All-new Lexus RC and RC F make UAE debut

Al-Futtaim Motors, the exclusive distributor of Lexus in the UAE, has launched today the all-new RC and RC F coupes in the UAE, reinforcing its credentials as a leading player in the luxury automotive market.

Standing for Radical Coupe, the two-door RC boasts sculpted lines and a wide, low stance, designed to blend eye-catching design with breath-taking performance, while the high performance RC F sports showcases an aggressive design that delivers the sporty image expected of the Lexus "F" marque.

“Lexus continues to demonstrate its strength in emotional design and amazing performance,” said Saud Abbasi, General Manager, Al-Futtaim Motors – Lexus. “We are particularly excited to bring the Lexus RC and RC F to the UAE market and be able to offer those looking for exhilarating driving experience combined with an avant-garde design two new choices from Lexus that inspire a true passion for driving.”

He added: “We believe that both Lexus RC and RC F will truly excite the senses of the drivers with their unequalled performance and unimaginable design. We have received very positive feedback from the Lexus fan base in the UAE following the two cars’ unveil at the Tokyo and Detroit motorshows and we are confident about their success in the UAE.”

At the launch, Lexus RC F Chief Engineer Mr. Yukihiko Yaguchi said “The RC F is built to enable drivers of all skill levels to enjoy fun-to-drive performance. The car 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.  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.”

Also present at the launch was Mr. Eiichi Kusama, Lexus RC Chief Engineer, who confirmed that design, performance and advanced technology are the three most important elements behind the development of the RC.

“We are very proud to develop such a unique coupe which delivers an outstanding driving experience to match its impressive looks. The eye-catching design of the RC evokes anticipation along with its remarkable performance. Once driven there's no going back.”

Both vehicles are immediately available in the UAE across all Al-Futtaim Motors Lexus showrooms, with the RC starting from AED 180,000 and RC F from AED 310,000.

RC F:

Revolutionary Driving Dynamics

The Lexus RC F was designed for optimum grip and handling agility, taking full advantage of front engine rear wheel drive vehicle characteristics. All aspects were considered, from the vehicle’s footprint on the road and body rigidity, to aerodynamics, suspension hardware, brakes, electric power-assisted steering calibration and chassis electronics. The new sports coupe offers reduced roll, higher cornering speeds and enhanced cornering effectiveness, so less steering input is required.

The RC F has an all-new 5.0-liter 32-valve V8 engine that provides maximum power at higher engine revolutions than previously possible. The engine is Lexus’ most powerful V8 engine, with 12 per cent more power than the IS F engine on which it is based. All-new cylinder heads and lighter moving parts have increased the maximum power of the engine by 54 HP to 471 HP, with maximum revolutions increased from 6800 to 7300 rpm. The compression ratio has been raised to 12.3:1, to boost torque across the entire revolution range.

For the first time in a Lexus performance engine, the RC F uses the Atkinson cycle at cruising speeds for enhanced fuel economy. In the Atkinson cycle, the inlet valves are held open longer than normal to allow a reverse flow of intake air into the intake manifold, thereby decreasing pumping loss and increasing thermal efficiency. A uniquely tuned 8-speed Sports Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission improves linear response to accelerator-pedal operation, letting the driver feel more immersed in the torque and power as it is applied.

The RC F also has an option of a Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD) which is the world’s first torque-transfer type torque-vectoring system for a front-engine/rear-drive vehicle. The electronically controlled Lexus Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD) optimally distributes torque to each rear wheel regardless of whether the accelerator is pressed or not. The Lexus TVD is unique in using precisely controlled multi-plate clutches rather than the vehicle’s brakes to vector torque. It comes in three operating modes: Standard - for a balance of nimble performance and stability; Slalom - for emphasis on nimble steering response; and Track - to help with consistent stability, ensuring the vehicle stays on the intended cornering line as the driver accelerates. The Lexus RC F also has a Torsen Limited Slip Differential (LSD) as standard equipment. The Torsen LSD offers high levels of traction performance, handling and driving stability.

The RC F has a Lexus-first new mode with its Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) system. VDIM with sport mode is exclusive to F models and the newly added EXPERT mode in VDIM OFF mode operates to prevent the vehicle going into a spin. EXPERT extends the control parameters to deliver a high performance level suited to the RC F. The new mode is intended to allow the driver to fully exercise their individual driving skills and control the vehicle in a similar fashion to driving in VDIM OFF mode, while adding the extra layer of protection of spin prevention. Before being adopted on RC F, the new VDIM technology was refined through repeated testing on race cars.

