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AN eye-catching ‘cool’ coupe is set to capture the hearts of motorists looking to enjoy ‘fun-to-drive’ performance in style and comfort.
Ebrahim K. Kanoo, Toyota and Lexus distributors in Bahrain, unveiled the entirely new Lexus RC and RC F, at the Lexus Showroom in Sitra.
Takayuki Yoshitsugu, chief representative, Middle East and North Africa Representative Office, Toyota Motor Corporation, said the company wants to raise the brand’s profile with a broader audience and new-to-Lexus customers.
“The Lexus RC coupe represents a thrilling new frontier for Lexus and injects emotional appeal into the Lexus DNA that is already synonymous with build quality, refinement and reliability,” he said.
“With a powerful and responsive engine, phenomenal handling reinforced by advanced aerodynamics and a purpose-built chassis coupled with an equally engaging interior, the RC is truly a unique high-performance machine that emphasises the attraction of a luxury two-door vehicle.
“The RC F will now become the new F image leader following in the footsteps of the legendary LFA supercar developed by Lexus and it will do so through the emotional design of the coupe body and also through the authenticity of its performance.”
The design of the RC coupe is described by Lexus as ‘coolness over utility’. It has deeply contoured body lines – never before seen in the Lexus line-up – with the widest and lowest application yet of the stunning Lexus spindle grille which is evidence of the brand’s aggressive new design direction. From every angle, the low profile, wide stance of the coupe with its short wheelbase and large diameter tyres is intended to provide a visual jolt.
In the interior, the driver’s cockpit is divided into operational and display zones. The upper zone houses the instrument panel and a 7-inch navigation screen.
The RC’s custom steering wheel carries eight switches, for added safety and convenience.
A purpose-built Lexus-first lighting package provides a great sense of occasion, with illumination that reflects upwards, rather than downwards, to envelop the cabin.
Genuine shimamoku wood highlights – the result of an intense, layered wood production technique refined by Lexus – are used to emphasise the surrounding trim. RC’s aluminium wheels continue the ‘concept-to-production design’ philosophy with a deeply sculpted 10-spoke 19-inch wheel.
Producing power output per litre, second only to the LFA supercar in the Lexus range, the RC signals the next evolution of Lexus powertrain engineering. The 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine produces a maximum 314 HP. The engine has intelligent dual variable valve timing (VVT-i), as well as the Lexus D-4S system of direct and port fuel injection. An 8-speed Sports Direct Shift with paddle shift transmission optimises power delivery and economy.
The new Remote Touch Interface (RTI) as part of the cockpit ‘operation zone’ in the centre console is a key highlight of the advanced technology features offered by the RC and RC F.
The RC and RC F benefit from the same comprehensive array of safety features that is characteristic of today’s Lexus range, and comes equipped with as many as eight airbags. In addition to the Blind Spot Monitor the Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is designed to provide peace of mind when backing out of a parking space by notifying the driver of vehicles approaching from either side.
According to Lexus RC chief engineer Eiichi Kusama: “Three points – design, performance and advanced technology – are important for RC. The eye-catching design of the RC evokes anticipation along with its remarkable performance. Once driven there’s no going back.”
And his colleague, Lexus RC F chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi, says the RC F is built to enable drivers of all skill levels to enjoy fun-to-drive performance. “The RC F lives up to the philosophy that F models must be fully capable of running on a circuit as a venue for pursuing driving pleasure freely and safely,” he added.
“A driver behind the wheel of an RC F can now immerse himself in pure driving pleasure while enjoying a satisfying performance on public roads.”
Prices start from around BD19,000.
For more information, visit the showroom, call 17737773, or visit www.lexus.com.bh
