IS/RC Lexus IS/GS-based coupe (RC?)

[hoffmeister_fan]

So looks like the IS coupe will potentially be called the RC, with a full-fledged F version on the way. At least the patent filings will lead one to believe that.....

Lexus Trademarks RC F for High-Performance Coupe?
Exciting news today — in a move that suggests a new high-performance coupe is in the works, Lexus has trademarked RC F in the USA & Europe.
The model designation RC was first discovered last November, when Lexus reserved RC 350 with the Australian Patent Office.
At the time, the speculation was that the RC would be a new mid-size coupe partially based on the LF-CC concept, and the filing of this new RC F trademark adds weight to the theory, as it fits the pattern established with current IS & IS F.
It’s still the early days, but the idea of a coupe built with the same performance focus as the current IS F feels like a match made in heaven and a perfect compliment to the Lexus lineup. Looking forward to learning more.
(For completion’s sake, Lexus RC F was filed under United States Patent & Trademark Office #85770072 and European Union #011314226.)

Read more at http://lexusenthusiast.com/2013/01/28/lexus-trademarks-rc-f-for-high-performance-coupe/#sB2hQdL1huLlicQJ.99

also.....
Rumors indicate that the couple will be a hybrid of the IS and GS in the sense that it'll have a the IS' length and the GS' width. Also based on the rumors, the design will be more faithful to the LF-CC concept introduced last year at the Paris Auo Shoe. Here's hoping that's true because the lines and proportions were fantastic.

 

[Levi68]

I just hope the RC will be lighter. The GS is lighter than the rivals, but because the IS is based on the GS, the IS happens to be haevier than its rivals. Probably the RC name because the chassis will still be different and focus on weight reduction and handling than on comfort. It looks like the RC is the SC MkI successor, and the LF-LC or SC will be an SC MkII successor/affordable LFA.

 

[Huckfeldt]

So more than just a 2-door IS, right ?

Or they just want to emulate bmw 4er / audi a5 strategy ? Different name, same sausage diferent mustard, higher price ?

 

[Levi68]

So more than just a 2-door IS, right ?

Or they just want to emulate bmw 4er / audi a5 strategy ? Different name, same sausage diferent mustard, higher price ?

From a handling perspective I guess more. The styling will be the same, but not just a two-door IS. Interior on the other hand will be exactly the same I guess, because the production IS got the one from the LF-CC concept. I think the car will be a lot sportier, lower and wider. I hope lighter. We can't tell what it is going to be exaclty.

 

[Huckfeldt]

So they just copy bmw 4er strategy right ?

I was expecting a true SC successor instead of IS Coupe with different name..

 

[Levi68]

So they just copy bmw 4er strategy right ?

I was expecting a true SC successor instead of IS Coupe with different name..

Well it is not BMW strategy. It is Mercedes strategy or lastly Audi strategy. Before it was A4 Convertible, now it is A5 Convertible.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

I doubt if it'll be significantly lighter.

 

[Levi68]

BMW M4 or Lexus RC-F?

Whatever, in 2015 these are going to be segment leaders.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

Between BMW offering a manual and DCT, M-B with their MCT and Audi with their DSG, I doubt the "RC F" will be a segment leader without a proper transmission....IMO, of course. But promising rendering, nonetheless.

 

[Levi68]

Between BMW offering a manual and DCT, M-B with their MCT and Audi with their DSG, I doubt the "RC F" will be a segment leader without a proper transmission....IMO, of course. But promising rendering, nonetheless.

Well, I hope they know that is the main week point of the current IS-F and that they will sort it out. But regarding BMW, I also hope they engineer their manual a bit better, because looks like they are saving costs on them, due to low sales.

 

[330CIZHP]

Between BMW offering a manual and DCT, M-B with their MCT and Audi with their DSG, I doubt the "RC F" will be a segment leader without a proper transmission....IMO, of course. But promising rendering, nonetheless.

I know a lot of people superficially like to play down automatic transmissions compared to the new dual clutches because of the stereotype regarding automatics.

Truth be told, I have driven M-DCT M3 and the IS-F with the 8 speed automatic transmission. We know well the 8 speed auto in the IS-F locks up the torque converter in sport mode to eliminate slippage through shifts giving it a positive and snappy kick just after every shift. Actually, from my experience the IS-F 8 speed automatic was MORE engaging and felt closer to a manual/automated manual than the mushy slushbox feel of the M-DCT even in S6 mode

Ofcourse, I would pick the M3 of these two cars, but it would be with a manual transmission. Although, I feel the M-DCT gear ratios were ideal compared to the annoyingly tall 6 speed manual gearing, but still that would not be a strong enough reason for me to pick the slushy M-DCT over the 6 speed manual (then there are all of the issues with the M-DCT, but maybe some other time).