Toyota passes the six million mark for hybrid sales, all in just 16 years.

The progress of Toyota’s hybrid power technology has reached another landmark with cumulative global sales of Toyota hybrid vehicles reaching 6.072 million units at the end of December. Notably the latest million-milestone has been reached in the fastest time yet, just nine months since the figure moved past five million.

Toyota recognises that its cleaner, efficient technologies can only truly make a positive impact if they are widely used, hence its on-going efforts to encourage the mass-market take-up of its hybrid vehicles.

As of this month, Toyota Motor Corporation sells 24 hybrid passenger car models and one plug-in hybrid in approximately 80 countries and regions around the world. In the UK, home to production of the hybrid versions of Auris and Auris Touring Sports, the range extends to 10 Toyota and Lexus hybrids, plus Prius Plug-in.

Within the next two years, Toyota will launch 15 new hybrids. It will continue to develop its product range and the number of markets where its hybrid models are available.

Toyota calculates that, as of 31 December 2013, Toyota hybrid vehicles have reduced the amount of CO2 entering the atmosphere – believed to be a cause of global warming – by approximately 41 million tonnes, compared to the impact the same number of equivalent petrol-powered vehicles would have. On the same basis, it also estimates its hybrids have saved around 15,000 million litres of petrol.

Toyota entered hybrid vehicle production in August 1997 with the launch in Japan of the Coast Hybrid EV bus, followed in December by the first generation Prius, the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car. Since then Toyota’s hybrids have enjoyed increasing support from customers around the world.

Toyota’s hybrid system is designed as a core technology that can be used in different forms to create environmentally efficient vehicles for different customer requirements. The company will continue to work to raise performance, reduce costs and expand its product line-up – including the introduction of environmentally efficient non-hybrid vehicles.

Toyota hybrid vehicle sales – all brands

(1 = 1,000 units)

Cumulative sales of Toyota hybrid passenger vehicles

(1 = 1,000 units) * Including Prius Plug-in; ** including Auris Hybrid Touring Sports.

NAIAS - Lexus launches Most powerful V8 ever in the new RC F

• RC F equipped with Lexus’s most powerful V8 engine to date, generating in excess of 450bhp
• World-first use of a Torque Vectoring Differential in a front engine/rear-wheel drive sports car
• Powerful exterior styling, incorporating advanced, race-bred aerodynamics
• Bespoke interior with RC F-dedicated instrumentation, seats and finishes
• Debut at the North American International Auto Show on the 25th anniversary of the launch of the Lexus brand

Lexus today revealed the RC F, a high-performance version of its new RC coupe, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The unveiling coincided with the 25th anniversary of the launch of the Lexus brand at same event.

The great visual impact of the RC F is matched by the impressive power of its new 5.0-litre engine. Generating well in excess of 450bhp, it makes the RC F the most powerful V8 performance model Lexus has yet produced.

To harness the engine’s potential with the best possible efficiency, the RC F uses a newly calibrated eight-speed transmission and, in a world first for a front engine/rear-wheel drive car, a Torque Vectoring Differential to secure higher levels of traction and vehicle control.

Yukihiko Yaguchi, RC F Chief Engineer, said: “I’ve built the RC F to be enjoyed by all enthusiasts, no matter what their level of expertise. There’s a false perception that racing cars are hard o drive. In fact, they’re easy in the right hands because they’ve been purpose-built for the skill level of their drivers. It’s the same with the RC F. Electronics can be modified instantly on board to provide appropriate levels of performance and protection. But even at its basic setting, it’s a blast!”

ALL-NEW HIGH PERFORMANCE ENGINE

At the heart of the new RC F is a 5.0-litre 32-valve engine developing more than 450bhp and 520Nm of torque. Its cylinder heads and all moving parts have been newly designed to deliver more power at higher engine revs than has previously been possible.

It is also the first Lexus performance engine to use the Atkinson cycle at cruising speeds, to secure better fuel economy, switching to the Otto cycle at higher revs to achieve impressive levels of performance.

