The Lexus RC coupe has finally been revealed, along with the information that its official public debut will be at the Tokyo motor show, nineteen days from now, on November 23.
But let’s get right to it and say that it’s a really bold statement by Lexus, without the racing body kit , even more so than the noticeable new IS sedan – this really looks like “bling on wheels,” without necessitating any kind of aftermarket visual enhancements.
It’s got odd triangular headlights that immediately stand out, as do the Nike symbol DRLs that are very similar to those on the IS and the gaping spindle grille plus very contoured bumper that must really be a pain to manufacture like that…
Moving on to the side, we notice just how incredibly restrained and fuss-free it is compared to the front… and the back which you will immediately recognize as an IS/LFA cross. Like the nose, it’s a very busy place line-wise, and it too will definitely polarize opinions as to it being successful or not. The ten-spoke rims it’s been revealed with are nothing special, reminding me of any other Toyota wheel design, but they do measure 19-inches in diameter, so at least they fill the arches nicely.
The interior is very similar to that of the IS, but at a quick glance, there are a few more or less noticeable detail differences between them. A novel feature is the lighting that shines upwards, instead of down, “to envelop the interior…” Not such a novel feature, but a Lexus first, is the new Remote Touch Interface infotainment system control unit.
As usual, the engine range is the exact opposite of extensive, starting out with just two options: 3.5-liter V6 in the RC 350 or 2.5-liter V6 with electric boost in the RC 300h. Lexus doesn’t say how much horsepower each one makes, but it probably is 306 and 220 respectively, if they are lifted straight from the sedan. A hot BMW M4 rival is also in the pipeline.
Is it good or bad? Better than BMW’s 4-Series in any way, on first impressions?
By Andrei Nedelea
