New details: The all-new Lexus RC and RC F

After much speculations, numerous renderings, videos and spy shots, new details have finally emerged about Lexus’ latest addition to the family – the all-new RC, Lexus’ answer to the new BMW 4-Series. And the good thing is that the news come from a Lexus insider, so this time around it is everything but speculation.

Due to be unwrapped in 2014, the Lexus RC (stands for Racing Coupe) line up will replenish some sportiness back into the Japanese luxury marque that was left missing when the Lexus LFA went out of production last year. But unlike the $750,000 supercar, the entry-level RC will start from just $65,000, while the fire-breathing RC F will cost a little north of $150,000.

The RC will be offered with a range of engine options, starting from a new turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-litre, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid (shared with IS300h) and a 3.5-litre V6 (shared with IS350). Power is sent to the rear wheels through either a six-speed or eight-speed automatic transmission.

The most exciting Lexus model since the LFA, the RC F will be powered by an updated 5.0-litre V8 from the outgoing IS F, developing 339 kW at 6,800 rpm and 544 Nm of torque at 5,200 rpm. The new V8 will clear strict new Euro-6 emissions regulations with the help of Lexus’ first ever use of cylinder deactivation technology in which four cylinders will shut down during freeway cruising.

The RC F’s V8 will be paired with a new eight-speed automated manual transmission called Sports Direct Shift (S-DS), incorporating paddle shifters and the choice of three driving modes – Normal, Sport and Snow. The RC F will also feature an advanced fuel supply system and race-tuned exhaust system for a sportier note.

All these will be packaged in a wider body shell complete with a speed-sensitive automatic active rear spoiler borrowed from the LFA, a reinforced chassis, lowered sports suspension, Sachs monotube shock absorbers, special control-arm rear suspension, uprated coil springs and stabilisers, and a new Lexus Dynamic Handling System.

The new flagship RC F will roll on 19-inch BBS wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 rubber, while stopping power will be provided by slotted Brembo brakes all round with six pistons at the front and four pistons at the rear.

Inside, the RC F will sport Recaro bucket seats as well as lots of carbon fibre and polished aluminium trim.

Toyota hand-picked a team of 175 engineers and technicians to hand-build 500 examples of the Lexus LFA during its production. Well, enthusiasts will be happy to learn that this same team will return to oversee the production of the RC F.

Lexus has remained tight-lipped on actual launch date but we can expect the first RC F production model to be unveiled at next year’s Detroit Auto Show in January.