Lexus puts the 2.0T into the Euro-market RC Coupe
Mon, Aug 3 2015
It can be picked out by its smaller wheels and the lack of aggressive bodywork. Lexus will offer an F-Sport package that restores some muscularity. Better still is the available Torsen limited-slip differential and the adaptive variable suspension for improved handling.
We don't have the entry-level coupes here like the Euro-market BMW 420i, which would be a good competitor for the RC 200t. In our market base competitors like the BMW 428i, Audi A5, and Cadillac ATS, all fitted with 2.0-liter engines, are faster, and will most likely be lighter and might be less expensive than the RC 200t. That looks like it will make the Lexus offering best for buyers who already want to get into the line but at a friendlier price. The press release below has more info.
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RC JOINING THE LEXUS 2.0L TURBO PETROL LINE-UP
- 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder, twin-scroll turbo unit developing 180 kW/245 DIN hp and 350 Nm of torque
- 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and 230 km/h maximum speed
- 8-Speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission with G-force linked gear shifting
Brussels, Belgium Lexus: 31 Jul 2015 - The new Lexus RC 200t is the fourth Lexus model to feature the refined driving performance of the company's 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine.
Mated to an 8-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission, the turbo unit adopts numerous sophisticated engine technologies to offer drivers an engaging combination of smoothness, turbo-lag-free throttle responsiveness and fuel-efficiency.
The superior driving dynamics of the new RC 200t may be further enhanced through the availability of an F SPORT version, which is equipped with a Torsen Limited Slip Differential.
Together with the already announced RC 300h, the new RC 200t go on sale throughout Europe at the end of the year.
2.0 Litre Turbo Petrol Engine with 8-Speed SPDS Transmission
Weighing just 160 kg, the remarkably light and compact 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol unit features a unique combination of advanced, ESTEC (Economy with Superior Thermal Efficiency Combustion) engine technologies for increased thermal efficiency through combustion enhancement.
They include a D-4ST (Direct injection 4 stroke gasoline engine Superior version with Turbo) fuel injection system, a twin-scroll turbocharger, a water cooled cylinder head with integrated exhaust manifold, and VVTi-W (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide).
Combining a fast throttle response and high torque at low engine revs with remarkably frugal fuel consumption, the engine develops 245 DIN hp/180 kW and maximum torque of 350 Nm. This equips the RC 200t with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h, allied to a 7.2 l/100 km average fuel consumption and CO2 emissions from 166 g/km.
D-4ST combines high pressure direct cylinder injection with low pressure intake port injection. This achieves optimum, uniform combustion even under high loads and cold during temperatures.
This advanced fuel injection system works in combination with turbocharging to create a high level of compatibility between the 'high tumble ratio' achieved by optimising the shape of both the cylinder head intake ports and the piston tops, and turbo 'boost control'.
The water cooled cylinder head features and integral, four-into-two exhaust manifold. This system pairs cylinders according to their expansion or compression stroke. Acting in conjunction with the highly-efficient, twin-scroll turbocharger, this innovative manifold structure prevents interference between the exhaust gasses from each cylinder, generating high torque across the widest possible rev band.
The adoption of an air-to-liquid intercooler mounted directly to the engine significantly reduces the intake volume downstream of the turbocharger, minimising turbo lag for a rapid throttle response.
The 2.0 turbo unit further benefits from variable valve timing technology which adopts VVT-i on the exhaust valves and VVT-iW on the intake valves. This combines wide open throttle performance with optimised torque delivery throughout the rev range, whilst allowing the engine to start in the Otto cycle and yet run in the more fuel-efficient Atkinson cycle.
The engine drives the rear wheels via an 8-Speed SPDS (Sport Direct Shift) transmission originally developed for the high-performance RC F. Equipped with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts for manual override, the transmission varies gear shifting in accordance with the G-forces generated. It automatically downshifts during hard braking before a corner, holds a lower gear through the corner, then selects the most suitable gear on corner exit to give the driver greater throttle response.
Superior Driving Dynamics
The driving dynamics of the new RC 200t perfectly reflect Lexus' objective to optimise the ride and handling of its vehicles, offering its customers a more sporting and engaging driving experience.
The foundation of the RC coupe's agility, precise steering response and high levels of mechanical grip is its high rigidity bodyshell, the strength of which is enhanced by numerous specialised Lexus manufacturing techniques including body adhesives, and laser-screw and multi-spot welding.
The RC coupe's front double wishbone and rear multi-link suspension systems have been exclusively tuned for the new 200t, combining well-balanced, agile handling with superior straight line ride comfort.
The RC 200t is equipped with a Drive Mode Select system, offering drivers a choice of SNOW, ECO, NORMAL and SPORT (SPORT S with F SPORT) modes.
RC 200t F SPORT Enhanced Handling Performance
Significantly enhancing handling performance without detriment to ride quality, the RC 200t F SPORT combines exclusively tuned front and rear suspension systems with a Torsen Limited Slip Differential and the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS).
AVS automatically activates adjustable damping force shock absorbers to independently adjust the performance of the suspension at all four wheels, offering drivers the optimum combination of straight line ride comfort and cornering stability.
