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Lexus RC Sports Coupe to Debut at Tokyo Motor Show


The long-awaited Lexus RC coupe will make its worldwide debut at the Tokyo Motor Show on November 20th — let’s get straight to the fresh new photos released moments ago:

Two versions will be unveiled: the RC 350, with a 3.5L V6 engine; and the RC 300h hybrid, with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine — the full press release follows.


Lexus RC Rear

  • Striking concept-to-reality coupe explores new frontiers for Lexus. 
  • High performance V6 gas and hybrid powertrains accentuate the strong sport-nature of RC.
  • New Lexus dedicated coupe with the most aggressive use yet of the iconic spindle grille.
  • High contrast interior colors with unique new trim create a driver’s cockpit that enhances the fun-to-drive intention of RC.

The all-new Lexus RC coupe will make its world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show on Nov. 20,2013. The press conference will be held at 8:45 a.m. and a live webcast stream of the event will be available at http://www.lexus-int.com.

Two RC models will be displayed at the Tokyo Motor Show – RC 350 with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, and the RC 300h hybrid with a 2.5-liter engine. Today Lexus released photos of the all-new RC in advance of the world premiere. The RC line brings to life the luxury marque’s focus on emotional appeal through a dynamic and alluring two-door coupe. It has been developed to raise the brand’s profile with a broader audience and new-to-Lexus customers. It injects emotional appeal into the Lexus DNA that is synonymous with build quality, refinement and reliability.

Exterior design

Lexus RC Side Profile

Lexus designers have infused the RC design with deeply contoured lines never before seen in the Lexus line-up. They have integrated the widest and lowest application yet seen of the Lexus spindle grille.

Triangular headlamps evoke the sporty characteristics of the LF-LC styling while concept vehicle inspiration is evident in the unique three-lamp LED design. At low beam, the lamps adopt an L-shaped pattern as an expression of the Lexus identity. The sharp, thin design of the rear combination lamps adopts the symbolic Lexus L-shaped motif.

RC’s aluminum wheels continue the concept-to-production design philosophy with two available combinations – a deeply sculpted 10-spoke 19-inch wheel or a muscular five-spoke 18-inch version, each precision-machined and finished with elegant black and platinum center caps.

A new Lexus painting process that uses multiple layers of clear and deeper-colored coating brings the RC coupe to life with a brighter and more contrasting shade, especially on the racy red exterior. 

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

Interior design

Lexus RC Interior

Highly acclaimed sport concept vehicles have greatly influenced the interior of the RC coupe, with maximum use of contrasting colors, materials and lighting. A purpose-built Lexus-first lighting package provides a great sense of occasion, with illumination that reflects upwards, rather than downwards, to envelop the interior.

High contrast interior trim, including a new tone called Clove, emphasize design lines and accentuate the elegant cabin. Genuine shimamoku wood highlights – the result of an intense, layered wood production technique refined by Lexus – are used to emphasize the surrounding trim.

The driver’s cockpit is divided into operational and display zones. The upper zone houses the instrument panel and a seven-inch navigation screen while a layered center console integrates a new Lexus first Remote Touch Interface.

Important for a coupe, the seats utilize an integrated foaming construction method – much like the molding of racing seats – to ensure optimum occupant comfort and support.


Lexus will host a press conference at Tokyo motor show for the unveiling of the new RC at 00:45am GMT on 20 November. The event will also be broadcast in a live webstream at www.lexus-global.com.

