Lexus to Set a New Benchmark in Bahrain Luxury Coupe and High Performance Car Segment

Ebrahim K. Kanoo, the sole distributor of Toyota and Lexus in the Kingdom of Bahrain, has unveiled the entirely new Lexus RC and RC F, the cars that will redefine coupes and high performance vehicles everywhere. This prestigious event gathered the top notch officials and executives, Lexus brand loyalists, and cars owners on Tuesday 18th of November, 2014 at the Lexus Showroom.

According to Lexus RC chief engineer Eiichi Kusama, “Three points – design, performance and advanced technology are important for RC. To make the exterior immediately recognizable, we adopted a design with a compact cabin contrasted by boldly protruding fender flares and body contours etched with deeply sweeping lines. 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.”   “The RC F is built to enable drivers of all skill levels to enjoy fun-to-drive performance,” said Lexus RC F chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi. “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.  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.”

Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief Representative, Middle East and North Africa Representative Office, TOYOTA Motor Corporation, said, “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. With the RC, we want to raise the brand’s profile with a broader audience and new-to-Lexus customers. 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 emphasizes the attraction of a luxury two-door vehicle.” He added: “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 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 7-inch navigation screen. The RC’s custom steering wheel carries 8 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. 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. RC’s aluminium wheels continue the concept-to-production design philosophy with a deeply sculpted 10-spoke 19-inch wheel.  

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 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 optimizes 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 8 airbags. In addition to the Blind Spot Monitor 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.

Lexus RC F The Lexus RC F was designed for optimum grip and handling agility, taking full advantage of FR 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 of 471 HP. The RC F has a Lexus-first new mode with its Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) system.  

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 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. The vehicle takes design cues from the Lexus LFA supercar, especially in essential air cooling and aerodynamics. 

The Lexus RC F has a 19-inch wheel made from forged aluminium for optimum rigidity and minimum weight, and the High Plus wheels are hand-finished by craftsmen.

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 – ECO, NORMAL, SPORT S, and SPORT S+, in addition to the newly added EXPERT mode, which is exclusive to the RC F through the VDIM system.