The engine has been developed exclusively for the RC F and every aspect of the powertrain has been design to deliver the highest possible driver engagement, including the transmission and exhaust system.

The specially calibrated eight-speed Sports Direct Shift transmission improves linear response to accelerator pedal inputs, giving the driver more precise control of power and torque delivery.

The RC F driving experience is further heightened by a new system that regulates induction and exhaust sound, creating a deep tone up to 3,000rpm, and a higher-pitched note at as revs rise beyond 6,000rpm under hard acceleration.

Torque Vectoring Differential

The RC F marks a world-first for a front engine/rear-wheel drive car with its use of a Torque Vectoring Differential. Designed to raise driving enjoyment by increasing traction and control, the system has three operating modes: -

• Standard, for a balance of agile performance and high-speed stability
• Slalom, for an emphasis on nimble response to steering inputs
• Track, for consistent, stable cornering in circuit driving, with optimum driver control. The RC F also has a recalibrated Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system with an additional vertical G-force sensor to secure even greater vehicle stability

Driving Dynamics

The foundation of the new RC F’s outstanding mechanical grip is its highly rigid body, featuring large cross-section rocker panels and front lower brace. Lexus has deployed numerous specialist manufacturing techniques to further enhance rigidity, including the use of body adhesives, laser-screw welding and multi-spot welding. A wider tyre and wheel assembly help to raise grip performance.

Independent, coil-sprung suspension is used front and rear, incorporating monotube gas dampers and ball-jointed anti-roll bars. The car’s unsprung weight has been kept down by using 19-inch forged aluminium alloy wheels, which minimise wheel assembly mass while at the same time improving rigidity.

As in the Lexus LFA supercar, the RC F is fitted with an active rear wing, Incorporated in the bootlid, this provides additional downforce at speeds above 50mph. The rear wings is a highlight of the RC F’s comprehensive aerodynamic grip and stability package, which also includes tuning of the flat underbody, race-bred air management ducts behind the front bumpers and wings, and strategic placement of aero stabilising fins.

F performance styling

The RC F is immediately distinguishable from the RC coupe thanks to its more powerful visual impact.

It features its own interpretation of the Lexus signature spindle grille, which dominates the front of the vehicle and has a subtle ‘F’ motif embedded in the mesh below the Lexus badge.

The front of the bonnet is set higher than on the RC, creating a powerful, flared profile that’s in keeping with its status as a Lexus F model. The profile view is rendered more striking by the 10-spoke 19-inch forged aluminium wheels, three versions of which will be available, including one that’s hand-polished by craftsmen.

The design takes some cues from the LFA, most notably in the use of essential air cooling and aerodynamic features. Air outlets on the bonnet, like those on the LFA, work together with front cooling ducts to support both engine cooling and overall vehicle stability.

To the side there are air outlets behind the front wings that add to the engine and brake cooling performance, and which merge neatly with side sill extensions to create a powerful ‘L’ shape.

The powerful look continues at the rear of the car, with stacked, quad trapezoidal exhaust outlets.

Lightweight carbon fibre package

Lexus drew on the experience it gained with the LFA and the IS F CCS-R race car to develop a package of carbon fibre parts that help keep the RC F’s weight to a minimum. The carbon fibre elements include the roof, bonnet and active rear wing.

Interior design

The RC F’s interior is driver focused and equipped with numerous components specific to the model, including the instrument meters, steering wheel, seats, pedals and trim, all designed to deliver the kind of comfort, support and ergonomics expected of a high-performance Lexus F model.

The instrument meters mark a further development of the switchable, diving mode-dependent central dial featured in the LFA. The design is inspired by aircraft cockpit instrumentation, providing a wide range of information in a clear, concise form that can be read at a glance.

The instrumentation includes a large, centrally mounted tachometer changes according to driving mode; digital and analogue speed read-outs; a differential torque vectoring monitor; a G-force meter; oil and water temperature gauges; mileage information; and a stopwatch.

