Lexus RC Coupe revealed at Tokyo Motor Show

The Lexus RC coupe debuted on Wednesday at the Tokyo motor show. The RC coupe will available with two different powertrain options; the RC 350 will use a 3.5-liter V6 producing 314 hp, coupled with an eight-speed automatic gearbox including paddle shifters. The RC 300h will be fitted with a 2.5-liter inline four producing 176-bhp combined with an electric motor. This hybrid coupling will put the power to the road with a CVT.

The Lexus spindle grill drapes across the hood between the signature headlights on the RC, sporting the latest in Lexus's L-design motif.

The coupe comes with options: either a set of 10-spoke, 19-inch wheels or a more aggressive set of five-spoke 18-inch wheels to fit your fancy. Both options come staggered in keeping with the coupe stature.

Adding to drivability, the structural integrity of the RC coupe has been vastly increased through the use of thicker underbody rocker panels. In addition to a beefed-up chassis, the front suspension uses a double wishbone configuration and the rear uses a multilink system.

Lexus says that although this is a two-door coupe, there is room enough for four people. The split-level instrumentation group is capped off with a 7-inch navigation screen and controlled by a lower center-console mounted remote touch interface.

Additional features on the RC coupe include an upgraded blind-spot monitoring system, revised with greater capabilities for surrounding drivers at greater distances.

According to Lexus, the RC will be offered in a front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. However, the European powertrain market will be announced later in 2014.

Pricing and availability is unavailable at this time.

Japan is once again among the leaders of the global auto industry, and the Tokyo Motor Show promises to showcase the best of what that country has to offer. From green cars to super cars, technology to design, 2013 promises to be a banner year for the Tokyo Motor show. Autoweek will be on the show floor, bringing you the latest Tokyo reviews, news, photo galleries, and videos right here.

By Brad Wiley