Yahoo Autos 2015 Lexus RC F Coupe: 2014 Detroit Auto Show Preview
The 2015 Lexus RC F Coupe is officially here, and it's a looker, to be sure. But does it have the chops to back up its sporty appearance?
Perhaps the best implementation of Lexus' avant garde "spindle grille" yet, the RC F's nose announces its presence from miles away. Sharp, angular lights and vents cast in curving, complex surfaces wrap around to the flowing, aerodynamically sculpted fenders and sides. The wide, flared rear fenders catch the falling arch of the roofline as they both meet at the rear bumper, itself faceted and featured to mirror the nose.
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Inside, the new RC F Coupe is rather standard Lexus, though perked up a bit. Looking quite a lot like the IS sedan's dash and console, the RC F's main cabin interfaces are straightforward, clean, and modern, if rather stark. At the least, it should prove familiar and easy to use--two things we're never opposed to in a car built for speed.
As to whether the RC F's performance chops will match is design aesthetic, it's not yet clear; Lexus hasn't graced us with the full details just yet. Full power, performance, and equipment details will have to wait for the car's official public unveiling at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show on January 14.
Lexus has revealed that an optional active rear spoiler will be offered, deploying at speeds above 50 mph, then retracting when speeds fall below 25 mph. Lexus says the spoiler improves high-speed stability. The only other performance-related detail: three sets of 19-inch wheels will be offered, all forged aluminum.
We do, however, have some expectations for the RC F's capabilities.
As the successor, in spirit at least, to the IS F sedan, the new RC F Coupe will take its place as Lexus' highest-performance car attainable by ordinary mortals. Reports have hinted at output around the 455 horsepower mark, carbon fiber body work, and a suspension tuned to take the fight to the best the Germans have to offer in the midsize sport coupe class. Under the hood, a 5.0-liter V-8, updated from the IS F but sharing its key metrics, is expected. Rear-wheel drive, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and some performance tricks learned with the LFA are also tipped as standard gear.
We'll know more about the RC F Coupe when it hits the stage in Detroit in a few days' time, but for now, you can ogle the photos of the curvaceously angular, be-gilled, and rather sexy little coupe. When you're done, there are also spy photos and spy video of the car undergoing development to ponder.
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