Lexus has also worked to provide an ergonomically ideal driver-machine interface. The RC F marks Lexus’s first use of a thick-grip steering wheel with an elliptical cross-section, design to provide greater control during performance driving. The location, shape and action of the addle shifts have also been carefully determined to enable fast, accurate gear changes at all times.

The seat designs, with styling influenced by modern close-fitting sportswear, feature high backs that use Lexus’s integrated foaming technique to provide excellent support, eliminating any movement between the seat padding and trim.

EURO NCAP releases 2013 best in class winners.

Each year, Euro NCAP identifies the models tested that have achieved the highest scores in their respective class. In 2013, a total of 33 cars were tested in 7 different categories. The top achievers gained the highest overall scores, calculated from the results achieved in adult, child, pedestrian protection and safety assist tests.

The 2013 best in class cars are:

• Renault ZOE - Supermini
• Qoros 3 Sedan - Small Family
• Lexus IS 300h - Large Family
• Kia Carens and Ford Tourneo Connect - Small MPV
• Jeep Cherokee - Small off-road 4X4
• Maserati Ghibli - Executive

The Qoros 3 Sedan becomes the best performer of any car subjected to Euro NCAP's crash tests in 2013 and is the first vehicle developed in China to achieve the highest five star rating under the overall rating scheme. The Supermini electric car Renault ZOE and the Large Family car Lexus IS 300h were the all round performers of the electric/hybrid cars tested by Euro NCAP in 2013. This year, the best in class honour in the Small MPV category is shared by the Kia Carens and Ford Tourneo Connect. Finally, the Jeep Cherokee and the Maserati Ghibli also receive the coveted designation from Euro NCAP in the Small Off-Road 4X4 and Executive categories respectively.

In 2013, Euro NCAP updated its assessment of child occupant protection, giving credit to manufacturers that allow for easy installation of most popular types of child seats and which comply with the most recent revised child safety standards. Furthermore, the organization has started to test voluntary-set intelligent speed assistant systems as part of the rating.

Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP Secretary General, says: 'Euro NCAP is continuously evolving in response to industry innovation and consumer expectation. It is very positive that the number of 4 and 5 stars is still significant despite of the ever increasing requirements. In 2014, another big step forward is taken by adding crash avoidance systems such as Autonomous Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist/Lane Departure Warning tests to the overall star rating.' Michiel van Ratingen to add: 'The decision to reward collision avoidance technologies on new cars will encourage more widespread fitment and further improve the safety of all road users in Europe. We hope that this, together with very high levels of occupant protection, will allow consumers to choose the very safest vehicles in 2014 and after.'

USA - December 2013 Sales: Automakers Shatter Records

The end of the year usually brings strong sales figures, and while a good number of automakers saw negative sales numbers for the month, they still managed to break yearly sales records. Some automakers even managed to set new sales records, like Audi who had its best U.S. sales year to date.Looking at the month of December, Honda had its best December sales, while Volkswagen managed to have its second best December since 1972. Other automakers boasted strong months, including Mitsubishi that had its best December in seven years.

We can't look at the month of December and not take a peek at overall sales records. Ford claimed its best year of sales since 2006, Kia had its second best full year of sales in the U.S., and Mazda managed to have its best year of retail-only sales since 1994.Even the luxury automakers outdid themselves. Mercedes-Benz achieved its highest year of sales in the U.S. with 312,534 units sold in 2013. BMW managed to break its U.S. all-time sales record, while both the BMW and Mini brands set new sales records.Take a look at the chart below to see how each automaker finished out 2013.

REPORT HERE

The Detroit Motor Show, what to expect !

A handy round up of all that you can expect to see at the 2014 Detroit Motor Show

The 2014 Detroit Motor Show is the first major motor show in the 2014 automotive calendar. Officially known as the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), it opens its doors to the world's press on January 13 2014 before inviting the public in on January 18.

