E.K. KANOO REVEALS LEXUS RC AND RC F

Lexus to set new benchmark in Bahrain luxury coupe and high performance car segment

Ebrahim K. Kanoo, the sole distributor of Toyota and Lexus in the Kingdom of Bahrain, has unveiled new Lexus RC and RC F, the cars that will redefine coupes and high performance vehicles everywhere.

This prestigious event gathered the top notch officials and executives, Lexus brand loyalists, and cars owners at the Lexus showroom yesterday.

According to Lexus RC chief engineer Eiichi Kusama: “Three points – design, performance and advanced technology are important for RC. To make the exterior immediately recognisable, we adopted a design with a compact cabin contrasted by boldly protruding fender flares and body contours etched with deeply sweeping lines. We are very proud to develop such a unique coupe which delivers an outstanding driving experience to match its impressive looks. The eye-catching design of the RC evokes anticipation along with its remarkable performance.”

“The RC F is built to enable drivers of all skill levels to enjoy fun-to-drive performance,” said Lexus RC F chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi. “The RC F lives up to the philosophy that F models must be fully capable of running on a circuit as a venue for pursuing driving pleasure freely and safely.  A driver behind the wheel of an RC F can now immerse himself in pure driving pleasure while enjoying a satisfying performance on public roads.”

The design of the RC coupe is described by Lexus as “coolness over utility”. It has deeply contoured body lines – never before seen in the Lexus line-up – with the widest and lowest application yet of the Lexus spindle grille which is evidence of the brand’s aggressive new design direction. From every angle, the low profile, wide stance of the coupe with its short wheelbase and large diameter tires is intended to provide a visual jolt. Triangular headlamps evoke the sporty characteristics of the LF-LC design while concept vehicle inspiration is evident in the unique three-lamp LED design.

In the interior, the driver’s cockpit is divided into operational and display zones. The upper zone houses the instrument panel and a 7-inch navigation screen. The RC’s custom steering wheel carries 8 switches, for added safety and convenience. A purpose-built Lexus-first lighting package provides a great sense of occasion, with illumination that reflects upwards, rather than downwards, to envelop the cabin.
High-contrast interior colors emphasize design lines and accentuate the elegant cabin. Genuine shimamoku wood highlights – the result of an intense, layered wood production technique refined by Lexus – are used to emphasise the surrounding trim. RC’s aluminium wheels continue the concept-to-production design philosophy with a deeply sculpted 10-spoke 19-inch wheel.

Producing power output per litre second only to the LFA supercar in the Lexus range, the RC signals the next evolution of Lexus powertrain engineering. The 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine produces a maximum 314 HP. The engine has intelligent dual variable valve timing (VVT-i), as well as the Lexus D-4S system of direct and port fuel injection. An 8-speed Sports Direct Shift with paddle shift transmission optimises power delivery and economy.

The new Remote Touch Interface (RTI) as part of the cockpit ‘operation zone’ in the centre console is a key highlight of the advanced technology features offered by the RC and RC F.