If you've been following Lexus lately, you will know that the Japanese carmaker is on an all-out mission to shed its soft, comfy, pure luxury image and the new Lexus RC may just be the car that brings that change on.
Unveiled at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, the RC was rolled out as a mid-sized coupe derivative of the IS sedan targeted at cars like the the Audi A5 Coupe, the BMW 4 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe. However, that's not an entirely accurate description of the new Lexus.
The RC's architecture is actually a blend of three different Lexus platforms - the front structure is borrowed from the larger GS, the middle bit is from the IS-C and the rear portion of the chassis shares its hardware with the IS sedan.
Exterior
The result of that architectural mixed bag is a two-door package that is 30mm longer, 30mm wider and 40mm lower than the IS sedan. As you'd expect in a sports coupe, the RC has a low profile and broad stance with classic proportions such as a long bonnet with a short yet wide rear deck.
The RC's exterior is downright racy for a Lexus. Carefully sculpted lines give the long and sleek car a sporty flair that has been missing from the Lexus lineup as well as hints of legendary cars like the Toyota Supra and Lexus LFA.
Its front end could be criticised by some for being a little too busy but we find the signature F Sport spindle grille gives the car the aggression it needs. Other facial enhancements include deep-set head lights and LED accent strips as seen on the IS.
Moving on to the back, it has a styling that is uniquely its own, featuring wide taillights that protrude slightly from the car's sheet metal, with an integrated spoiler and dual exhaust tips completing the sporty look.
When we drove this bright orange RC350 F Sport, we realised two things. First, people actually stopped and stared, even if they tried to make it look like they were not interested.
Second, very few people let us out of junctions or merge in their lanes. They often matched our speed, just ahead or behind of us, just so that they could peer at the badge. After all, Lexus has been long associated with staid sedans than sporty coupes.
Interior
Inside, the Lexus has a very comfortable cockpit environment that has been carefully executed to place the controls and instrumentation in the optimal position for most drivers.
The dashboard is identical to the IS, but the integration of Lexus' third generation Remote Touch infotainment interface (which debuted recently in the NX) sees the centre console become cleaner and less cluttered.
As with just about every modern luxury vehicle, the RC is loaded with technology. One of the most visible is its digital instrument cluster, which was inspired by the brand's LFA supercar.
Inside, the Lexus has a very comfortable cockpit environment that has been carefully executed to place the controls and instrumentation in the optimal position for most drivers.
The dashboard is identical to the IS, but the integration of Lexus' third generation Remote Touch infotainment interface (which debuted recently in the NX) sees the centre console become cleaner and less cluttered.
As with just about every modern luxury vehicle, the RC is loaded with technology. One of the most visible is its digital instrument cluster, which was inspired by the brand's LFA supercar.
It's reconfigurable in many ways and features a large tachometer that actually slides left to right changing how the gauges look. This standard feature in all F Sport models feels modern and looks impressive.
Outward visibiility is excellent for a coupe and the RC-unique leather seats feature deeper bolsters to hold occupants snugly during sporty driving. These seats can also be heated or ventilated, though the latter option would come in more handy in our weather.
Another amazing trick up the Lexus' sleeve is the ability of the front seat to slide forward automatically when its backrest is tilted forward - aiding ingress/egress for rear occupants.
The Drive
The big and powerful RC F may have received lots of attention, but the RC350 F Sport doesn't disappoint. No room for error is quite certainly the message Lexus engineers were given, because behind the wheel, the car is actually a delight to drive.
Lexus has modified its 3.5-litre V6 engine for a sportier note and under full load, it is accompanied by a grunty exhaust sound that exudes confidence.
While it may not be as quick as its previously mentioned rivals or its bigger brethren (taking 6.3 seconds to go from 0 to 100km/h), the RC350 F Sport never feels underpowered, both from a standstill and when overtaking at highway speeds.
The eight-speed automatic gearbox works beautifully on the go, delivering a robust and smooth gear-changing experience but should you feel the need to take control, there are steering wheel mounted paddles readily available.
There are also several driving modes available - Eco, Normal, Sport and Sport+ - with the latter tightening up the suspension for better handling and quickening the response time of the throttle and gear shifts for a more dynamic experience.
The big and powerful RC F may have received lots of attention, but the RC350 F Sport doesn't disappoint. No room for error is quite certainly the message Lexus engineers were given, because behind the wheel, the car is actually a delight to drive.
Lexus has modified its 3.5-litre V6 engine for a sportier note and under full load, it is accompanied by a grunty exhaust sound that exudes confidence.
While it may not be as quick as its previously mentioned rivals or its bigger brethren (taking 6.3 seconds to go from 0 to 100km/h), the RC350 F Sport never feels underpowered, both from a standstill and when overtaking at highway speeds.
The eight-speed automatic gearbox works beautifully on the go, delivering a robust and smooth gear-changing experience but should you feel the need to take control, there are steering wheel mounted paddles readily available.
There are also several driving modes available - Eco, Normal, Sport and Sport+ - with the latter tightening up the suspension for better handling and quickening the response time of the throttle and gear shifts for a more dynamic experience.
That said, the RC350 F Sport rides compliantly enough for everyday driving. Plus, the compromise between handling and comfort is about spot on.
Steering in the car is quick and precise, albeit somewhat on the lighter side of things but what's really amazing is despite the RC being a cross breed of three different cars, it's ridiculously stable on the road. This pays dividends wherever you are - whether on the highway, around town, or just throwing the car around with reckless abandon.
Conclusion
The Lexus RC350 F Sport offers speed when you want it and responsive handling when you need it, with comfort to boot. In short, this car may have the looks of a boy racer, but it has the soul of a gentleman's tourer.
Mission accomplished, Lexus.
