Order books have opened for the new Lexus RC coupe.
Described as a 'full-blooded coupe', the two-door RC is available in the UK with two powertrains - the RC 300h full hybrid with 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, and the RC 200t, the latest model to adopt Lexus's 241bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
The entry level 'Luxury' grade is exclusive to the full hybrid RC 300h. Although it marks the entry point to the coupe range, it delivers a 'wealth of features' with key specifications including 18-inch alloys, cruise control, LED headlamps and daytime running lights, parking sensors, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, a six-speaker audio system with CD player, seven-inch multimedia screen with Remote Touch controller, power-adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, split-folding rear seat and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
The safety and driver assistance features include Lexus's Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, eight airbags, pop-up hood and Hill Assist Control with Brake Hold. The RC further benefits from Lexus's Drive Mode Select, which adjusts performance to suit conditions or driver preference, with Eco, Normal and Sport modes. Prices start at £34,995.
Moving up the range, the 'F Sport' models receive added visual enhancements with a 'stronger iteration of the Lexus spindle grille', plus multi-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels, deep front and rear bumpers and LED headlights in a signature 'triple L' arrangement (with Automatic High Beam function). In the cabin there are F Sport front seats that are power-adjustable with heating/ventilation, driver's side memory setting and automatic 'easy access' function. Other F Sport elements include aluminium scuff plates and sports pedals and LFA-style meters that automatically change appearance according to the drive mode selected.
The F Sport models also feature Adaptive Variable Suspension and, on the 200t F Sport, a limited-slip differential. The Drive Mode Select system adds a fourth, Sport+ mode which introduces additional chassis control for an even sportier drive. Other key equipment features include rain-sensing windscreen wipers, rear-view camera and Lane Keep Assist. Prices start at £36,495 for the RC 200t F Sport.
At the top of the RC range, the 'Premier' grade models go even further, adding to the standard features of Luxury with the addition of 19-inch alloys, Lexus Premium Navigation, 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround audio system, the triple-L LED headlights with Automatic High Beam function, power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with driver's side memory setting, power steering wheel adjustment, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert , Lane Keep Assist and a rear-view camera. Prices start at £39,495 for the RC 200t Premier.
In addition, the RC F, introduced in late 2014, remains available as a high performance iteration of the coupe, powered by Lexus's 471bhp 5.0-litre V8 engine.
The new Lexus RC is available to order now, with first customer deliveries in January 2016.