The biggest car manufacturers in the world will be showcasing a whole host of new metal at Detroit, from crazy concept cars to production models that we'll be seeing on the road very soon. And, of course, Auto Express will be there bringing you all the stories live as they happen.

Bookmark this page to stay up to date with the latest from the Detroit Motor Show 2014. We’ll be updating it regularly with all that we know on the biggest stories coming out of this year's show.

Click the links below for the hottest Detroit news stories of the moment and scroll down the page for our full manufacturer-by-manufacturer round-up…

Detroit Motor Show 2014: the key cars

Mercedes C-Class - the all-new Mercedes C-Class compact exec will make its world debut at Detroit with BMW's 3 Series in its sights.

Ford Mustang - the new Ford Mustang takes a bow in production form at Detroit and this one will be sold in the UK.

BMW M3 saloon and M4 coupe - the latest instalment in BMW's M3 dynasty is here but now the coupe version's called M4.   

Audi Q1 concept - Audi is gunning for the Nissan Juke with a new baby SUV concept car.

Lexus RC-F coupe - Lexus hopes to eclipse the BMW M3 with this coupe concept car rumoured to be packing a V8.

Volvo XC Concept - the XC concept car from Volvo should tell us a lot about the design of the new XC90 SUV.

Detroit Motor Show 2014: full round-up 

Audi

Audi has just announced 11 all-new models will be added to the range, and as far as we know the baby Q1 concept will be the first of those to make an appearance, with a debut at Detroit rumoured. It’s aimed at Nissan Juke buyers who crave something a little more premium. BMW and Mercedes are also working on entry-level SUVs

Audi has confirmed a three-door Crossover concept will be on display at Detroit, which is likely to be giving us an insight into the future design direction for the brands next-gen road cars.

BMW

BMW will be one of the busiest manufacturers at the Detroit Motor Show next month with five new or facelifted models making their debuts. Taking centre stage will be the new M3 saloon and M4 coupe, both powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine developing 424bhp. The new high-performance models are lighter, more efficient and more powerful than the outgoing M3.

Sharing the limelight will be the new BMW 2 Series. It’s a replacement for the outgoing 1 Series Coupe which goes on sale in March, priced from £25,040. Facelifted versions of the BMW X1 SUV and Z4 will also be making an appearance at Detroit, both featuring subtle visually tweaks inside and out.

Chevrolet

GM has announced Chevrolet will be pulled out of European markets by 2015 but iconic models such as the Camaro and the Corvette will still be available. The new Z06 will debut at Detroit, so far we’ve only seen a teaser image and rumours suggest the muscle car could use a tweaked version of the 7.0-litre V8 tuned to produce around 600bhp.

Ford

Ford has already showcased the new Mustang at several glamorous locations around the world but Detroit will be its motor show debut. For the first time in its 50 years of production, the Mustang will be made available in right-hand drive in the UK. There’s no official word on pricing but the EcoBoost model should start from around £30,000, with the V8 model demanding a further £5,000.

Infiniti

A potential rival for the BMW M3, the Infiniti Eau Rogue concept will be unveiled at Detroit. We only have a few details about the high-performance saloon and we expect a twin-turbocharged 3.7-litre V6 to fitted under the bonnet, producing around 500bhp. The concept is named after one of the most famous corners in the F1 calendar, a sweeping uphill bend at Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps circuit.

Kia

Kia has revealed teaser shots of the GT4 Stinger concept car that will be on display at Detroit. We now know it will be  powered by a 311bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, driving the rear wheels. The teaser images show the concept to have a long bonnet, bulging wheels arches and a short tailgate, giving it the classic sports car look. Kia says the new concept is aimed at "delivering head-turning looks".

Lexus

The first image of the new flagship Lexus RC F coupe has leaked online. It’s set to debut at Detroit where the wraps will also be taken off the car's BMW M4 rival. Under the bonnet, a 5.0-litre V8 has been rumoured, with power somewhere in the region of 455bhp.

