In the lead up to the Tokyo Motor Show later this month, all the Japanese manufacturers are readying their most desirable models. So far we’ve mostly only seen the smaller manufacturers showcasing their kei car concepts (small Japanese city cars) but now Lexus has upped the ante and revealed its distinctive new RC Coupe.
The Lexus RC Coupe can be thought of as a two-door version of the Lexus IS saloon, except as proven by these images, the styling has been given a thorough working over to discern it from its four-door underpinning. Taking its lead from the Lexus LF-LC and LF-CC Concepts, the Lexus RC Coupe has a low, wind signature ‘spindle grille’ and gets LED triangular headlights and optional 19-inch ten-spoke alloys.
The Lexus RC Coupe shares its dimension closely with the IS but its 40 mm longer at 4 695 mm and has a shorter 2 730 mm wheelbase. The images you see here are described by Lexus as ‘pre-production’, much like BMW did with the 4 Series Concept, just before it landed in showrooms in production form. We can therefore expect a fair amount of toning-down before the 2014 Lexus RC Coupe goes on sale for real next year.
According to Lexus’ press release, two models will be offered in the Lexus RC Coupe range: a RC 300h 2.5 litre petrol-electric hybrid and then the RC 350 with a big 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine. Power and performance figures will most likely mirror the 233 kW and 378 Nm of torque and 164 kW and 300 Nm of torque in its Lexus IS sedan sibling.
Spy photos that have been doing the rounds also suggest a Lexus RC F model with bigger intakes and fattened wheel arches is also in the works, potentially with the gorgeous 5.0-litre V8 engine of Lexus IS F fame, although Lexus made no mention of it this time around.
Speaking of engines, one of the biggest limiting factors for Toyota in recent years has been the lack of an efficient, downsized, turbo engine. While Volkswagen, Ford and Renault push forward with the ever-evolving technology, the Japanese manufacturer continues to make do with larger displacement, normally-aspirated engines. Until now that is, because Toyota and Lexus have announced a brand new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder will make its debut at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.
Reports at this stage say the 2.0-litre turbo engine is first earmarked for the Lexus NX crossover SUV thing but we’d be amazed if such an engine didn’t make its way into every model of the Lexus and Toyota range at some point going forward. Lexus have allegedly trademarked the model names NX 200t and NX 200h ahead of the Range Rover Evoque-competitors production-ready unveiling.
The 2.0-litre turbo’s power and torque outputs are said to be similar to Lexus’ current 2.5-litre V6 which, until recently, did service in the Lexus IS saloon. 153 kW and 252 Nm of torque is easily achievable by the turbocharged engine and torque might be substantially better as well with something closer to 350 Nm easily possible. From there the 2.0-litre turbo could find its way into the GS sedan, ES sedan and what about the Toyota 86? We can only hope.
