Lexus has published a lone teaser image that previews a concept car scheduled to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. The Frankfurt show is important to the Toyota-owned firm because it is having a difficult time grabbing a share of the premium market in Europe.

As usual, the teaser image reveals precious little but it hints the car will feature a heavily-sculpted front end, full LED lighting, an oversized version of Lexus' spindle grille and rear-view cameras in lieu of traditional mirrors.

Lexus is keeping mum about the concept, but rumors indicate it will preview the upcoming RC-F, a sleek coupe designed to take on the BMW M4 and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. With a 455-horsepower V8 under the hood, the coupe will borrow technology from the proven LFA supercar and it will carry a six-figure price tag.

In addition to the concept, the Lexus stand in Frankfurt will showcase the GS 300h that was introduced at the Shanghai Motor Show earlier this year. Scheduled to land in European showrooms later this year, the GS 300h will ambitiously boast its gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain to lure buyers away from diesel-burning BMWs, Mercedes-Benzes and Audis.

Lexus has published the first official images of the 2014 RC coupe ahead of its scheduled debut at this month's Tokyo Motor Show.

Heavily inspired by the LF-CC concept, the RC's front end is characterized by an oversized Lexus emblem mounted on the automaker's trademark spindle grille and triangular headlights that display a L-shaped pattern when the low beams are on. The RC's rear end differs from that of the concept with sharp tail lamps that again adopt a L-shaped motif and a discreet spoiler integrated into the trunk lid.

The RC's cockpit offers a new Remote Touch interface that lets the driver write an address with the tip of a finger and an interior illumination pattern that reflects upwards rather than downwards. Both making their debut on a Lexus, the Remote Touch and the lighting pattern will gradually make their way to the automaker's other products over the coming years.

Buyers will initially be able to choose between the RC 300h and the RC 350. Technical details are few and far between, but Lexus says the 300 will be powered by a hybrid drivetrain consisting of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a small electric motor, while the more expensive 350 will use a 3.5-liter V6 mill.

A performance-focused variant of the RC dubbed RC F will land in showrooms later in the production run. Aimed squarely at the upcoming BMW M4, the range-topping coupe will utilize a 455-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 and pack technology gleaned from the automaker's LFA program.

Look for more details about the Lexus RC to emerge in the days leading up to its debut in Japan.

Read more: http://www.leftlanenews.com/lexus-rc.html#ixzz2jhIANLxG

All-New Lexus RC Coupe to Make World Debut at the Tokyo Motor Show

- 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.

TOKYO - Nov. 4, 2013 - 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.

Design Exterior

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.

Design 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.

RC 350:
Length / in.: 184.8
Height/ in.: 54.9
Width / in.: 72.4
Wheelbase/ in.: 107.5
Seating capacity persons: 4
Engine type: 3.5L Gasoline


RC 300h:
Length / in.: 184.8
Height/ in.: 54.9
Width / in.: 72.4
Wheelbase/ in.: 107.5
Seating capacity persons: 4
Engine type: 2.5L HV

Lexus Unveils All-New RC Coupe

- Striking Concept-to-Reality Coupe to Launch in 2014
- Development Focus on Body Rigidity Ensures Agile Performance
- New Lexus Dedicated Coupe with the Most Aggressive use yet of the Iconic Spindle Grille
- New Remote Touch Interface Implements Intuitive Touch-Sensitive Design
- New Generation Technologies and Advanced Manufacturing Techniques Utilized in Vehicle Development

TOKYO (Nov. 20, 2013) - Lexus unveiled its striking new production-ready RC coupe, scheduled for launch in 2014, at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. The RC raises Lexus' profile with a broader audience, injecting emotional appeal into the Lexus DNA which has become well known for building quality, refinement and reliability.

"Our focus is to strengthen the brand's emotional appeal through our products and RC is another demonstration of this focus," said Mark Templin, Lexus International executive vice president. "The emotional attachment of a coupe is found in its purity of design and its engaging driving experience, and with RC the engineers have achieved the balance."

"We developed RC to deliver extra response that exhilarates rather than overwhelms drivers, in keeping with the true spirit of Japanese hospitality, or omotenashi.," noted Junichi Furuyama, RC and IS chief engineer.

RC is part of a ride and handling revolution at Lexus, which started with GS mid-size luxury sedan and continued with the new IS sport sedan. The RC is a stand-alone model, rather than a two-door derivative of a sedan. Based on the GS platform, the coupe differs in all dimensions from the GS and IS lines.

The aggressively styled coupe will be available with two powertrains:3.5-liter V6 teamed with an eight-speed sequential transmission and 2.5-liter Lexus Hybrid Drive system.

Design Exterior
The RC has been infused with deeply contoured lines, integrating the widest and lowest application yet of the Lexus spindle grille. It is unique in the Lexus range – 1.2-inches wider, 1.4-inches lower and 2.8-inches shorter in wheelbase than the new IS sedan, providing a road stance that emphasizes the attraction of a luxury two-door vehicle.

The unique headlamp design adopts the symbolic Lexus L-shaped motif front and rear. There are two choices of aluminum wheels – a deeply sculpted 10-spoke 19-inch and a muscular five-spoke 18-inch.

A new red exterior paint color is made brighter and shows more contrast thanks to a new painting process.

Design Interior
Highly acclaimed sports concept vehicles have greatly influenced the RC interior, making 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 cabin. High contrast interior colors 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.

The seats utilize an integrated foaming construction method, much like the molding of racing seats, to ensure optimum occupant comfort and support which is important in a sport coupe.