MINI

The range-topping model in the new MINI range, the John Cooper Works, will be unveiled in concept form at Detroit. It features an aggressive looking body kit and exclusive paint job as well as being powered by a tuned version of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine from the outgoing Cooper S. It should arrive in the UK in summer, priced at around £23,000.

Mercedes

After months of leaked images and spy shots the Mercedes C-Class was finally unveiled in December. The baby exec will draw in the crowds at Detroit with an Estate variant sharing the stage. A whole host of petrol and diesel engines will be availble, with a new 1.6-litre diesel engine adopted from Nissan being the entry-level motor.

Mercedes will again be showcasing the S-Class coupe at Detroit after the concept first debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show back in September. We’ll have to wait until March at the Geneva Motor Show before we get to see the production model, however.  

Porsche

Porsche will unveil the 991-generation Targa at Detroit, with leaked images online suggesting the car will revert back the original Targa style body that was first seen in 1966.

Toyota

There has been a lot of speculation about a replacement for the Toyota Supra and the Japanese manufacturer has confirmed there will be ‘some form of performance concept at Detroit’. Rumours started circulating about a successor to the Supra back in 2007, when the Toyota FT-HS concept first appeared at the Detroit Motor Show.

Volvo

Volvo will be showcasing the Concept XC Coupe at Detroit, which gives us a glimpse into the future styling of the manufacturers SUVs. It will also influence the design of the XC90, scheduled to arrive in the UK in the middle of 2014.

MORE HERE

USA - Upcoming Lexus RC Coupe Available in Striking New Red Paint Color

• Upcoming RC Coupe Available in Striking New Red Paint Color
• The Head-Turning Hue is Achieved Using a Combination of a Silver and Red Base
• RC Coupe Set to Launch in 2014

Not even Rudolph’s nose can compare to the striking red paint on the all-new RC Coupe. A more dynamic red exterior paint color is made brighter and with more contrast thanks to an entirely new painting process, using a two-color base of both silver and red.  The shiny and bright RC coupe is set to launch in 2014.

The luminous red paint is achieved through a meticulous paint process using four base coats of paint which are then baked twice. Layers of coloured and clear coating are used to control some of the colours reflections and establish a balance between the brightness and depth – two elements that traditionally work against each other.

For the red exterior, the factory starts with a base coat of silver and then applies a clear coat.
Then, the clear coat is covered by a translucent red coat, which is then topped with another clear coat.
The four coats of paint are baked twice to set the colour.

As a result, light hitting the paint reflects off the red layer and also off the silver layer below, which adds depth and a metallic highlight to the red colouration.  Prior to this new, two-colour base process, the factory used base coats with the same colour tone (red and red).

The all-new RC Coupe was unveiled at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show and will be on display at the Lexus space at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Lexus Considering LFA Replacement

by Joseph Capperella of www.automobilemag.com

Production of the Lexus LFA supercar ended last year after all 500 vehicles were sold, and a new Lexus halo model could be coming soon according to a report from Autocar. This report says that a possible Lexus LFA replacement could be based on the Lexus LF-LC concept from the 2012 Detroit auto show.

Lexus LFA engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi suggested to Autocar that this new Lexus flagship sport car may already be in development. This model would reportedly slot in above upcoming Lexus models like the RC F, a high-performance version of the recently released RC coupe. However, Tanahashi also hinted that the next range-topping Lexus sports car could be at a much lower price point than the exclusive, $375,000 LFA.

The Lexus LF-LC Concept which debuted at the 2012 Detroit auto show was a large, low-slung coupe with a dramatic look that incorporated many Lexus styling elements like sharp creases and the spindle grille. The LF-LC Concept was powered by a hybrid powertrain, and Autocar’s report suggests that a production version of this car would also likely also feature a gas-electric drivetrain.

This future Lexus sports coupe would sit at the top of a growing F lineup, which will add the aforementioned Lexus RC F to replace the outgoing IS F, as well as a rumored Lexus GS F that we have spied testing recently. Autocar quotes Lexus International vice president Mark Templin as saying that the F moniker will soon be a full performance division for Lexus in the vein of Mercedes-Benz’s AMG and BMW’s M, but with a different character thanks to potential differentiators like performance hybrids.

