GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Lexus RC350 F Sport leaked

These leaked pics – courtesy of Lexus enthusiast site Kaizen Factor -- are believed to be the first images of the Lexus RC F Sport that has now been confirmed to debut at next month’s Geneva motor show.

The newcomer will be positioned between the standard RC that debuted at last November’s Tokyo show, and the steroidal V8-powered RC F that followed at January’s Detroit show.

While the blue vehicle here is thought to be a pre-production demonstrator, Lexus says the RC F Sport will bring “exclusive, even more sporting and aggressive exterior and interior design features, and enhanced driving dynamics”.

But unlike the fire-breathing RC F, the RC F Sport is more a handling/cosmetics-focused package, rather than a wholesale transformation.

As evident from these pics, the RC F Sport gains bespoke aluminium/graphite rims and Ultrasonic Blue paintwork that will be reserved for this model and the full-fat RC F, which gains wilder bodywork including front-quarter vents.

Apart from these mods, it’s not possible to discern any other notable tweaks to the exterior vis-à-vis the standard RC Coupe, which based on the same platform as the latest IS sedan.

Mechanically, the F Sport remains unchanged, which means it retains the RC 350 Coupe’s 237kW 3.5-litre V6, driving the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddleshifts.

Helping justify the price premium it will command, the RC F Sport is likely to be decked out with sportier cabin trim, and it may be equipped with the latest Lexus gizmos, including a new touch-operated Remote Touch Interface (RTI).

In addition to the RC 350 F Sport, Lexus will also use the Geneva show to showcase the new RC F GT3 concept, which previews a race-prepped RC designed for teams racing in GT3 competitions.

It’s believed the RC F GT3 packs a race-tuned version of the production RC F’s V8 engine, and it will look the part, too, thanks to a much wilder body package than the road-going vehicle.

Expect Lexus’ all-new mid-size coupe line-up – including standard, mid-range F Sport and full-house F models – to go on sale in Australia by the end of this year.

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