Monday 4th November 2013

Lexus RC coupe to debut at Tokyo

Should 4 Series et al be concerned?

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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.

[jp7152]

When I look at the front of a car I often imagine what it would like look in a rear view mirror, hurtling up behind you on a motorway. This would probably make me laugh!

Good on Lexus for sticking with the petrols. It's good to be different (maybe not for their profits though!) and the front grille does make it unique I guess. Just not sure if in a good way or not

[ManaghGB]

[ZesPak]

I love most of Lexus' new designs. The new IS is a great looking car as well.
The lack of diesel can be forgiven imho with the (relatively) affordable hybrid.
What I find odd is that they still lack a break in the lineup. With the small exec saloon (C-class,3-series), they're massively popular over here.

[Repent]

Despite each area of the front end being very modern styling it somehow manages to look very 90's to me. Either way, pretty it ain't. They have however finally nailed the back end, those haunches come to rear beautifully.

Competitively I think they're still at least a generation, probably two from getting near the establishment.

Edited by Repent on Monday 4th November 08:08

[Oz83]

The new grille design shouldn't have made it off the drawing board. It's hideous. Looks like Predator meets Jaws (Richard Kiel).

The last generation IS and in particular the IS-F looked great - modern but still understated with 'safe' styling. A Lexus should have Q car looks with rock solid reliability. I'm not sure their core market will appreciate the 'bling'.

[ZesPak]

ManaghGB said:

Leave the 3-series out if this.

[BUG4LIFE]

Nice enough but Lexus do really need a new grill design!

[jason61c]

I quite like it! It does make me laugh when people moan about the looks, bmw sell loads of the 1 series and thats exceptionally ugly.

[goron59]

Hyundai styling gone made.

[stedale]

Darth Vader aside I like it. Is this the new supra?

[kambites]

They aren't the best of pictures but overall I think the shape looks better than the German competitors. Some of the detailing is rather OTT, though.

[Hellbound]

The new 4 series won't have a V8. So I guess Lexus will be competing with MB and Audi when it comes to their flagship performance coupe offering in this segment.

[Fittster]

How will the Hybrid stack up against European diesels when it comes to tax?

[benim83n]

So I thought w were discussing a radio contro car here...
I think i should maybe get some more sleep cause I dont think it looks *too* bad.

[IATM]

jason61c said:

I quite like it! It does make me laugh when people moan about the looks, bmw sell loads of the 1 series and thats exceptionally ugly.

+1

[ZesPak]

Fittster said:

How will the Hybrid stack up against European diesels when it comes to tax?

Over here on the continent it's pretty favourable, as petrols get a 20% advantage (100g in a diesel = tax for 120g in a petrol).
That is, comparing it to models with roughly the same power output (where: petrol+elec hp = diesel hp).

[Stig]

Fittster said:

How will the Hybrid stack up against European diesels when it comes to tax?

Pretty safe to say the answer will be 'better'.

[Bladedancer]

That face... it will scare children as it drives by :P

But being honest, as far as most ppl in UK are concerned this car:
a) has no diesel
b) has the wrong badge

Sad but true, we won't see to many driving around.

[LP670]

who on earth is signing off these designs at lexus? the front of both this and the new IS are hideous. It wouldnt be so bad if the whole car was a mess but its just the front end styling letting down what is probably a fantastic car.

[lewisf182]

Saw a new IS the other day. The front looked nice IMHO but the back really was hideous and looked like a generic Korean hatchback