Lexus RC Coupe debuts at 2013 Tokyo Motor Show

The production Lexus RC Coupe has made its world debut at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. You would have already seen brief details and pix of the car earlier this month along with the live pix from Anthony yesterday, and now we can bring you the full scoop on the new Lexus coupe.

Lexus is marketing the RC as a standalone model rather than a two-door derivative of the IS sedan, hence it gets its own name and looks. This seems to be the trend now – BMW has separated the 3 Series Coupe line into the 4 Series as well. Mercedes-Benz is doing the opposite though – the CL and CLK have now become the S-Class Coupe and E-Class Coupe.

Lexus says the RC is based on the GS platform, probably to make the RC appear upmarket, but in reality the GS and IS both share the same rear-wheel drive platform anyway. The coupe rides on a double-wishbone suspension at the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear.

Compared to the IS sedan, it’s 30 mm wider, 35 mm lower with a 70 mm-shorter wheelbase. This gives it a sporty and low stance, and Lexus claims the face has the widest and lowest yet application of the Lexus spindle grille. Two alloy wheel designs are available – a 10-spoke 19-inch design and a five-spoke 18-inch one.

Two engines are available at launch time – an RC 350 and an RC 300h. The RC 350 uses a 3.5 litre V6 that produces 314 hp at 6,400 rpm and 380 Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm. This engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and sends power to the rear wheels. All-wheel drive will be available later. The RC 300h uses a 2.5 litre four-cylinder mated to a 105 kW E-CVT electric motor package. The E-CVT is programmed to allow for six stepped gears in a sequential shift fashion.

The interior features something interesting – ambient illumination that reflects upwards rather than the usual downwards. This helps envelop the cabin in an interesting glow.

Other features include genuine shimamoku wood highlights, a new Lexus Remote Touch system, and seats with integrated headrests for a more sporty look. There’s also an upgraded Blind Spot Monitor system which is said to be more sensitive, with an extended range over the current Lexus systems.

Lexus started out by implementing touch screens in their cars. They then moved to a little puck which you slide around to control a cursor – essentially a computer mouse-based concept. The new Lexus Remote Touch system completely revamps the way you control the on-board infotainment system.

This time, you use a touchpad with a surface divided into four quadrants, complemented by hard buttons as shortcuts for commands such as home and menu. Lexus hasn’t explained how this new system works yet, but we’re sure to be back with more info when we learn more.

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