SCION Jul-Sept 15: Lexus RC350

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D r i v i n g Fo r c e

Throwing down the gauntlet The new Euro-challenging RC 350 from Lexus represents a quantum leap for the soon-tobe 25-year-old marque. Roderick Eime examines the latest offering from Lexus, designed to tempt sports car buyers away from the big European rivals.

The svelte, all-new purpose-built RC 350 coupé is billed as a reinvention of a Japanese brand that has always stood at the forefront of both styling and technology. While it borrows cosmetic and engineering cues from other vehicles in the range, like the GS and IS models, Lexus maintains the RC 350 is no reconfigured sedan. The purpose-built chassis comes with the unique blend of stiffness and strength needed to accommodate sporting-yet-supple suspension.

As with the LFA supercar, first unveiled in 2009, the RC 350 is designed to reinvigorate interest in this prestigious marque, except that the RC (for Racing Coupé) series will reach out to a younger, sporty demographic in Lexus’ lower/mid price range.

“The RC 350 is a very important vehicle for us – it provides a clear aspirational target and injects a stronger connection to the brand, combining with its strong quality and innovation hallmarks,” said Lexus executive, Sean Hanley, at the vehicle launch last year.

“Our LFA supercar previously embodied Lexus’ passion and acted as an emotional draw card, and it was one of the most important models we’ve ever produced,” he said.

“However, it was off-limits to most buyers. This new vehicle brings a portion of LFA’s excitement to a more attainable market segment, and will boost the brand’s appeal even further.”

Taking inspiration from its Y model marketing strategy, Lexus has come up with three offerings for its Lexus RC 350. First there’s Luxury then comes F Sport and finally Sports Luxury. Those with deeper pockets and a lust for performance and luxury perfection will want to examine

the top-of-the-line Sports Luxury, which adds a host of features befitting the discerning sports-car enthusiast.

The basis of the RC 350 is the ultra-responsive 233kW 2GRFSE 3.5-litre quad cam, direct injection V6 powerplant and eight-speed Sports Direct Shift transmission driving through the rear wheels.

“RC 350’s spirited handling and performance were born on the track,” said Lexus’ chief engineer for the RC 350, Eiichi Kusama. “I spent considerable time working with the chief engineer of the RC F – Yukihiko Yaguchi – and we benchmarked both vehicles against the competition over many days and countless laps.”

The engineering team proceeded to fine-tune the chassis and front double wishbone and rear multi-link suspension to optimal levels. The super high-tech electronically controlled centre differential, offered as an option in some markets, varies the front-to-rear torque balance to provide optimum traction in all weather conditions and the Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS).

Take things to the extreme with the RC F, a performance package that critics admit rivals some of the best European vehicles in this sector.

Lexus’ new ‘halo’ RC F coupé is the third Lexus to wear the F badge, after the IS F and LFA supercar. F models are built for true drivers who want to immerse themselves in pure driving pleasure and satisfying performance.

The RC F comes loaded with a 5.0 litre 351kW V8 engine, stiff chassis, racetrack-developed suspension and brakes,

with power delivery via an eight-speed transmission and unique torque-vectoring differential. The maximum power is delivered at 7,100rpm, while the 530Nm of torque kicks in between 4,800 and 5,600rpm.

Not only does this race-bred weapon look the goods, it sounds every bit on the money too. Active Sound Control creates a deep ominous tone up to 3,000rpm, then a higherpitched tone as revolutions rise with the sensation of the engine soaring freely above 6,000rpm, which it does thanks to titanium valves, forged connecting rods and an optimised exhaust layout to more effectively harness these musical exhaust pulses.

With the LFA out of production, the RC F now assumes the mantle of F image leader and is also the basis of Lexus’ entry in the World FIA GT3 Championship and the Japan Super GT championship.

If neck-snapping performance and head-turning good looks aren’t enough, Lexus RC F is offered with an optional carbon-fibre pack, developed using technology from the LFA programme and CCS-R racecar.

Designed to save weight, the carbon-fibre pack includes the bonnet, roof and active rear wing along with interior cabin decoration to match the mean exterior. This includes alcantara seat trim with 20-spoke High Plus forged aluminium wheels and ventilated front seats as further options.

With the new RC 350 and its high-performance F derivatives, Lexus has stamped its authority yet again on the ultracompetitive luxury performance sector with styling that will certainly make anyone look twice – and possibly then reach for their wallets.

Lexus RC F Specifications: ENGINE Engine code 2UR-GSE Displacement (cm 3) 4,969cc Engine type: All-alloy 90-degree V8, 32 valves, double overhead cams with dual VVT-i and electronic inlet timing actuation.

Fuel type: 98 RON or higher Bore x stroke (mm) 94 x 89.5mm Compression ratio 12.3:1 Max. power# 351kW @ 7,100rpm Max. torque# 530Nm @ 4,800-5,600rpm TRANSMISSION Type: Eight-speed SPDS automatic. Electronically controlled with sequential shift, artificial intelligence shift control and second to eight gear torque converter lock-up.

PERFORMANCE Max. speed (km/h) 270 (electronically limited) 0-100 km/h (sec) 4.

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