The RC F’s striking, cockpit-like interior enhances the overall driving dynamics with its unique components include the meters, steering wheel, seats, ornamentation and pedals. The primary instrument gauge has been developed from LFA with extra enhancements which can be viewed at a glance which is an essential requirement of track-day activity. The steering wheel is unique to RC F to provide firm grip and operation.

Top-level body rigidity was a priority in RC F to provide a stable platform for the suspension and to optimize agility. The new coupe makes maximum use of all the knowledge and features Lexus has acquired in rigid body design and manufacture. The RC F’s highly rigid body with large cross-section rocker panels and a very stiff front lower brace forms the foundation for the vehicle’s superb grip. Specialized Lexus manufacturing techniques are used, including body adhesives, laser-screw welding, laser brazing and multi-spot welding. Grip is further enhanced through use of a wider tire and wheel assembly.

The RC F has front and rear coil-spring independent suspension, with monotube gas-filled shock absorbers and ball-jointed stabilizer bars. Unsprung weight is reduced by the adoption of new 19-inch forged aluminum wheels – available in three variants - which minimize tire/wheel assembly mass and maximize rigidity.

Driver engagement has also been improved through purpose-designed sound and power delivery channels. A system of regulating induction and exhaust sounds helps create a deep tone up to 3,000 rpm, and a higher-pitched tone as revolutions rise above 6,000 rpm.

Powerful and Aggressive Design

The RC F stands out for the visual aggression it adds to the stylish body of the new RC coupe. It features an exclusive version of the Lexus signature spindle grille that dominates the front of the vehicle, with an "F" motif embedded in its mesh from below the Lexus symbol. The Lexus RC F is lower, wider and longer than the RC coupe with which it was simultaneously developed while sharing the same wheelbase. It stands on wider tires and its body enhancements are all linked to functional performance while creating an image befitting a premium sports coupe.

Every styling design feature of the RC F has a positive aerodynamic benefit. The RC F’s hood is raised to accommodate and emphasize the V8 engine and a meshed scoop in its center provides additional aerodynamics and cooling. A continuous flow from the hood and front fender through to the belt line emphasizes the crouching nature of the design and contributes to air flow. Aerodynamic spats and aids along the entire length of the RC F also contribute to the wide and low stance.

The vehicle takes design cues from the Lexus LFA supercar, especially in essential air cooling and aerodynamics. Air outlets at the rear of the front fender form the shape of an L when they merge with side sill extensions, while stacked trapezoidal quad-outlet tailpipes at the rear further the aggressive look. An active rear wing deploys from the deck at 80 km/h and retracts at less than 40 km/h to enhance the coupe’s lines at standstill.

A carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) package, on hood, roof and rear spoiler which are  available as options achieves about 10kg weight reduction and adds to the aggressive stance of RC F. Lexus has developed four 19” wheel and tire packages for RC F, each unique to the car. A carbon fiber reinforced plastic kit, developed from the LFA and CCS-R race car is also available and saves substantial weight.

In the interior of the car, the RC F’s all-new combination meters provide a wide range of easy-to-read information for the four drive modes. The primary instrument gauge has been developed from LFA with extra enhancements which can be viewed at a glance, an essential requirement of track-day activity. The combination meters include a large centrally mounted tachometer that alters according to drive mode, digital and analog speedometer, differential torque vectoring monitor, G-Force meter, oil and water temperature gauges, mileage information and a stopwatch. The RC F debuts a Lexus-first elliptical cross-section thick-grip steering wheel for greater control during performance driving.

The RC F’s seats have been purpose-designed for track driving. They are high backed and bolstered to provide optimum support for the back in mid-g cornering and additional shoulder support in high-g activity. The all-new high-back seats have been designed for exceptional holding performance, with its integrated foaming technique creating a highly supportive and taut-fitting seat with trim material that stays fixed. The seats come in five available leather trims, each with contrast stitching.

The Lexus RC F has four 19-inch wheel choices, all made from forged aluminium for optimum rigidity and minimum weight. Great care went into creating forms that are only possible with a forged design and that is clearly expressed in the spokes of the machine-finished High and High Plus designs. As one more example of the high level of craftsmanship in each “F” model, the High Plus wheels are hand-finished by craftsmen.

Advanced Technology Enhancements

The new RC F is a prime example of Lexus’ emphasis on introducing advanced technology features to enhance the overall driving experience. The RC F coupe has an improved 8-speed Sports Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission. The Lexus AA80 transmission control program has been refined, to suit the higher engine speeds of RC F’s new engine and deliver a more linear response to accelerator pedal action and hence a more dynamic feeling to driving the new sports coupe. It has four driver-selectable modes – NORMAL, SPORT S, SPORT S+, and M mode, which has full torque-converter lock-up from second to eighth gears for 'clutchless' manual shifting.

