Lexus RC F Sport to make Geneva debut
The stunning Lexus RC coupe, which debut at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show continues to spawn interesting new derivatives, with the F Sport variant gearing up for a debut at the upcoming 2014 Geneva Motor Show. Debuting as the RC 350 F Sport, the new variant follows the debut of the full-on RC F that was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year.
Not unlike the M Sport and AMG Sport variants from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the RC F Sport retains the powerplants of the regular models, but boasts enhanced styling and suspension tunes aimed at delivering a sportier appearance and more dynamic driving experience.
In its RC 350 form that will go on display, the vehicle is powered by Toyota’s 3.5-litre 2 GR-FSE naturally-aspirated V6 rated at 314hp and 380Nm. Featuring Toyota’s D4-S dual injection technology, the engine is mated to an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission sending drive to the rear.
On the outside, the F Sport upgrade package is visually identified by its model-specific ‘F’ mesh grille that is a further evolution of Lexus’ current corporate spindle grille design. Model-specific ‘F-Sport’ badging confirm its identity, and at the four corners sit machine-finished dark metallic 19″ F Sport 10-spoke alloy wheels. Three exterior colours – White Nova, Orange, and Flame Blue – are offered exclusive with the F Sport package.
Interior enhancements come in the form of F Sport-exclusive elements such as Wedge Metal ornamentation, Dark Rose interior colour, F Sport steering wheel and gear selector. Then there’s that wonderful party piece of the LFA-style instrument cluster with moveable centre ring which we first saw and got giddy over in the IS 250 F Sport tested last year.
As highlighted in our coverage from Tokyo, the RC coupe shares its platform with the mid-sized GS sedan and consequently carries over its all-independent suspension setup featuring front double wishbones and rear multi-links. The F Sport package bolts on adaptive dampers to this set up, and complementing the dynamic package is an electric steering system that features rear-wheel steer and variable ratios. The front and rear wheels turn in opposite directions at lower speeds to assist manoeuvrability and in the same direction at higher speeds to provide stability. Lexus’ Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system coordinates the smooth operation of all these sophisticated chassis enhancements.
Joining the RC F Sport in its Geneva debut is a race-prepped version of its big brother, the RC F GT3 concept developed to to meet GT3 international racing standards inline with Lexus’ plan to supply GT3-compliant vehicles to interested racing teams by 2015. Full-on testing of prototypes commence this year.
Weighing just 1,250 kg, the RC F GT3 features a modified version of the RC F’s V8 engine, producing a maximum power output in the region of 535hp. Globally, GT3-compliant race vehicles have a plethora of races open to participation, from the 24 Hours of Nürburgring endurance race in Germany to the Super Taikyu Endurance and Super GT series in Japan.
KON
Pictures: Official Lexus release.
