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(White Plains, NY - September 5, 2014)
1. Lexus Launches the Sexy RC Coupe
“The Lexus RC was developed around a single concept: A coupe must be ‘sexy’. There's an intangible appeal to the coupe - and for the development team, ‘sexy’ was the only term that felt appropriate.” Cyril Dimitris, Director of Lexus Canada
In the automotive world, there is no greater emotional attachment than through a coupe. The purity of its design and the promise of a fun driving experience connect on visual and visceral levels. That’s why for 2015, Lexus launches the RC as an all-new model – a highly emotive coupe that injects emotional appeal into the Lexus DNA of build quality, refinement and reliability. The beautifully styled RC also delivers an engaging drive experience through a potent 3.5-liter dual overhead-cam V6 teamed with a highly-responsive, smooth-shifting sequential transmission, and a choice of rear-wheel or all-wheel drive
The 2015 RC is available in six configurations, including four F SPORT packages designed to deliver a more aggressive note to both styling and performance.
2. World and Lexus Firsts
The Lexus RC introduces world and Lexus “firsts” in technology as well as in production engineering developments. These include:
3. Design and Packaging - Exterior
From every angle, the RC delivers a visual jolt. The RC presents a low profile and a wide stance. A compact cabin contrasts with boldly protruding fender flares, a short wheelbase and large diameter tires. Body contours are etched with deep, sweeping lines.
Creating the RC body required advanced press technologies that surpassed conventional production line standards. Rather than change the design to fall within production standards, Lexus implemented the new production technologies required to build the RC’s distinctive shape.
The Lexus spindle grille, which forms the fulcrum of the exterior package, is the lowest and widest application yet of this signature design feature.
Other exterior details of note include:
4. Design and Packaging - Interior
The interior of the Lexus RC creates a sense of both sportiness and elegance, even as it hints at the pleasures to come from the drive ahead. The RC is a true 2+2 coupe, with excellent accommodation for driver and passenger plus sufficient space for two rear seat occupants.
Seats are manufactured using the integrated foaming construction method introduced as a Lexus first on the current generation IS F SPORT, and trimmed with high-contrast stitching. The result is a premium feel and high-precision appearance that is also remarkably comfortable and supportive during spirited driving manoeuvres.
A 60/40 split rear seat folds to offer flexibility for carrying longer items. Access to rear seats is enhanced with an electric folding mechanism on the front seats that features a memory system to return the seat to its previous position, plus manual override for quick access.
The centre console features large knee pads to support front-seat passengers during sporty driving conditions, while the upward sweep of the door trim telegraphs the promise of spirited driving fun. Console and door trim are both built up from layered components to convey elegance.
The RC introduces upwards facing ambient illumination to create a new feeling of welcome like that found along the pathways of modern homes.
Upon closer inspection, interior details convey dynamic performance and dramatic styling:
5. On Board Technology
The RC continues the Lexus tradition of implementing advanced technology that is intuitive to use.
6. Power Trains
The RC coupe is built around a 307 peak horsepower 3.5-litre dual overhead cam V6 that combines power, torque and responsiveness for a passionate driving experience.
The RC is available in a choice of two drive-trains:
Both transmissions feature sequential shift operation and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. All RC models include the Lexus Drive Mode Select system to further customize performance characteristics to driving conditions and mood.
A newly developed muffler system emphasises the engine sound, plus an intake sound generation to further enhance aural appeal under acceleration.
7. Driving Dynamics
The RC was designed to deliver a new level of Lexus driving performance with a focus on handling agility. All aspects were considered, from the vehicle’s footprint on the road and aerodynamics, to the suspension hardware and calibration of the electric power-assisted steering system.
RC chassis engineers aimed for excellent steering response and smooth roll transfer during initial turn-in, minimal roll and rapid yaw-rate gain for agile turning mid-corner and smooth steering feel with smooth sprung body movement from corner to corner. Steering feel and response have been further optimized by adopting a new, high-rigidity gear-mounting bushing for the steering rack.