Look out for more news about an upcoming Lexus flagship over the next few months.

Source;
http://rumors.automobilemag.com/report-lexus-considering-lfa-replacement-258473.html#axzz2n5Bz10VK

Lexus will unveil the new CT 200h at the 2013 Guangzhou Motor Show

Lexus will unveil the new CT 200h at the 2013 Guangzhou Motor Show on November 21, 2013. The CT 200h was first introduced in 2010 as the world’s first full hybrid luxury compact car.

The new CT 200h features a refreshed exterior design including the adoption of the Lexus signature ‘spindle grille’. New design alloy wheels and changes to the rear of the car reinforce the car’s powerful presence on the road.

All other details about the new CT 200h will be revealed at the upcoming Guangzhou Motor Show. A press conference will be held on November 21 at the Lexus booth, Hall 5.1 in the China Import and Export Commodities Fair Complex.

Lexus RX 450h has new "Advance" model, more luxury and style.

When it comes to the RX 450h, Lexus has gone beyond “Luxury” to add a new Advance model to its prestige full hybrid SUV range.

Advance takes the established Luxury grade features and adds a full complement of styling features that introduce an extra dimension to the RX’s impactful contemporary appearance. A new, deep front bumper increases the sense of the car being firmly planted on the road, with LED headlight units amplifying the effect and reinforcing Lexus’s reputation for harnessing innovative technology features. The lights further benefit from Lexus’s I-AFS auto-adaptive system, moving in line with the steering to give better illumination at junctions and through bends.

The specification also includes new seven-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels and the choice of either a fixed panoramic roof or an electric sunroof.

In other respects the new model delivers the same high quality, innovation and supremely refined and efficient performance that define the RX. The standard equipment list presents an impressive array of features, including Smart Entry and Start; dual-zone climate control; leather upholstery; heated, eight-way adjustable front seats; heated, auto-diming and folding door mirrors, automatic windscreen wipers; and rear privacy glass.

On-board connectivity and infotainment are fully covered by the Lexus Premium Navigation system, 12-speaker audio pack, DVD player (single disc) and DAB tuner. The system also provides a rear-view camera and Bluetooth for hands-free calls and audio streaming, and is operated using Lexus’s intuitive computer mouse-like Remote Touch Interface.

The essential functionality of a family-size SUV is addressed in details such as the 40:20:40 individual sliding and folding rear seats and a power-operated rear door.

The RX 450h’s full hybrid powertrain delivers a strong combination of performance and efficiency: deploying a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and a powerful electric motor, it produces a maximum 295bhp, enabling nought to 62mph acceleration in less than eight seconds. Thanks to a second electric motor on the rear axle, the system can automatically deliver all-wheel drive performance when conditions require extra grip.

Lexus’s continuous improvement of its hybrid technology has secured impressive fuel economy and low emissions: official combined cycle figures are 44.8mpg and 145g/km.

In perfect time to prepare for the rigours of winter driving, a Protection Pack can be specified for the Advance, adding a boot liner, bumper protection plate, cargo net and rubber floor mats.

The RX 450h Advance is available now, priced £48,495; the Protection Pack adds £445 to the price tag. Lexus offers a choice of six exterior colours: Velvet Black, Arctic Pearl, Mercury Grey, Satin Silver, Celestial Black and Burgundy Red. These can be matched with ivory, light grey, black and saddle tan perforated leather in the cabin, all matched with a dark grey gloss inlay.

USA - Sales by brand and best seller for October

October sales numbers are out, and the vast majority of automakers have shown positive numbers, with only six falling behind. This month brought a twist with it as Maserati posted sales, something the luxury automaker hasn’t done for quite some time. And for good reason. Sales for the company are up 186 percent, and sales have nearly tripled since the same month last year.

