Thank you Lexus for the excellent news that the only other variant of the striking RC coupe that you’re going to sell in Europe other than the F performance version is the predictably uninspiring 300h, a car with a powertrain that has been called slow and dull by most automotive journalists who’ve had a chance to try it out.
Like in the IS300h, it uses a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated petrol engine in conjunction with electric boost for a combined horsepower figure of 218 hp that goes to the rear wheels exclusively via a continuously variable transmission, like you get in a snowmobile or city scooter.
They don’t even quote its acceleration figures in the official release, but they do kindly let us know that “hybrid system’s electronic continuously variable transmission features a six step, sequential shiftmatic manual override gear change” which sounds really appealing… if you’re C-3PO. “This configuration delivers all the driving engagement expected of a sporting coupe, combined with the excellent fuel economy that is the hallmark of Lexus Hybrid Drive” – they say it so it must be true, right?
Now don’t go thinking that they are keeping all the good variants for the US, because the much more desirable RC 350, with a proper 3.5-liter V6 and actual geared transmission, is coming to Russia.
This for me ruins most of the appeal surrounding the RC, relegating it (again, only in Europe, if they only offer the hybrid) to the realm of cars that are pretty (striking) to look at but don’t call you into the driver’s seat, like a Toyota GT86 does, for instance. It really dulls the significance of Lexus’ claims that it has made serious improvements to the handling characteristics of its cars, and especially the sporty RC.
The RC, sportier trimmed RC F-Sport and RC F Racing Concept will be on display at next week’s Geneva motor show; not that anybody will care anymore…
By Andrei Nedelea
Note: Lexus RC 350 F Sport pictured
PHOTO GALLERY
