, whilst there are hints of Mazda 6 and Tesla Model S, it is far better balanced than the front. However, it does seem a shame that more of the LF-CC concept and racer couldn't have made their way to the production car.
The RC measure 4,695mm long, 1,840mm wide and 1,395mm high, which makes it a tiny bit larger in every direction than the 4 Series, C-Class coupe and A5.
Red is the RC's 'hero colour' apparently
European engine specs will be unveiled nearer the launch, but two versions will be shown at Tokyo. The RC350 is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 and the RC300h borrows the hybrid powertrain from the flagship IS saloon. Can Lexus really make any impact in Britain without a diesel? Even Infiniti have changed tack now...
Lexus has gone to great lengths describing the 'sense of occasion' and 'elegant lines' of the interior without having yet released any images. We're promised a cabin inspired by Lexus's sports concepts, plus an 'upper operation zone' allied to a 'lower display zone' as seen on the IS.
The official reveal of the Lexus RC will take place on November 20. Expect it on British price lists late in 2014, probably with a few more brochure pics taken in the dark.