AutoshowsFeaturesJapanLexus RC: First Generation
Comments
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    Puppet H
  • November 4, 2013
That fron rendering is ugly as hell. Looks like an uglier Nissan Juke. That bottom grille is way too fat, and that black cross bumper is too huge. I hope the Concept is what makes it into production and not that fat grille. At least, the rear bumper is absolutely stunning and aggressive.
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    bob.
  • November 4, 2013
Don't like the exterior. The side lines are not clean and simple like other Lexus's and the LF-CC concept. That front grille is also horrible especially with the black glossy bar. It should have been full mesh. Hopefully the F-Sport looks better or if this is the F-Sport then the normal version. Grille is too wide too
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    MT
  • November 4, 2013
I am curious what engines we will get here in Europe. Obviously not the 350, as this engine never was on the EU market and i don't think this will change. I hope the 2AR hybrid won't be the only engine we get as this would be killing sales before it started.
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      Hhah
    • November 4, 2013
    The 3.5L engine is so good.. Too bad you miss out in EU due to your government.
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      Carson
    • November 5, 2013
    I think Europe will for sure get the 300h and F versions. You would think Lexus will have to offer something in between like the new 2 litre turbo engine.
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    DillonD
  • November 4, 2013
Honeslty, I like it. There are some things that could be fixed. But I am also very confused. Why is that we saw spy shots of this and the rear screamed GS like rear. We could see it clearly. And if you look at the spy shots the grille isn't so big. What model is that because I am very confused!
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    Bilal
  • November 4, 2013
I checked out the link left by Bobby....Plenty of pics to check out the very aggressive new design. The handful of pics in this article don't do the RC justice. Very nice in my opinion and I hope the engines will complement the style!
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    3rdworldjunkie
  • November 4, 2013
Other than the front the car looks cool specially the rear... sexy
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    BOSS
  • November 4, 2013
I love that rear!!!!! and the side profile too..but the front..hmmmm. Let's see here, I would prefer the fog lights to be in the vents somewhere not at the chrome piece and is it my screen or is predator front looks wide and spread out and ugly? For some reason the rest of the line up looks fine but this looks weird. Guess I'll wait to see in person or real world photos to get a better angle./
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    Lexus Cohen
  • November 4, 2013
I'm not sure about that front end, I hate the lights.The side profile is sexy as hell and the back is amazing. That front.....hope this is not the final product.
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    William A
  • November 4, 2013
It definitely stands out. Lexus is utilizing a "love it or hate it" approach to their new design. In the end, it may alienate some of their base, but may pay off handsomely with new, younger buyers.
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    Travis
  • November 4, 2013
EVERYONE GO TO THIS LINK !!!!!! This car looks epic ! http://autoc-one.jp/motorshow/tokyo/2013/lexus/1530832/photo/0016.html
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    Carmaker1
  • November 4, 2013
I have to wonder why Toyota filed a trademark (#1644774) for RC 500 and RC500 F in Canada on September 24, 2013. We already know about the one for RC F filed on November 2, 2012, but why another one? Is this for the Super GT500 race car or for an additional model aside from the RC-F? That would be pointless in having two V8 RC models, but perhaps this points to a new 500 designation for future V8 Lexus models?
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      Darkride
    • November 4, 2013
    Someone explains it here. They might be having difficulties securing full rights to RC F (at least in canada) as there is another company who has it. http://my.is/forums/f104/rc-f-named-rc500-f-canada-will-5-litre-492786/
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    BOSS
  • November 5, 2013
That ass is so nice!!! and so are those headlights!! I keep on coming back to check them out, amazing!
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    Travis
  • November 5, 2013
The rear end is freakin beaitful. Aggressive.. I love the shape of the trunk.
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    Mohammed Taha
  • November 5, 2013
Not impressed. The car looks like it's based off the Toyota FT-86. Don't get me wrong, the car does have some nice internal features and some great ideas but Lexus needs to wake up and recognize the competition. Mercedes, BMW, Audi etc.. are all laughing their asses off right now. The exterior/body designs are not up to par. I have/had great respect for Lexus but this car is a joke in every sense of the word. It will sell because there's always at least one person in a million that will love it and can afford it but what Lexus needs is a fan base of 1:5 with 1 in a thousand that will buy it. Saying "our cars are revolutionary and bold" is not enough and will only get you so far. If anyone from Lexus is reading, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE stop wasting time and money and go look back at why the LFA was successful! It wasn't because the car looked different, it's actually quite normal looking. It was the screaming sound of the exhaust, the exhilarating feeling that the drivers felt, how fast it was, the carbon fiber, overall beauty. Enough with the cartoonish, over the top designs and rethink your strategy. BOLD =/= spindle grill or crazy LED lights. You need to build a following through a signature design that carries over through all your classes. I'm not sure how your CEO feels about this car but if I were him I would fire the person who approved the design of this car and the next time someone designs something based off your cheaper/budget company I would fire the whole team. If you keep this up KIA will pass you in the next few years; thanks to Peter Schreyer.
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      bjnjk
    • November 5, 2013
    What are you talking about. This thing is far more bold and pronounced than the 4-series which looks extremely bland and uninspiring. Or Audi which all look the same. This is also an original design, i cannot think of another car which looks similar. Also look at the complex surfaces and shapes used for the body panels and illumination sources (lights) etc. They are very unique. Not to mention the usual unprecedented standards of Lexus build quality and you have a winner.
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      Thomas
    • November 5, 2013
    The GS from that came in 2006 was a beauty. So was the LS. This is not! They who are whining about "bold" design are mostly People who think "Pimp My Ride" is pure greatness.
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      yosafbridge
    • November 5, 2013
    I'm sure the BMW/Audi/Mercedes CEOs just fired their car designers after seeing the new Lexus RC : their reason : "Why can't you design sexy coupes like the Lexus RC? Instead we get boring-ass cars like the 4 series/A5 and C-coupe!!"
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    Levi
  • November 5, 2013
Just the best looking production Lexus ever. It looks like a supercar. Germans, especially A5 and 4 Series look so boring next to this, 4 Series even has wrong proportions. This Lexus is mindblowing. I'm tired of all other cars that look the same.

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