The design aim with the Lexus Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD) was to make full use of the vehicle’s yaw moment for turning posture so good that it feels as if the direction of travel and the direction of the vehicle are perfectly aligned. It is one element in a state-of-the-art package of chassis technologies, systems and mechanisms in the new coupe, all designed to heighten driving enjoyment, especially when cornering. Lexus meticulously tested the TVD at the Nürburgring, and circuits in Japan to fine-tune its operation and cooperation with the new coupe’s VDIM system. The result is a natural feeling by which the driver does not notice the system’s operation, along with heightened enjoyment of operating the accelerator pedal to affect vehicle behaviours while cornering. The TVD distributes torque to match the conditions of the moment, ensuring an enjoyable driving experience when negotiating S-bends. It improves vehicle posture in low-to-mid speed corners, providing more agile movement and a smaller steering angle.

Lexus has also developed a new Remote Touch Interface (RTI) for the RC F as part of the cockpit ‘operation zone’ in the center console. New touch-operation offers the enhanced convenience touch-phone users will love, such as flick/pinch operations. The driver can use the RTI to select the audio, navigation or system information displayed on the center screen without looking down while driving. The intuitive interface is easy to use. Moving one finger over the RTI panel surface moves the cursor and pressing down or double tapping on it enters the selection. An integrated feedback function vibrates the surface when the cursor on the electro multi-vision navigation (EMVN) screen moves over a button. This allows the driver to confirm the cursor movement without looking at the display. 

RC

Aggressively Elegant Design

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 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 tires is intended to provide a visual jolt. Triangular headlamps evoke the sporty characteristics of the LF-LC design while concept vehicle inspiration is evident in the unique three-lamp LED design.

In the interior, the driver’s cockpit is divided into operational and display zones. The upper zone houses the instrument panel and a seven-inch navigation screen while a layered center console integrates a new Lexus-first Remote Touch Interface. The RC’s custom steering wheel carries eight switches, for added safety and convenience. They include telephone, voice recognition, Multi-Information Display, Adaptive Cruise Control, conventional vehicle speed cruise control and paddle switches for the eight-speed transmission. The steering wheel also has audio switches for volume and seek mode. The center console features the Drive Mode Select dial and traction-control off switch.

The RC’s interior design creates a sense of both sportiness and elegance. Highly acclaimed sports concept vehicles have greatly influenced the RC interior, making maximum use of contrasting colors, materials and lighting. 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. High-contrast interior colors emphasize design lines and accentuate the elegant cabin. Genuine shimamoku wood highlights – the result of an intense, layered wood production technique refined by Lexus – are used to emphasize the surrounding trim.

The RC is a true four-seater coupe, with excellent accommodation for driver and passenger and sufficient space for two rear seat occupants while delivering an outstanding driving experience to match its striking looks.

The RC’s seats use the integrated foaming construction method introduced as a Lexus-first in 2013 on IS F SPORT. The new seat effectively disperses body pressure the instant the occupant sits down, creating a sense of comfort with positive holding performance. It offers optimum comfort during normal driving and firmly supports the body when enjoying a sporty drive. The RC coupe’s rear seat has a 60/40 split-fold seat-back providing the flexibility of accommodating items up to 1500mm in length. With the rear seats in their normal position, the 374-liter capacity luggage area can accommodate two golf bags.

RC’s aluminum wheels continue the concept-to-production design philosophy with two available combinations – a deeply sculpted 10-spoke 19-inch wheel or a muscular five-spoke 18-inch version, each precision-machined and finished with elegant black and platinum centre caps. 

A new five-layer paint process used for the first time in true mass production is at the heart of the brilliant colors of Lexus RC. The extraordinarily complex multi-layered, twice-baked process has been used before – but only on the very best of show cars, such as concept vehicles at motor shows or at specialty show-and-shine exhibits. Radiant Red Contrast Layering has been chosen by Lexus as the signature color for RC. Lexus has developed seven exterior colors for RC which are the Radiant Red Contrast Layering, White Pearl, Platinum Silver, Sonic Titanium, Mercury Gray, Starlight Black, and Black.

