Lexus confirms it’s bringing high-performance RC F Coupe to Detroit
After several weeks of teaser photos and hints about its plans, Lexus has confirmed its new asphalt-churning RC F Coupe will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week.
The F Coupe is a meatier version of the more docile RC Coupe that made its debut at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show in November. The RC is an all-new model for Toyota’s luxury brand. It’s based on the mid-size GS sedan, though it will sit between the GS and the smaller IS sedan in the Lexus lineup.
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Why the new model? To keep up with the Joneses. Lexus is differentiating its coupes from sedans similar to the way BMW has evolved the 3-Series sedan into the 4-Series Coupe, and Audi’s A5 is a coupe version of the A4 sedan.
The F Coupe will sit at the top of the RC line, which includes a V-6 and a hybrid model. The F will compete head to head with the BMW M4 Coupe that is also making its debut in Detroit.
Under the F Coupe’s hood is an engine that will make the car the most powerful V-8 performance model Lexus has ever made, the company says. This means the new coupe will have to top the 416-horsepower output of the outgoing IS F sedan.
Other go-fast goodies include quadruple tailpipes, an active rear spoiler that deploys above 50 mph, three styles of 19-inch wheels and carbon-fiber components used throughout the car.
The RC F Coupe will debut Jan. 14 in Detroit. Both the F and the standard models will go on sale in the fall.
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