In what’s becoming standard practice ahead of the Detroit Show (NAIAS), images of another debutant has “leaked” on the web – this time it’s the new Lexus RC F Coupé, which is said to be based on the GS, but wider, lower and shorter than the IS.
Following the RC Coupé’s launch at the Tokyo Motor Show towards the end of last year, Lexus is set to unveil the performance variant of this sports coupé. Clearly aimed at the likes of the upcoming BMW M4, it certainly has the looks to match the German. The engine hiding under that muscled bonnet is said to be a 5,0-litre V8, but we can’t say if it will match the BMW M4 in the trouser department as well. You will have to wait for the RC F’s official unveiling at the North American International Auto Show next week.
What we can comment on is the looks. Lexus’s so-called “spindle grill” dominates the front end – on this car it’s looking more 3D and aggressively shark-like as ever. Covered now in a matte black mesh, it curves back toward the sharp nose vents and angled headlights, as well as downwards to meet a thin chin spoiler.
Big vents behind bulging front wheelarches manage airflow rearwards over the car’s muscular shoulders. The RC F’s rear end shares the curve of the M4’s falling roofline but, as we’ve seen with Lexus’s new design DNA (like the LF NX Concept) there’s a far more angular treatment going on here. De rigueur twin tailpipes add the necessary exclamation points.
All in all a very good-looking car – we look forward to the performance specs to be announced on January 14.