www.bahrainthismonth.com January 2014 85 motoringthismonth A stunning all-new production-ready coupe was unveiled by Lexus at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2013 which will be hitting showroom floors this year. The term ‘all-new’ gets bandied about so much these days, often simply referring to a new version of an existing model, which strictly speaking, is inaccurate. ‘All-new’ should refer to models like this — the Lexus RC Coupé — because it gives the motoring world something to get truly excited about! “Our focus is to strengthen the brand’s emotional appeal through our products and RC is another demonstration of this focus,” said Mark Templin, Lexus International executive vice president. “The emotional attachment of a coupé is found in its purity of design and its engaging driving experience. With RC our engineers have achieved the balance.” The RC is part of a ride and handling revolution at Lexus, which started with the GS mid-size luxury sedan and continued with the new IS sport sedan. The new car is a stand-alone model, rather than a two-door derivative of a sedan. Based on the GS platform, the coupé differs in all dimensions from the GS and IS lines. The aggressively styled coupe will be available with two powertrains: 3.5-litre V6 teamed with an eight-speed sequential transmission and 2.5-litre Lexus hybrid drive system. Looking at the RC, you can instantly see that it has taken strong design cues from Lexus’s supercar, the Lexus LF, especially in the shapes on the front and rear spoilers. The RC boasts that Lexus ‘spindle grille’ that we’re now seeing across the brand’s range. 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 centre console integrates a new Lexus-first remote touch interface. The seats utilise an integrated foaming construction method, much like that used for racing seats, to ensure optimum occupant comfort and support which is important in a sport coupe. The RC’s strong and purpose-built chassis is the latest evolution of Lexus’ objective to achieve a world class driving experience, epitomized by the improved performance of both the GS and IS lines. Extra thick underbody rocker panels greatly increase 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. Aerodynamic aids, especially on the underbody, contribute to the handling package. The RC uses double wishbone front suspension and multi-link suspension at the rear. This is the first Lexus to adopt the revised blind spot monitor system which detects vehicles that are approaching from behind at a higher speed and from a greater distance than is covered by the current system. The innovative touch-sensitive remote touch interface for audio and navigation systems is particularly important in a coupé where tactile reaction is a desirable part of the driving experience. 86 x Wheels - 88 x Dubai International Motor Show - 90 x Feature - 93 x Showcase Also this month Driving Emotions When? January 6 Event? Dragster Xperience Venue? Bahrain International Circuit Check your top speed in a stateof-the-art Top Fuel dragster. E Call 17 450-000. When? January 7-9 Event? BDRC Race Day Venue? Bahrain International Circuit Get your dosage of adrenaline in this high octane race. E Call 17 450-000. When? January 10, 25 Event? Open Track Venue? Bahrain International Circuit Test your own top speed on the open track day. E Call 17 450-000. When? January 13 Event? Drag and Drift Venue? Bahrain International Circuit This is the ultimate performance test of yourself and mahcine. E Call 17 450-000. When? January 17 Event? Circuit Racing Club: Round 4 Venue? Bahrain International Circuit A number of cars battle it out at the race’s fourth round. E Call 17 450-000. Lexus RC 350
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