When the RC F SPORT-unique SPORT S+ Drive Mode is selected, the system increases the difference between inner and outer shock absorber damping through corners, further reducing body roll.
Elegant Coupe Styling and Driver-focused Cockpit
The stunning, two-door RC 200t coupe's exterior design features a compact cabin contrasted by aggressively flared wings and body contours etched with deeply sweeping lines. The resultant, powerfully three-dimensional forms constantly change in appearance as you move around the car, creating a striking presence when viewed from any angle.
Befitting the coupe's styling flair, the F SPORT version's 'F' mesh design spindle grille is wider and lower than that of any other Lexus, emphasising the RC's wide, purposeful stance and low centre of gravity. Perfectly integrating design and function, the grille incorporates both fog lamps and brake cooling air intakes.
The RC 200t may be fitted with a choice of 9-spoke 17", 5-spoke 18" or 10-spoke 19" aluminium alloy wheels. The F SPORT variant combines model-specific badging with a unique 19" F SPORT alloy wheel design.
Highlighting the sporting elegance of a coupe, the RC 200t's premium quality interior makes maximum use of contrasting colours, materials and lighting; the latter featuring unique, upward- rather than downward-reflecting ambient illumination.
Featuring an exclusive, highly-supportive, 'integrated foaming' construction sports seat design, the snug, focused and ergonomically superb driver's cockpit is divided into Operational and Display zones, optimising the efficiency of Lexus' advanced on-bard technology.
The upper, Display zone houses the instrument panel; and a 7" multi-information display screen, whilst the lower, Operation zone features a layered centre console which integrates the second generation of Lexus' Remote Touch Interface (RTI).
The F SPORT version inherits a descendant of the innovative driver's meter with moving centre ring from the LFA. The F SPORT-exclusive interior design is completed by a perforated leather-clad steering wheel and shift lever, aluminium pedals and scuff plates, and the 3D surface treatment of Wedge Metal ornamentation.
***
About Lexus
Launched in 1989, Lexus has become renowned throughout the world for its pursuit of perfection, the outstanding quality and sophisticated high-technology content of its products, and for its unique concept of complete customer service. Further reinforcing the traditional Lexus values of unparalleled build quality, comfort and interior luxury, Lexus is currently rejuvenating its line-up, launching a new wave of emotional and inspirational products featuring bolder product execution, superior driving dynamics and state-of-the-art technologies. Today, Lexus remains the first - and only - premium automotive manufacturer to offer a comprehensive full-hybrid model range comprising the RX 450h, the GS 450h and GS 300h, the LS 600h, the ES 300h, the IS 300h and the CT 200h. In Europe, models featuring Lexus Hybrid Drive account for more than half of all Lexus sales. Lexus sold 53,230 vehicles in Europe in 2014 and aims to increase sales to exceed 60,000 vehicles in 2015.
- 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder, twin-scroll turbo unit developing 180 kW/245 DIN hp and 350 Nm of torque
- 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and 230 km/h maximum speed
- 8-Speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission with G-force linked gear shifting
Brussels, Belgium Lexus: 31 Jul 2015 - The new Lexus RC 200t is the fourth Lexus model to feature the refined driving performance of the company's 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine.
Mated to an 8-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission, the turbo unit adopts numerous sophisticated engine technologies to offer drivers an engaging combination of smoothness, turbo-lag-free throttle responsiveness and fuel-efficiency.
The superior driving dynamics of the new RC 200t may be further enhanced through the availability of an F SPORT version, which is equipped with a Torsen Limited Slip Differential.
Together with the already announced RC 300h, the new RC 200t go on sale throughout Europe at the end of the year.
2.0 Litre Turbo Petrol Engine with 8-Speed SPDS Transmission
Weighing just 160 kg, the remarkably light and compact 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol unit features a unique combination of advanced, ESTEC (Economy with Superior Thermal Efficiency Combustion) engine technologies for increased thermal efficiency through combustion enhancement.
They include a D-4ST (Direct injection 4 stroke gasoline engine Superior version with Turbo) fuel injection system, a twin-scroll turbocharger, a water cooled cylinder head with integrated exhaust manifold, and VVTi-W (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide).
Combining a fast throttle response and high torque at low engine revs with remarkably frugal fuel consumption, the engine develops 245 DIN hp/180 kW and maximum torque of 350 Nm. This equips the RC 200t with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h, allied to a 7.2 l/100 km average fuel consumption and CO2 emissions from 166 g/km.
D-4ST combines high pressure direct cylinder injection with low pressure intake port injection. This achieves optimum, uniform combustion even under high loads and cold during temperatures.
This advanced fuel injection system works in combination with turbocharging to create a high level of compatibility between the 'high tumble ratio' achieved by optimising the shape of both the cylinder head intake ports and the piston tops, and turbo 'boost control'.
The water cooled cylinder head features and integral, four-into-two exhaust manifold. This system pairs cylinders according to their expansion or compression stroke. Acting in conjunction with the highly-efficient, twin-scroll turbocharger, this innovative manifold structure prevents interference between the exhaust gasses from each cylinder, generating high torque across the widest possible rev band.