Jaguar Land Rover continues to break records and report extremely high sales numbers, and this month is no different. Separately, Jaguar and Land Rover managed sales increases of 117 percent and 37 percent, respectively, mainly due to strong XF and Range Rover sales.

Lincoln has seemingly turned around its poor sales numbers this month and boasts an almost 40 percent increase over the same month last year. But looking back at September, nearly every automaker was down for the count. We hope to see the automaker continue to climb its way back up.

We don’t want to give everything away, so take a look at the chart below to see which automakers came out on top.

REPORT HERE

Lexus RC coupe to get world debut at Tokyo

• Concept-to-reality coupe that takes Lexus into new territory
• High-performance V6 petrol and hybrid powertrains that accentuate the RC’s sporting nature
• New Lexus styling direction in a dedicated coupe, including the strongest interpretation yet of the trademark Lexus spindle grille
• Driver’s cockpit design, with dedicated trim and high-contrast colours, emphasises the RC’s fun-to-drive character
• The all-new Lexus RC will make it world debut at the Tokyo motor show in 20 November.

Two versions will be unveiled: the RC 350, with a 3.5-litre V6 engine; and the RC 300h hybrid, with a 2.5-litre unit.

The new RC brings to life Lexus’s focus on giving its cars emotional appeal. A desirable two-door coupe, it is designed to raise the brand’s profile with a wider audience and customers who are new to Lexus. At the same time it displays elements that are fundamental to Lexus: build quality, refinement and reliability.

Exterior design

The designers have endowed the RC with deeply contoured lines of a kind never before seen on a Lexus and crafted the widest and lowest-set interpretation yet of the Lexus spindle grille.

Triangular headlamps capture the sporty characteristics of the earlier LF-LC concept, along with the novel three-lamp LED configuration that was part of the show car’s design.

At the rear, the sharp, thin appearance of the rear combination lamps follows the shape of the Lexus L motif.

The aluminium wheels further express the concept-to-production design philosophy, with two designs: a deeply sculpted, 10-spoke 19-inch wheel and a muscular, five-spoke 18-inch version. Both are precision-machined and finished with elegant black and platinum caps.

The hero colour for the RC is red, with a new Lexus painting process giving brighter and stronger contrasts through using multiple layers of clear and deeper-coloured coating.

The RC measures 4,695mm long, 1,840mm wide and 1,395mm high, with a 2,730mm wheelbase.

Interior design

The four-seat interior of the RC is also strongly influenced by Lexus’s sports concepts, reflected in the extensive use of contrasting colours, materials and lighting.

The purpose-designed lighting package gives a sense of occasion, with illumination that reflects upwards rather than down to envelop the cabin.

The high-contrast trim, including a striking new colour called Clove, emphasises the elegant lines around the interior, together with shimamoku highlights – a genuine wood finish created using an intense layering technique refined by Lexus.

The driver’s cockpit follows the established Lexus design principle of an upper operation zone and lower display zone. The upper zone houses the instrument panel and seven-inch navigation screen; lower down the layered centre console integrates the Remote Touch Interface controller.

The seats are made using an integrated foaming construction, similar to the moulding technique used for racing seats, to provide excellent comfort and support.

Lexus Concept to WOW the crowds at Tokyo

Lexus is to present its LF-NX luxury compact crossover concept at the Tokyo motor show in a new version equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

The LF-NX was first revealed at the Frankfurt motor show in September. The new turbo model has a lower centre of gravity, a quality emphasised by a front spoiler that gives the car a sportier appearance.

The concept cuts a lean profile with its compact, sharp body lines and large tyres that broadcast its SUV qualities. In the cabin it maintains Lexus’s reputation for exploiting user-friendly advanced technologies with a Remote Touch Interface controller with a new touchpad function.

The LF-NX is 4,640mm long, 1,870mm wide and 1,620mm high, with a 2,700mm wheelbase. It will take its place at the Tokyo show (20 November to 1 December) in a Lexus line-up of environmentally efficient models that combine distinctive design, cutting edge features and engaging driving quality.