Lexus brings new RC coupe and LF-NX Turbo to the Tokyo Motor Show 2013
The new RC coupe
Lexus showed off two of its creations at the Tokyo Motor Show. Not surprising that they chose Tokyo over LA, considering that it is parent Toyota's homeground
First up, the new RC coupe. The RC is based on the GS, which is Lexus' midsize car. Two versions were revealed, namely the RC 350 and the RC 300h hybrid.
The RC measures 4,695mm long, 1,840mm wide and 1,395mm high, with a 2,730mm wheelbase. Well contoured lines, spindle grille and the red paintjob give it the 'Lexus' feel. The triangular headlights get the three-lamp LED configuration. Both front and rear assemblies get the Lexus L design motif. The machined aluminium wheels come in two designs, a sculpted 10-spoke 19-incher and a muscular 5-spoke 18-incher.
The RC measures 4,695mm long, 1,840mm wide and 1,395mm high, with a 2,730mm wheelbase
In terms of drivetrains, the RC 350 gets a 3.5-litre V6 dual-injection petrol mill that churns out a maximum power of 314PS and 380Nm of peak torque. It is mated to an 8-speed Sports Direct Shift transmission with paddle shift controls. The RC 300h hybrid, the company's first-ever hybrid, gets a dual-injected 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol in sync with a 141PS electric motor. Power is driven through a 6-speed electronic continuously variable transmission (E-CVT) with shiftmatic function. Based on the market, the RC will come as a front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
The RC 350 gets a 3.5-litre V6 dual-injection petrol mill that churns out a maximum power of 314PS and 380Nm of peak torque
The thick underbody rocker panels increase the car's rigidity and body adhesives strengthen the chassis. Aerodynamic aids, especially on the underbody, improve handling. The suspension duties are handled by double wishbones up front and a multilink system at the rear.
On the inside, the RC gets Shimamoku highlights, a genuine wood finish created using an intense layering technique refined by Lexus
On the inside, the RC gets Shimamoku highlights, a genuine wood finish created using an intense layering technique refined by Lexus. The four-seat interior gets high contrast colours, materials and lighting. The illuminators reflet light upwards. The cockpit follows typical Lexus design of an upper operation zone and lower display zone. The upper zone has the instrument panel and a 7-inch navigation screen. The lower zone has the layered central console amalgamating with the Remote Touch Interface controller. The seats have foaming construction similar to that of racing seats. Highlights are the Blind Spot Monitor and the Remote Touch Interface controller.
Pricing and further details are awaited.
The LF-NX Turbo gets a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with the exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head
Also sharing stage with the RCs, was the LF-NX Turbo compact premium crossover concept. A hybrid version of this car was showcased at Frankfurt. It is powered by a combination of a 156PS 2.5-litre petrol engine and a small electric motor. This new concept gets a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with the exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head. This allows Lexus to control the exhaust gas temperature to deliver improved performance and emissions.
The inside is driver-centric with red illumination for main controls, meters, navigation screen and Remote Touch Interface, touch tracer and touchpad controls
On the design end, the LF-NX Turbo gets chrome garnishes on the grille, chin spoiler,door mirrors and sides, the wheel arches and lower rocker panel have a high-gloss black, redesigned alloys, while the rear bumper gets a wide diffuser and sculpted chrome exhausts. The inside is driver-centric with red illumination for main controls, meters, navigation screen and Remote Touch Interface, touch tracer and touchpad controls.
The rear bumper gets a wide diffuser and sculpted chrome exhausts
All further details of the Lexus exhibits are still awaited.