The adoption of an air-to-liquid intercooler mounted directly to the engine significantly reduces the intake volume downstream of the turbocharger, minimising turbo lag for a rapid throttle response.
The 2.0 turbo unit further benefits from variable valve timing technology which adopts VVT-i on the exhaust valves and VVT-iW on the intake valves. This combines wide open throttle performance with optimised torque delivery throughout the rev range, whilst allowing the engine to start in the Otto cycle and yet run in the more fuel-efficient Atkinson cycle.
The engine drives the rear wheels via an 8-Speed SPDS (Sport Direct Shift) transmission originally developed for the high-performance RC F. Equipped with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts for manual override, the transmission varies gear shifting in accordance with the G-forces generated. It automatically downshifts during hard braking before a corner, holds a lower gear through the corner, then selects the most suitable gear on corner exit to give the driver greater throttle response.
Superior Driving Dynamics
The driving dynamics of the new RC 200t perfectly reflect Lexus' objective to optimise the ride and handling of its vehicles, offering its customers a more sporting and engaging driving experience.
The foundation of the RC coupe's agility, precise steering response and high levels of mechanical grip is its high rigidity bodyshell, the strength of which is enhanced by numerous specialised Lexus manufacturing techniques including body adhesives, and laser-screw and multi-spot welding.
The RC coupe's front double wishbone and rear multi-link suspension systems have been exclusively tuned for the new 200t, combining well-balanced, agile handling with superior straight line ride comfort.
The RC 200t is equipped with a Drive Mode Select system, offering drivers a choice of SNOW, ECO, NORMAL and SPORT (SPORT S with F SPORT) modes.
RC 200t F SPORT Enhanced Handling Performance
Significantly enhancing handling performance without detriment to ride quality, the RC 200t F SPORT combines exclusively tuned front and rear suspension systems with a Torsen Limited Slip Differential and the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS).
AVS automatically activates adjustable damping force shock absorbers to independently adjust the performance of the suspension at all four wheels, offering drivers the optimum combination of straight line ride comfort and cornering stability.
When the RC F SPORT-unique SPORT S+ Drive Mode is selected, the system increases the difference between inner and outer shock absorber damping through corners, further reducing body roll.
Elegant Coupe Styling and Driver-focused Cockpit
The stunning, two-door RC 200t coupe's exterior design features a compact cabin contrasted by aggressively flared wings and body contours etched with deeply sweeping lines. The resultant, powerfully three-dimensional forms constantly change in appearance as you move around the car, creating a striking presence when viewed from any angle.
Befitting the coupe's styling flair, the F SPORT version's 'F' mesh design spindle grille is wider and lower than that of any other Lexus, emphasising the RC's wide, purposeful stance and low centre of gravity. Perfectly integrating design and function, the grille incorporates both fog lamps and brake cooling air intakes.
The RC 200t may be fitted with a choice of 9-spoke 17", 5-spoke 18" or 10-spoke 19" aluminium alloy wheels. The F SPORT variant combines model-specific badging with a unique 19" F SPORT alloy wheel design.
Highlighting the sporting elegance of a coupe, the RC 200t's premium quality interior makes maximum use of contrasting colours, materials and lighting; the latter featuring unique, upward- rather than downward-reflecting ambient illumination.
Featuring an exclusive, highly-supportive, 'integrated foaming' construction sports seat design, the snug, focused and ergonomically superb driver's cockpit is divided into Operational and Display zones, optimising the efficiency of Lexus' advanced on-bard technology.
The upper, Display zone houses the instrument panel; and a 7" multi-information display screen, whilst the lower, Operation zone features a layered centre console which integrates the second generation of Lexus' Remote Touch Interface (RTI).
The F SPORT version inherits a descendant of the innovative driver's meter with moving centre ring from the LFA. The F SPORT-exclusive interior design is completed by a perforated leather-clad steering wheel and shift lever, aluminium pedals and scuff plates, and the 3D surface treatment of Wedge Metal ornamentation.
***
About Lexus
Launched in 1989, Lexus has become renowned throughout the world for its pursuit of perfection, the outstanding quality and sophisticated high-technology content of its products, and for its unique concept of complete customer service. Further reinforcing the traditional Lexus values of unparalleled build quality, comfort and interior luxury, Lexus is currently rejuvenating its line-up, launching a new wave of emotional and inspirational products featuring bolder product execution, superior driving dynamics and state-of-the-art technologies. Today, Lexus remains the first - and only - premium automotive manufacturer to offer a comprehensive full-hybrid model range comprising the RX 450h, the GS 450h and GS 300h, the LS 600h, the ES 300h, the IS 300h and the CT 200h. In Europe, models featuring Lexus Hybrid Drive account for more than half of all Lexus sales. Lexus sold 53,230 vehicles in Europe in 2014 and aims to increase sales to exceed 60,000 vehicles in 2015.
By Jonathon Ramsey
See also: Will.i.am and Lexus make music on a runway with frickin' lasers, Lexus CT 200h gets four changes for 2016, 2016 Lexus IS gets revised engine lineup.