Lexus enhances RC, GS and LX ranges

Lexus has announced pricing and specifications for the new RC 200t and updates for the GS sedan and LX SUV.

The RC 200t, with the same turbocharged four-cylinder already seen here in the NX 200t and IS 200t, is a new entry-level model for the coupe range priced from $64,000 and available in three levels of trim: Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury.

Standard features for the Luxury grade comprise: 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, leather-accented upholstery, heated/ventilated front seats, electrically-adjustable steering column/seats, keyless entry/start, satellite navigation, 10-speaker audio, parking sensors front/rear, eight airbags, Pre-Collision safety system (AEB), all-speed Active Cruise Control and front performance dampers.

The RC 200t F Sport moves up to 19-inch alloys and also gains Adaptive Variable Suspension, 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio, sport steering wheel, electrically-adjustable front seats with position memory, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Acceleration Sound Control.

Additional standard features for the RC 200t Sports Luxury comprise exclusive style 19-inch alloy wheels, semi-aniline leather seats, Shimamoku interior décor, automatic high beam and Lane Departure Warning.

Other RC models have been upgraded, with the RC 350 Luxury scoring Pre-Collision Safety system, and all-speed Active Cruise Control to put it on an even footing with the RC 200t Luxury, but also adding an intake sound creator to enhance the engine note.

The RC 350 F Sport is equipped as for the RC 200t F Sport, but with the addition of Variable Gear Ratio Steering and Active Rear steering. Over and above the specification of the pre-facelift RC 350 F Sport, the new variant also gains Pre-Collision Safety System, Active Cruise Control, limited-slip differential, front performance dampers and Acceleration Sound Control.

Sitting atop the RC range the RC 350 Sports Luxury is unaltered.

Replacing the V6-engined GS 250 is the GS 200t, powered by the same 2.0-litre turbo four as in the RC 200t and developing the same peak power and torque figures, 180kW and 350Nm respectively. The addition of the GS 200t to the GS range coincides with a range-wide update, including facelift.

Two different levels of trim are offered with the GS 200t drivetrain variant: Luxury and F Sport. At entry level, the GS 200t Luxury is fitted as standard with a 10-way electrically-adjustable driver's seat with position memory, 12-speaker audio system, eight-inch infotainment screen with satellite navigation, digital radio (DAB+), electronic parking brake, electrochromatic mirror, tyre pressure monitor, heated/ventilated front seats and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Additionally, the GS 200t Luxury also features rain-sensing wipers, heated mirrors, keyless entry/start, LED headlights, auto high beam, all-speed Active Cruise Control, front fog lights, Blind Spot Monitor/Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, parking sensors front/rear, Lane Keeping Assist, Pre-Collision Safety System and leather-accented seats/steering wheel/gear shifter.

The F Sport variant adds to that kit Adaptive Variable Suspension, high-friction front brake pads, 18-way electrically-adjustable driver's seat with position memory, 10-way electrically-adjustable front passenger's seat, electric rear sunshade, front sport seats, 19-inch alloy wheels, sport pedals, Adaptive High Beam and sport steering wheel/shifter.

In both the RC 200t and GS 200t the turbocharged four-cylinder drives through an eight-speed automatic to the rear wheels. Combined-cycle fuel consumption figures are 7.3L/100km for the RC 200t and 8.0L/100km for the GS 200t.

Like the GS range, the LX 570 has been updated, and chief among the changes is the migration from six-speed automatic to eight speeds. The new transmission, according to Lexus, has a shorter first gear and higher-ratio top gear for improved performance and fuel economy.

Other new features for the flagship Lexus SUV include Pre-Collision Safety System, all-speed Active Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, LED headlights with adaptive high beam, Blind Spot Monitor/Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, head-up display, tyre pressure monitoring, wireless charger, Drive Mode Select, sequential LED front/rear indicators and electric parking brake.

Speaking with journalists attending the local launch today, Lexus Australia chief executive Sean Hanley introduced the new models with the observation that they were part of a product offensive aimed at expanding the prestige importer's reach within the local market.

"We have launched eight new vehicles in 2015..." he said, "this strategy broadens Lexus' product range, and allows us to appeal to new buyers in a growing luxury marketplace."

That, in turn, will continue to build sales for Lexus, which is anticipating a new record in 2015.

"We are on track this year to sell 8500 vehicles..." Hanley said. "This is more than 21 per cent up on 2014, so indeed that would also recognise an all-time record, should we hit that number..."
Pricing:
RC 200t Luxury $64,000
RC 200t F Sport $73,000
RC 200t Sports Luxury $83,500
RC 350 Luxury $67,000
RC 350 F Sport $76,000
RC 350 Sports Luxury $86,500

GS 200t Luxury $75,000
GS 200t F Sport $83,000
GS 300h Luxury $78,000
GS 300h F Sport $86,000
GS 350 F Sport $94,400
GS 350 Sports Luxury $105,500
GS 450h F Sports $106,000
GS 450h Sports Luxury $117,500

LX 570 $140,500

GS 200t Luxury EP1 (moonroof and 18-inch alloy wheels) $4500
GS 200t F Sport EP1 (17-speaker Mark Levinson audio, 12.3-inch infotainment display and Head-Up Display) $4500
GS 200t F Sport EP2 (EP1 plus moonroof) $2500

LX 570 EP1 (21-inch alloy wheels, heated steering wheel, front-seat venitlation, second-row seat heating/ventilation) $16,500