Driving Dynamics
The RC's strong and purpose-built chassis is the latest evolution of Lexus' objective to achieve a world class driving experience, epitomized by the improved performance of both the GS and IS lines.

Extra thick underbody rocker panels greatly increase the two-door's rigidity to support driving performance. New manufacturing techniques pioneered in the LS and IS models, including the use of body adhesives, have strengthened the chassis.

Aerodynamic aids, especially on the underbody, contribute to the handling package.

RC uses double wishbone front suspension and multi-link suspension at the rear.

Powertrains
The dual injection 3.5-liter V6 gas engine produces maximum power of 314 hp at 6,400 rpm, and peak torque of 280 lb.-ft. at4,800 rpm.

An eight-speed Sport Direct Shift with paddle shift transmission adapted from the ISF performance sedan optimizes power delivery and fuel economy. In manual (M) mode full torque converter lock up from second to eighth gears allows for down changes in just 0.2 seconds.

The hybrid variant – the first Lexus hybrid coupe – uses a dual-injected 2.5-liter four cylinder engine with a 105kW electric motor driven through an electronic continuously variable transmission with six step gears in a sequential shift-matic feature.

The RC coupe will be offered in rear wheel drive and all-weather drive (AWD), however availability will vary by market.

The sound generated by the engine has been tuned to ensure it delivers a stirring exhaust note under spirited driving conditions.

Advanced Technology
The RC offers several advanced technology features including an updated Spot Monitor and newRemote Touch Interface (RTI).

RC is the first Lexus to adopt the revised Blind Spot Monitor system which detects vehicles that are approaching from behind at a higher speed and from a greater distance than is covered by the current system.

The innovative touch-sensitive Lexus Remote Touch Interface for audio and navigation systems is particularly important in a coupe in which tactile reaction is a desirable part of the driving experience.

Specifications: RC 350 / RC 300h
Length (in.): 184.8 / 184.8
Height(in.): 54.9 / 54.9
Width (in.): 72.4 / 72.4
Wheelbase(in.): 107.5 / 107.5
Seating capacity persons: 4 / 4
Driven wheels: Rear-wheel drive / Rear-wheel drive
Engine type: 2GR-FSE / 2AR-FSE
Cylinders: V6 / L4
Horsepower: 314 hp @ 6,400 rpm / 176 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 380 lb.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm / 163 lb.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm
Total System Output: - / 217 hp
Transmission: 8AT / E-CVT
Suspension Front: Double Wishbone
Rear: Multilink Front: Double Wishbone
Rear: Multilink
Tire 255/35 R19 (front)
275/35 R19 (rear) 255/35 R19 (front)
275/35 R19 (rear)

*Japan specification

Lexus RC F Redefines the Daily Commute with Asphalt-Grinding Performance and Bold Head-Turning Design

-Global Premiere of RC F Coupe at North American International Auto Show on Jan. 14
-Aggressive Design Cues Demonstrate Performance Potential
-Aerodynamic Wings and Scoops Illustrate Uncompromising Grit

TORRANCE, Calif. – Jan. 8, 2014 – Giving new meaning to "back to the grind," the daily commute is now transformed in to a day at the track with the all-new Lexus RC F. The RC F coupe is styled with fins, ducts and scoops to support the most power V8 performance car ever developed by Lexus.

Based on the spectacular all-new RC coupe that was revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show last November, the RC F has wider wheels and tires, an active rear wing, air scoops, cooling ducts and carbon fiber components, each delivering uncompromising grit to the driving experience.

Design Exterior

The signature Lexus spindle grille, featuring a single F-pattern, dominates the front of the RC F from the bottom of the hood to the lower lip. The hood is higher than that of the RC to accommodate the larger V8 engine and create the powerful flared profile suited to an F model. Ducts beneath the front bumper, fenders, and strategically-placed aerodynamic stabilizing fins
create a stance which further identifies the F model.

Air outlets at the rear of the front fender form the shape of an L when they merge with side sill extensions, while stacked trapezoidal quad-outlet tailpipes at the rear add further aggression. Taking design cues from the Lexus LFA supercar, the RC F features a speed-sensitive active rear spoiler. It enhances the coupe's lines at standstill and deploys from the RC F's deck at approximately 50 mph and retracts when the speed is less than 25 mph. The wing helps the RC F maintain traction and stability at higher speeds.

Three variations of 10-spoke 19-inch forged aluminum wheels are available, including two machine polished designs and one design hand polished by a craftsman.

Design Interior

The striking cockpit-like interior of Lexus RC F complements the aggressive exterior. Unique components include the meters, steering wheel, seats, ornamentation and pedals. The instrument panel is dominated by a central meter which changes according to the four selectable driving modes. The information, color of the display and size of text can be changed.

Occupant comfort is all important. RC F debuts a Lexus-first elliptical cross-section thickgrip steering wheel with optimum placement of paddle gear shifts. All-new high back seats with an embossed F on the headrests offer the driver and passenger an exceptional performance fit. The seats are available in a selection of five leather trims, each with contrasting stitching. Outstanding new L-shaped rubber slits in the brake and accelerator pedals combine form and function.

The all-new RC F will be revealed at a press conference at the 2014 North American International Motor Show in W-152, formerly known as the Riverview Ballroom, at Cobo Center Jan. 14 at 8:45 am EST. The Lexus press conference will also be streamed live online at www.lexus-int.com/. Follow the hashtag #AsphaltUp for more developments.