New Lexus RC Coupe Detailed in Fresh Batch of Photos

Written By Unknown on Monday, November 4, 2013 | 7:22 PM

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