Lexus have finally released more details of their new F Version which they say will be “milestone moment in the history of high-performance Lexus models’ and will be launched at the Detroit Motor Show on 14th January.
Lexus say that the car was designed to be a thoroughbred sports model and the RC F will come equipped with the most powerful 5.0-litre V8 engine Lexus has ever produced, a unit that is projected to deliver an output in excess of 450bhp.
These high performance figures seem have strongly inspired the styling of the car, Yukihiko Yaguchi, the Chief Engineer for the RC F says that “The form of each component is carefully designed to contribute to performance”. The car has a mean muscular shape, with a dramatic grille adorning the front that is joined by aggressive yet functional air ducts. The front wings bear a distinctive L shape which lead back to the sleeker lines that grace the rear. The car reminds me of a gt86 from the back that has been combined with an LFA front.
The luxury car make say there will be three variations of 10-spoke, 19-inch forged alloy wheel designs will be available, including a set hand-polished by their very own craftsmen. Meanwhile, the svelte rear end of the RC F is equipped with an active wing that automatically deploys at speeds above 50mph and retracts again when the speed falls below 25mph. The powerful character of the car is accentuated at the back with the addition of trapezoidal quad-outlet tailpipes.
The aggressive yet good looking exterior is complemented by a unique and lavish looking interior.
Heading the instrument panel is a dominant central dial that automatically displays different colouring and text size appropriate to the coupe’s four driving modes. Lexus has produced a new steering wheel design which has an elliptical cross-section, a thick grip and what they say are the optimum shift paddle locations. The high-back seats are also new to this car and are finished with an embossed F on the headrests, their styling displays inspiration from modern high-tech athletic sportswear design. Five leather trims will be available, all with contrast stitching. Again Lexus have combined looks with functionality as there are L-shaped rubber slits in the brake and accelerator pedals, which not only looks great but also offer additional grip for the driver.
Judging by the performance figures, styling the Lexus’ past sales in the car market in the past, this car could be a big contender in the sports coupe market. Should other manufacturers like BMW and Mercedes be worried by this?
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