RC’s excellent steering response makes it easy for the driver to aim for the corner exit. Steering characteristics suitable for RC were achieved through control of roll rigidity distribution.
Lexus RC’s aerodynamic performance leverages the concept of ‘aerodynamic handling stability’ by using the flow of air over and under the car to optimize controllability, especially when travelling at high speeds. Aerodynamic handling stability features in RC include the shaping of the body, aero-stabilising fins, and a flat under-body design. Ducts in the front bumper enhance aerodynamic and brake-cooling performance.
Engineers paid special attention to creating an extremely rigid body to provide a stable platform for the suspension and optimize agility. This required massive rocker panels and centre-floor gussets to accommodate the large door openings characteristic of a coupe.
A double-wishbone suspension at the front, and multi-link with toe control arm at the rear – is uniquely calibrated to minimize roll angle while maintaining ride comfort. The rigid body enabled engineers to employ high damping forces and large diameter stabilizer bars without adversely affecting ride comfort.
New brakes include large brake rotors front and rear with high performance brake pads.
8. F SPORT
Lexus will offer the RC in four F SPORT configurations: RC 350 F SPORT Series 1; RC 350 F SPORT Series 2; RC 350 AWD F SPORT Series 1; and RC 350 AWD F SPORT Series 2.
All F SPORT configurations add exclusive performance features. These include electric power steering enhanced with variable gear ratio steering; Adaptive Variable Front and Rear Suspensions; Four-wheel Active Steering (on RWD models); and more.
F SPORT configurations also receive unique exterior and interior styling appointments, including: Mesh-pattern grille; exclusive 19” wheel design; meter design adopted from the LFA Supercar; F SPORT aluminum pedals and footrest; steering wheel and shift knob clad in F SPORT exclusive perforated leather; unique scuff plates; unique seat stitching; exclusive exterior and interior colours; and more.
Additional features on F SPORT Series 1 models include: ventilated seats clad in NuLuxe material; a voice-activated SD card-based navigation system; power moon roof; and automatic wipers.
F SPORT Series 2 models include all features from Series 1, plus: Mark Levinson audio system; Lexus Pre-Collision System; Lane Departure Alert System; Driver’s Seat and Front Passenger’s Seat memory systems; and Intuitive Parking Assist.
9. Safety
The Lexus RC maintains the Lexus reputation for building vehicles that maximize safety for the driver, occupants and other users of the road.
Safety starts with a high-strength body structure, and the Lexus RC maximizes frontal and side collision protection measures with high-tensile strength steel enhanced by body adhesives, laser-screw welding and additional spot welds.
Every Lexus RC has eight SRS airbags, including a dual-stage driver’s airbag, dual-stage and dual-chamber front passenger airbag, driver's and passenger’s knee airbags, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain-shield airbags. The big side-curtain airbag has been adopted for increased side-collision compatibility.
All RC models are equipped with a Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system tailored to the RC’s performance characteristics, plus active safety systems including: Vehicle Stability Control; Traction Control; and Antilock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist.
Other standard safety systems include Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a back-up camera (in the navigation display on models equipped with navigation), while available safety systems include the Lexus Pre-Collision System and Lane Departure Alert system.
About Lexus Canada
Lexus Canada is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Lexus luxury cars and sport utility vehicles through a sales and service network of 38 dealerships across Canada. With 15 Lexus models on the road today, five of them being hybrids, Lexus has the largest luxury hybrid lineup; allowing guests a choice in a large range of luxury vehicle segments. In the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS), Lexus was the highest ranking nameplate in the industry.
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Every effort has been made to ensure the product specifications, equipment, and content on this site are accurate based on information available at time of publishing. In some cases, certain changes in standard equipment or options may occur, which may not be reflected online. Toyota Canada reserves the rights to make these changes without notice or obligation.