Brilliant Driving Dynamics

Producing power output per liter second only to the LFA supercar in the Lexus range, the RC signals the next evolution of Lexus powertrain engineering. The 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine produces a maximum 314 horse power at 6,400 rpm, and peak torque of 38.5 kg-m, to provide a passionate driving experience. The engine has intelligent dual variable valve timing (VVT-i), as well as the Lexus D-4S system of direct and port fuel injection. It is matched to direct-shift transmissions with Manual Mode, allowing full torque-converter lock-up from second to eighth gears for ‘clutchless’ manual shifting.

An eight-speed Sports Direct Shift with paddle shift transmission optimizes power delivery and economy. The spirit of the RC is audible in the note of its engine, specially tuned to deliver an evocative sports car sound.

The RC was designed to realize a new level of Lexus driving performance, with a focus on handling agility by taking full advantage of rear wheel drive characteristics. All aspects were considered, from the vehicle’s footprint on the road and aerodynamics to the suspension hardware and electric power-assisted steering calibration. Steering feel and response have been further optimized by adopting a new, high-rigidity gear-mounting bushing for the steering rack.

The RC’s aerodynamic performance leverages the concept of ‘aerodynamic handling stability’ by using the flow of air over and under the car to optimize controllability, especially when travelling at high speeds. Aerodynamic handling stability features in RC include the shaping of the body, aero-stabilising fins, and a flat underbody design. Aero-stabilising fins have been strategically placed in key areas of the underbody and an aero-stabilising guide added behind the front bumper to suppress vortex formation and increase radiator efficiency. Stabilising fins are also fitted to the tip of the door-frame molding and the rear combination lamps. The overall RC body design minimizes drag, for improved fuel efficiency and reduced noise. The rear quarter panels have been designed to smooth the airflow around the vehicle. Controllability at highway speeds was a key aim for the RC. 

RC’s strong and purpose-built chassis is the latest evolution of Lexus’ objective to achieve a world-class driving experience, with the extra thick underbody rocker panels greatly increasing the two-door’s rigidity to support driving performance. New manufacturing techniques pioneered in the LS and IS models, including the use of body adhesives, have strengthened the chassis, while aerodynamic aids, especially on the underbody, contribute to the handling package. RC uses double wishbone front suspension and multi-link suspension at the rear.

Innovative Technology

The new Remote Touch Interface (RTI) as part of the cockpit ‘operation zone’ in the center console is a key highlight of the advanced technology features offered by the RC. It links the driver more directly to the audio and navigation systems of the vehicle and was developed to amplify the tactile feedback of the RC’s sports-coupe driving experience. The driver can use the RTI to select the audio, navigation or system information displayed on the center screen without looking down while driving. The intuitive interface is easy to use. Moving one finger over the RTI panel surface moves the cursor and pressing down or double tapping on it enters the selection. An integrated feedback function vibrates the surface when the cursor on the electro multi-vision navigation (EMVN) screen moves over a button. This allows the driver to confirm the cursor movement without looking at the display. Specially designed illumination makes the white designated areas of the electrostatic pad surface appear three-dimensional at night and lends a sense of quality to its appearance, while the clean and cool design, and flat shape, harmonize with the vehicle design. The advanced RTI also facilitates customized pinch-in and out, in addition to flick operations on the navigation map, for added convenience.   

RC and RC F Comprehensive Safety Features

The RC and RC F benefit from the same comprehensive array of safety features that is characteristic of today’s Lexus range, and come equipped with as many as eight airbags which includes a dual-stage driver’s airbag, dual-stage and dual-chamber front passenger airbag, driver's and front passenger’s knee airbags, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain-shield airbags. The side-curtain airbag size has been enlarged for increased side-collision compatibility. Additional safety features include remote anti-theft alarm system, front and rear parking sensors, child seat anchors, engine immobilizer, stability and traction control.

The vehicle’s Pre-Collision System (PCS) is engineered to detect an imminent frontal collision and automatically prepares the emergency braking assist to help provide increased braking pressure the moment the driver steps on the brake pedal. To help drivers maintain a preset following distance from the vehicle ahead, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control uses radar technology to sense the speed of any vehicles in front of them, with the throttle automatically reduced and the brakes applied should the coupe get too close to the vehicle ahead.

Additional safety features include the Blind Spot Monitor, which can warn the driver if it detects vehicles in the blind spots of the adjacent lanes, and the Rear Cross-Traffic Alert designed to provide peace of mind when backing out of a parking space by notifying the driver of vehicles approaching from either side.

The RC and RC F cabins also have a lot of additional passive safety features, including head-impact absorbing structures in each pillar and the roof head lining. An abdomen-absorbing impact structure has been added to the door armrest, while the lower door trim and the lower rear-quarter panel trim have impact-absorbing material designed to protect the occupant’s hip and lower back in a side collision.