2015 Lexus RC 350 F Sport snarls in Switzerland with darkened demeanor

Tue, 04 Mar 2014

Lexus is finally ready to return to the coupe market with the new RC, and while we already saw it in Detroit, it brought the new RC 350 F Sport version for the Geneva Motor Show.

The car packs 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet from its 3.5-liter V6 and is meant to sit between the standard RC 350 Sport Coupe and the full bore RC F.

Most obvious when you glimpse the coupe is the more aggressive spindle grille with a new mesh treatment and dark, 19-inch F Sport wheels. The interior also receives a host of upgrades with Rioja Red leather and Silver Performance trim, plus perforated leather trim on the steering wheel and shift knob. There is a bit of LFA inspiration as well with the F Sport getting its moving center ring instrument display. It is not all about better style though because the coupe also gets adaptive dampers and an optional four-wheel steering system.

Expect to see the RC 350 F Sport growling in showrooms as soon as this fall, in the US.

It's a Trifecta! - F SPORT Completes All-New Lexus RC Coupe Line-up

- RC 350 F SPORT joins RC 350 and RC F for 2015 Model Year
- Adaptive Variable Suspension Adjusts Damping to Help Maximize Agility
- 19-Inch Alloy Wheels Complement More Aggressive Exterior and Interior Design Features

GENEVA - Feb. 28, 2014 – And F SPORT makes three. Driving enthusiasts, get ready for more Lexus RC options from which to choose. When the all-new model launches in the U.S. this fall the 2015 Lexus RC 350 F SPORT will join the recently introduced RC 350 sport coupe and RC F performance model.

The RC 350 F SPORT will make its world debut at the 2014 Geneva International Motor Show.
The RC is a stand-alone model rather than a two-door derivative of a sedan although it is built on the GS sedan platform. It has the same width as GS and a shorter wheelbase than the IS sedan to help achieve spirited handling and agility.

The RC 350 F SPORT, based on the RC 350, will feature exclusive design elements and enhanced driving performance.

The F SPORT's dynamic upgrades include Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and the available Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) system. These features provide drivers with an even more rewarding and engaging driving experience.

Design
Readily identified by a model-specific "F" mesh design, the RC 350 F SPORT features a further evolution of the Lexus spindle grille.

The unique 19-inch F SPORT mesh alloy wheels feature machine-finish and dark metallic paint.

The RC 350 F SPORT also inherits a descendant of the innovative LFA driver's meter with a moving center ring, and an F SPORT perforated leather steering wheel and shift knob. The interior design is completed by Silver Performance trim, an F SPORT-exclusive Rioja Red interior and seats with unique contrast stitching.

Driving Dynamics
Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) is part of the F SPORT package. In response to driving operation, vehicle body motion and road surface conditions, AVS automatically and independently adjusts the performance of the damping at all four wheels. When the vehicle's SPORT+ drive mode is selected, AVS changes to allow the driver to feel improved body control and precise responses to steering input.

The suspension enhancements of the RC 350 F SPORT are complimented by the available four-wheel steering benefits of the Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) system. This leading edge platform technology offers the integration of Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) and Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS).

Monitoring vehicle speed, steering direction and driver inputs, the system calculates the optimum angle for all four wheels. Using VGRS in the front and DRS in the rear, the system can independently manage both front and rear wheel steering angles to help improve turn-in response, rear grip, vehicle control and overall agility when cornering.

The LDH system monitors vehicle speed and yaw rate, steering angle and speed, and lateral G to calculate the required rear wheel steering input up to a maximum rear wheel angle of 2.0 degrees. The front and rear wheels turn in opposite directions at lower speeds, and in the same direction at higher speeds.

Lexus will introduce the RC 350 F SPORT at a press conference on March 4, at 8:45 a.m. Central European Time at Palexpo's hall 4, stand number 4211.

Specifications
RC 350 F SPORT
Length 184.8 in.
Height 54.9 in.
Width 72.4 in.
Wheelbase 107.5 in.
Seating capacity 4
Driven wheels Rear-wheel drive
Engine type 2GR-FSE
Cylinders V6
Horsepower 306 hp @ 6,400 rpm
Torque 277 lb.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm
Transmission 8AT
Suspension Front: Double Wishbone / Rear: Multilink

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Lexus launched in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since that time, Lexus has expanded its line-up to meet the needs of global luxury customers. Lexus is now going beyond its reputation for high quality vehicles with the integration of innovative technology, emotional exterior and interior designs, and engaging driving dynamics and performance. With five models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers six F SPORT models and two F models, including the LFA supercar, for top-of-the-line performance. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 233 dealers who are committed to exemplary customer service.

By Chris Bruce