Autosportfoto

Lexus at Geneva Motor Show 2014

Lexus will unveil its RC coupe for the first time in Europe at the 2014 Geneva motor show. Lexus has confirmed a 2015 launch for the car, which will be available with a 2.5-litre version of Lexus' full hybrid drive system, named RC 300h.

First revealed at the 2013 Tokyo motor show, the RC is a stand-alone model, rather than a two-door derivative of a sedan. Based on the GS platform, it differs in all dimensions from the GS and IS model lines.

The new RC model range features the latest Lexus advanced technology developments, including a new, touch-operated Remote Touch Interface (RTI), and an upgraded Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) safety system.

The new RC model range aims to raise Lexus' profile with a broader audience. The purity of its design and its engaging driving experience inject even more emotional appeal into a Lexus DNA already renowned for build quality, refinement and reliability.

New F Sport Model
The RC 300h F Sport, shown for the first time at Geneva, will feature aggressive exterior and interior design features, and enhanced driving dynamics, distinguishing it from other trim levels in the range.

F Sport's dynamic upgrades take the form of tuned front and rear suspension systems and the availability of Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with the Sport S+ driving mode.

Exterior Design
Lexus designers have endowed the RC with deeply contoured lines and crafted the widest and lowest-set interpretation yet of the Lexus spindle grille. In terms of size, it occupies a unique position in the Lexus range, measuring 30mm wider, 35mm lower and 70mm shorter in the wheelbase than the IS saloon, giving it a classic coupe stance.

Triangular headlamps capture the sporty characteristics of the earlier LF-LC concept, along with the novel three-lamp LED configuration that was part of the show car's design. Both front and rear lighting units use the Lexus L design motif.

The RC can be specified with two alloy wheel designs: a deeply sculpted, 10-spoke 19-inch wheel and a muscular, five-spoke 18-inch version. Both are precision-machined and finished with elegant black and platinum caps. RC F Sport benefits from a unique 19″ alloy wheel design which features an outer machine-finished 10-spoke layer offset over an inner 10-spoke layer finished in a dark metallic paint.

The RC measures 4,695mm long, 1,840mm wide and 1,395mm high, with a 2,730mm wheelbase.

The design features a compact cabin contrasted by aggressively flared wings and body contours etched with deeply sweeping lines.

The RC will be available in a choice of 7 exterior colours, including a new Red which features an innovative painting process. The multi-layered process includes a silver base coat which gives the paint brighter highlights and darker shading for a deeper, richer finish. Three additional colours -White Nova, Orange and Blue- are exclusive to the F Sport model range.

Interior Design
The four-seat interior of the RC is strongly influenced by Lexus' sports concepts, reflected in the extensive use of contrasting colours, materials and lighting. The purpose-designed lighting package gives a sense of occasion, with illumination that reflects upwards rather than down to envelop the cabin.

The high-contrast interior colours emphasise the elegant lines around the interior, together with shimamoku highlights - a genuine wood finish created using an intense layering technique refined by Lexus.

The driver's cockpit follows the established Lexus design principle of an upper display zone and lower operation zone. The upper zone houses the instrument panel and seven-inch navigation screen; lower down the layered centre console integrates the Remote Touch Interface controller.

The seats are made using an integrated foaming construction, similar to the moulding technique used for racing seats, to provide excellent comfort and support.

F Sport models are distinguished by a driver's meter with a moving centre ring, similar to those in the IS 300h F Sport and LFA models. The F Sport steering wheel and shift knob are both finished in perforated leather. The cabin is finished with wedge metal ornamentation using thinly machined metal sections with a precision, 3D surface treatment.

The interior may be finished in a total of five, high-brightness and high-contrast colour schemes, including a newly developed Clove, which accentuates the sporting elegance of the cabin, and a dark rose finish, unique to F Sport.

Driving Dynamics
The RC's strong and purpose-built chassis represents the latest stage in Lexus' mission to deliver a world-class driving experience, building on the advances made with both the latest GS and IS models.

Extra-thick underbody rocker panels greatly increase the car's rigidity and enhance its driving performance. Lexus has also used new manufacturing techniques it pioneered in the LS and IS models, including the use of innovative body adhesives, to strengthen the chassis.

Aerodynamic aids, especially those featured on the RC's underbody also contribute to the handling package. The suspension design features front double wishbones and a multilink system at the rear.

An Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system is available with F Sport trim. The system allows the driver to fine tune ride characteristics with a choice of two damper settings; Normal, for everyday driving comfort, and Sport, for improved body control and precise responses to steering input while cornering. In response to driving operation, vehicle body motion and road surface conditions, AVS automatically adjusts the performance of the suspension and shock absorbers at all four wheels to further reduce vehicle roll through corners.

Powertrain
The RC 300h combines a 2.5 litre, dual-injection 4-cylinder petrol engine generating 176 bhp/131 kW at 6,000rpm and peak torque of 221 Nm between 4,200 and 4,800rpm with a 141bhp/105kW electric motor, delivering maximum system power of 217 bhp/162kW.

The hybrid system's electronic continuously variable transmission features a six step, sequential shiftmatic manual override gear change. This configuration delivers all the driving engagement expected of a sporting coupe, combined with excellent fuel economy that is associated with Lexus Hybrid Drive.

Advanced Technologies
A new, touch-sensitive Lexus Remote Touch Interface (RTI) multi-function control device offers the driver simple, fast and intuitive multimedia system operation. Simply moving a finger over the panel's surface moves the cursor, and pressing down on it enters the selection.

An upgraded Lexus Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) system detects vehicles that are approaching the rear of the car at a higher speed and from a greater distance. When the BSM system detects other vehicles travelling behind the RC, an indicator light in the corresponding door mirror alerts the driver to the presence of such a vehicle.