GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Lexus Lets The Cat OUT Of The Bag — The All-New RC F Sport Is Unveiled

After having us a bit confused with the 2014 Detroit Auto Show debut of the RC350 and RC F, then the appearance of a third car spotted in SoCal, we were curious what Lexus had up its sleeve.

While another publication posted the spy shots, they didn't seem to have a handle on what exactly was going on. However, yours truly spotted the taped up F Sport badges on the front fenders. Little did I know that Lexus would make it look SO much more aggressive over the standard RC350.

To be straightforward, this appears to be a strong look for the RC. It looks purposeful, has presence and a GREAT stance. It appears as though Lexus may have knocked this one out of the park.

Check out the FULL details below and weigh in!


Lexus' press release follows:

It's a Trifecta! - F SPORT Completes All-New Lexus RC Coupe Line-up

- RC 350 F SPORT joins RC 350 and RC F for 2015 Model Year
- Adaptive Variable Suspension Adjusts Damping to Help Maximize Agility
- 19-Inch Alloy Wheels Complement More Aggressive Exterior and Interior Design Features

GENEVA - Feb. 28, 2014 – And F SPORT makes three. Driving enthusiasts, get ready for more Lexus RC options from which to choose. When the all-new model launches in the U.S. this fall the 2015 Lexus RC 350 F SPORT will join the recently introduced RC 350 sport coupe and RC F performance model.


Geneva Motor Show Preview Gallery



The RC 350 F SPORT will make its world debut at the 2014 Geneva International Motor Show.
The RC is a stand-alone model rather than a two-door derivative of a sedan although it is built on the GS sedan platform. It has the same width as GS and a shorter wheelbase than the IS sedan to help achieve spirited handling and agility.

The RC 350 F SPORT, based on the RC 350, will feature exclusive design elements and enhanced driving performance.

The F SPORT's dynamic upgrades include Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and the available Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) system. These features provide drivers with an even more rewarding and engaging driving experience.

Design
Readily identified by a model-specific "F" mesh design, the RC 350 F SPORT features a further evolution of the Lexus spindle grille.

The unique 19-inch F SPORT mesh alloy wheels feature machine-finish and dark metallic paint.

The RC 350 F SPORT also inherits a descendant of the innovative LFA driver's meter with a moving center ring, and an F SPORT perforated leather steering wheel and shift knob. The interior design is completed by Silver Performance trim, an F SPORT-exclusive Rioja Red interior and seats with unique contrast stitching.

Driving Dynamics
Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) is part of the F SPORT package. In response to driving operation, vehicle body motion and road surface conditions, AVS automatically and independently adjusts the performance of the damping at all four wheels. When the vehicle's SPORT+ drive mode is selected, AVS changes to allow the driver to feel improved body control and precise responses to steering input.

The suspension enhancements of the RC 350 F SPORT are complimented by the available four-wheel steering benefits of the Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) system. This leading edge platform technology offers the integration of Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) and Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS).

Monitoring vehicle speed, steering direction and driver inputs, the system calculates the optimum angle for all four wheels. Using VGRS in the front and DRS in the rear, the system can independently manage both front and rear wheel steering angles to help improve turn-in response, rear grip, vehicle control and overall agility when cornering.

The LDH system monitors vehicle speed and yaw rate, steering angle and speed, and lateral G to calculate the required rear wheel steering input up to a maximum rear wheel angle of 2.0 degrees. The front and rear wheels turn in opposite directions at lower speeds, and in the same direction at higher speeds.

Lexus will introduce the RC 350 F SPORT at a press conference on March 4, at 8:45 a.m. Central European Time at Palexpo's hall 4, stand number 4211.

Specifications
RC 350 F SPORT
Length 184.8 in.
Height 54.9 in.
Width 72.4 in.
Wheelbase 107.5 in.
Seating capacity 4
Driven wheels Rear-wheel drive
Engine type 2GR-FSE
Cylinders V6
Horsepower 306 hp @ 6,400 rpm
Torque 277 lb.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm
Transmission 8AT
Suspension Front: Double Wishbone / Rear: Multilink


**Stay tuned to AutoSpies.com for MORE 2014 Geneva Motor Show updates!


Geneva Motor Show Preview Gallery

reaganeatbrains - 2/28/2014 11:39:20 PM

+5 Boost

How could a designer live with themselves after putting such a horrendous grille on an otherwise handsome coupe?!

Agent00R - 3/1/2014 12:04:39 AM

+3 Boost

Well, I like the grille.

cidflekken - 3/1/2014 12:56:34 AM

+4 Boost

So….

The S5 just beat the 435i in a C&D comparo.

The C63 507 just beat the RS5 in a MT comparo.

Will be interesting to see how the Lexus trifecta shakes things up…..if it does. IMO, I think the styling is a bit too edgy for traditional performance luxury buyers and the interior looks very cramped. And the IS was just voted as a worst new-car buy by CR (yes, i know it's CR, but it will still impact buyers' opinions).

jeffgall - 3/1/2014 9:01:21 AM

+3 Boost

Already lacks power against the 435i and S5.

BMWm4 - 3/1/2014 10:28:18 AM

+2 Boost

and the BMW 435i bested the S5 is a CAR review in Portugal ....

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Drives/Search-Results/First-drives/BMW-4-series-435i-vs-Mercedes-E400-vs-Audi-S5-2014-CAR-review/

*** this car is not that attractive and smaller still with less performance . I am still not sure what the "F" stands for with lexus as it sure doesnt mean performance

Agent00R - 3/1/2014 11:48:18 AM

+1 Boost

CR is a great resource, IMHO. They speak for general buying public that wants a vehicle that gets them from point "A" to "B" with a few cupholders and has a great sound system.

Weird that they hammered it as the other buff books praised the all-new IS.

delan - 3/1/2014 6:11:47 AM

+3 Boost

Oh momma…..that face. Has the lexus fever broken?

Dumbpeople - 3/1/2014 7:10:24 AM

+1 Boost

I believe the grill will be a selling feature. I remember many people complaining about Audi when it changed the grill and now most love it, go figure.

Agent00R - 3/1/2014 11:49:41 AM

0 Boost

Great point!

USNA1999 - 3/1/2014 7:53:58 AM

-1 Boost

C'mon guys this is a pretty nice looking car, interior and exterior. Will see how it performs against the competition.

Runamukk - 3/1/2014 8:38:28 AM

+4 Boost

Is it still gonna have the same power train from 2007 IS 250's and 350's?

jeffgall - 3/1/2014 8:57:47 AM

+2 Boost

When you have a digital speedometer, an analogue clock seems out of place.

knowitall1985 - 3/1/2014 11:23:38 AM

0 Boost

What does that have to do with how much fun it is to drive? I heard they will bump the power slightly over the 306.

MorePower - 3/1/2014 7:15:54 PM

+1 Boost

Not the car for me!

From the figures, it looks like this car is going to get killed off the line by its competitors.

HughJass - 3/2/2014 11:49:40 AM

+1 Boost

I like the headlight assembly, nice to see a new design for once. How long before we see that design on a KIA/Hyundai?