Lexus had all guns blazing at the Tokyo Motor Show, debuting both the RC Coupe and a new compact crossover concept.
Confirmed for Australian launch, the exotic-looking Lexus RC Coupe is based on the GS platform and is powered by either a 234kW/380Nm3.5-litre V6 or a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder hybrid engine with the electric motor providing 105kW.. And while the GS is base, Lexus has provided a significantly stiffer chassis to provide the RC with sporty driving dynamics to match its aggressive looks.
In fact, Lexus says while its reputation cornerstones are quality, refinement and reliability, the RC Coupe charts a new course to inject emotional appeal into the mix.
The RC Coupe is 30mm wider, 35mm lower and 70mm shorter in the wheelbase than the IS line and rides on 19-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels.
Inside are new upwards-shining lights and genuine shimamoku timber highlights. Seats use an integrated foaming construction like the formed seats used in race cars.
The Lexus LF-NX Turbo concept compact SUV is an evolution of the LF-NX HV concept from Frankfurt.
It’s significant for a number of reasons – Lexus’ first compact SUV fills a void in the product lineup and uses the Japanese giant’s first turbocharged engine which is a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder.
The design is bold and muscular – in keeping with the urban-centric nature of compact SUVs – accentuated by massive 20-inch alloy wheels.
That bold theme continues inside with black/yellow leather seats and a centre console which runs full-length between both front and rear seats with multiple entertainment screens.
Expect a production version of the Lexus LF-NZ real soon.
