Photo: CarPix
Our spy photographers have captured the very first images of the this compact coupe based on the new IS sedan for the 2014 model year. The car is not only the first IS coupe, but also a performance version that might be called the IS-F Coupe… or something else entirely.
There has been a lingering rumor that the IS-F nameplate will be discontinued and will be replaced by a new two-door model called the RC F.
We have a sneaking suspicion these rumors coming from Japan are actually true. Upon closer inspection, the headlights grille and bumper are different from the 2014 IS sedan. The car also appears to be wider and longer. Reports suggest the RC F would be 4,700mm long, 1,845mm wide and will ride on a 2730mm wheelbase.
No matter what we call this car, it will be a direct rival to the upcoming BMW M4, a benchmark in the compact sports coupe segment.
Some reports suggest the RC F will carry over the 2UR-GSE 5.0-liter V8, but the Lexus IS chief engineer said last week he's not totally sold on that idea. Another possibility would be a turbo six-cylinder, taking into account that there's an intake in the hood of the prototype. Perhaps the most interesting possibility would be a performance hybrid, but that would be technologically complicated, since electric batteries don't have the necessary power for sustained performance.
Design-wise, the prototype reminds us of the LF-CC Concept, which had its headlights squared off at the top, something the 2014 IS doesn't have.
All reports indicate the Japanese are hurrying along with this project, which should be ready for production about a year from now.
We have a sneaking suspicion these rumors coming from Japan are actually true. Upon closer inspection, the headlights grille and bumper are different from the 2014 IS sedan. The car also appears to be wider and longer. Reports suggest the RC F would be 4,700mm long, 1,845mm wide and will ride on a 2730mm wheelbase.
No matter what we call this car, it will be a direct rival to the upcoming BMW M4, a benchmark in the compact sports coupe segment.
Some reports suggest the RC F will carry over the 2UR-GSE 5.0-liter V8, but the Lexus IS chief engineer said last week he's not totally sold on that idea. Another possibility would be a turbo six-cylinder, taking into account that there's an intake in the hood of the prototype. Perhaps the most interesting possibility would be a performance hybrid, but that would be technologically complicated, since electric batteries don't have the necessary power for sustained performance.
Design-wise, the prototype reminds us of the LF-CC Concept, which had its headlights squared off at the top, something the 2014 IS doesn't have.
All reports indicate the Japanese are hurrying along with this project, which should be ready for production about a year from now.
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