Lexus Malaysia today marks its return to the luxury sport segment in Malaysia with the introduction two stunning models namely the RC 350 and the RC F Coupe priced from RM526, 000 and RM782,000 respectively.
The RC F is the flagship of the new RC coupe line and the most powerful V8 performance car ever developed by Lexus. An all-new cylinder head and lighter moving parts have increased the maximum power of the 5.0-litre 32-valve engine to 470hp and 530Nm of torque, with maximum engine speed increased from 4,800 – 5,600rpm.
For the first time, the engine adopts the Atkinson cycle (used in hybrid models) when operating at cruising speeds for better fuel-savings. In cruising conditions, the fuel economy of the RC F can be comparable to that of a 4.2-litre engine. This is because, in the Atkinson cycle, the inlet valves are held open longer than normal to allow a reverse flow of intake air into the intake manifold, thereby decreasing pumping losses and increasing thermal efficiency. The Otto cycle is used to achieve RC F’s impressive performance levels.
The new engine is matched to an evolved 8-speed Sports Direct Shift transmission which has been programmed with a more linear response to accelerator-pedal operation to suit the higher engine speeds of RC F’s engine.
Unfortunately, the beastly RC-F was not present at official unveiling ceremony so we aren’t able to share with you fresh photos of the car in the flesh…
The Lexus RC 350 on the other hand is fitted with a 3.5-litre V6 with 8-speed Sports Program Direct Shift transmission. It offers linear performance and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.3 second whilst reaching a top speed of 230km/h and yet is incredibly fuel efficient. The RC’s power output is rated at 312bhp and 378Nm of torque.
Exterior wise, whats unique about these two models are the distinctively shaped lenses and multi-LED lamps for both high and low beam. All three LEDs are lit when the headlight is turned on while an L-shape is adopted during low beam.
The design of the RC 350 coupe is summed up as “coolness over utility” and provides a visual jolt to the onlooker with its low profile, wide stance, short wheelbase and large diameter tyres, says Lexus. Described as a true “2+2” coupe, the RC 350 offers accommodation for driver and passenger with sufficient space for two rear seat occupants, although it gets a little cramped when seated at the back.
The interior of the RC 350 features luxurious leather seats that are constructed of the same integrated foaming method introduced in 2013 in the IS F-Sport. The centre console and door trim on the other hand have been designed to feature a structured layer of parts sitting upon another. Located at the centre is an analogue clock that, just like a luxury wrist watch, makes a bold and classy statement.
Both interiors also offer a Mark Levinson sound system with high resolution speakers that provide for a 360 degrees spatial envelopment of sound. New to both interiors is the RTI Touchpad (previously Lexus used a remote touch device which we found a cumbersome to operate) as part of the cockpit ‘operation zone’ in the center console that gives the drivers images and vibration feedback for a more responsive control.
Lexus Malaysia has already begun taking orders of the both models and below is the full on-the-road with insurance price for the Lexus RC 350 & Lexus RC F:
| VARIANT | PEN. MALAYSIA (RM) | SABAH(RM) | SARAWAK(RM) | LANGKAWI(RM) | LABUAN(RM) |
| RC 350 | 539,915.85 | 537,815.60 | 537,865.60 | 316,043.91 | 314,717.46 |
| RC F | 802,482.35 | 794,171.40 | 794,221.40 | 464,623.47 | 460,079.12 |
