New Lexus RC Coupe Detailed in Fresh Batch of Photos

Leaving aside the exclusive, exorbitant and extremely limited production LFA and after fiddling around with coupe-convertible models like the second generation SC and IS C for more than a decade, Lexus has finally given in and presented a traditional coupe, one that a wider audience should be able to afford.

We've already provided you with a first taste of the 2015 Lexus RC, and now we can give a more detailed photo look at Lexus' BMW 4-Series and Audi A5 Coupe challenger, after several Japanese sites released a host of new pictures.

Speaking of the 4-Series, Lexus is following a very similar, if not identical path to BMW with the RC, which while based on the IS sedan, sports a more seductive body with different panels. The coupe also has a 70mm (2.8 inches) shorter wheelbase at 2,730mm (107.5 inches), but is both longer and wider by 30mm (1.2 inches) compare to the saloon.

Nevertheless, Lexus Chief Engineer Junichi Furuyama made it a point to tell Motortrend magazine that the RC is a different car than the IS:

"One thing I want to emphasize, the aim of introducing this new model RC is to add a new level of excitement to the existing Lexus lineup," he said. "This is not an IS Coupe, it is the RC, a new coupe in its own right. It is an independent model. It’s not a deviated version of the IS so it has its own unique styling and its own unique performance."

As far as powertrains are concerned, Lexus mentioned the RC 350 featuring a 3.5-liter V6 and the RC 300h with a hybrid unit pairing a 2.5-liter inline four to an electric motor, without providing any other information, so we don't know, for example, if both or only one of these units (V6) will be sold in the States. For the record, both type of engines are available in the IS sedan (the hybrid not in the States).

Lexus didn't say it, but we know for a fact that it is preparing a high-performance F version to go against the BMW M4 (see the spy shots here, and our rendering here).

Photos and Video via Car&Nifty

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Scoop: Spindle Grille 2014 Lexus CT 200h F-Sport Caught Without Camo

If last month's brochure scans of the mildly updated 2014 CT 200h weren't convincing enough for you, then perhaps these scoop photos of a camouflage-free prototype of Lexus' compact hybrid will do the job.

The model that was captured on camera by our scoop photographers is the more dynamic looking and handling F-Sport edition, which in its refreshed form, features the Lexus brand's now signature pinched grille flowing above the redesigned bumper with a large plastic honeycomb insert and satin silver trim.

The only other noticeable styling changes on this car are the new alloy wheels and the reworked rear bumper with a different diffuser. Similar cosmetic updates should be applied to the regular CT 200h hatchback.

Whether Lexus has also altered the compact model's interior and hybrid powertrain remains unknown at this time.

Look for the 2014MY to make its debut in one of the international motor shows in the following months.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS

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Lexus to Bring Sportier Turbo-Powered LF-NX to Tokyo’s Motor Show

Lexus has finally figured out what the problem was with the unique LF-NX concept they revealed at the Frankfurt motor show in September – it was the 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle petrol engine and electric motor combo…

Now, they’re announcing that they’ve made it all better by swapping out of the hybrid powertrain, and placing a 2.0-liter turbocharged unit, thus fixing all of its issues.

In addition, since the styling was so well-received and unanimously called successful, they’re going to emphasize its lines by giving the concept a sportier stance (lower springs) and “a front under spoiler.”

Sarcasm aside, the new engine is an important step for Lexus towards the global mainstream, as they must have by now realized that some people just want old fashioned diesels in their luxury cars, or smaller capacity petrol units.

We don’t know how much power it’s going to make, but we have heard that the production version of the upcoming concept will bear the NX 200t nameplate – it should make upward of 200 hp to be competitive.

The LF-NX Turbo debuts at the Tokyo motor show.

By Andrei Nedelea

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