Vehicles from Lexus/Toyota tend to have long lifespans, so whenever they make a new product it is expected to stay around for a decade with various improvements along the way. This time span can sometimes make cars seem old, especially when it comes to the latest technology available. But it seems Lexus might be replacing its sports car lineup soon.
The Lexus RC has been in production since 2014 which means it’s already a decade old and in need of a replacement. Recently, Lexus has been seen testing a few prototypes, and a new RC might be one of them with an all-new powertrain and making more power than ever before.
A 600 Horsepower Prototype
Toyota held an event a while back where some Japanese media outlets were allowed to test drive its new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in a Lexus IS prototype. Despite being a four-cylinder with a small displacement, it made 400 horsepower, which is more power than the current V-6 IS 350, rated at 315 horsepower.
This power level is not uncommon these days, since Mercedes now makes 420 horsepower from a 2.0 liter-turbocharged four-cylinder. Toyota aims to surpass its legendary 2JZ engine with this new one, and the Lexus RC might be the proof of this concept.
Toyota has a globally popular engine called the “2JZ engine”. I would like to aim for an engine that surpasses that
After Japanese media outlet Best Car had a ride along with the IS prototype, the journalist spotted a parked RC and was told by the engineer that it made 600 horsepower. This is huge news because making 600 horsepower from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-banger means each cylinder is making 150 horsepower per cylinder or 300 horsepower per liter, which is unheard of in this class of vehicles. For reference, the current V-8-powered RC-F makes around 470 horsepower from its 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V-8 which puts it at 94 horsepower per liter.
Lexus engineers told the media that this vehicle was for racing purposes only, but even with the 400 horsepower tune, it still makes 200 horsepower per liter, which is way more than the current V8. However, there is one more feature that makes us believe this is not just for racing purposes only.
It May Come With A Manual Transmission.
The RC was fitted with a six-speed manual transmission, which is odd since race cars don’t use manuals anymore, since automatics are the best way to eke out every ounce of performance. This is exciting since Lexus didn’t make any manual version of the RC. But these cars are just prototypes, and it is common practice to use existing bodies to test new powertrain that may be used across the lineup and not this car specifically.
The RC Is Due For Replacement
There are no confirmations of a new RC, but it’s been a decade already and the current car is due for replacement, and the same thing applies to the IS. One thing is for sure, in the midst of an ever-growing push towards electrification, Toyota/ Lexus are still developing new engines that aim to surpass the legendary 2JZ and this is no easy feat. A lot of vehicles will use this engine, which makes us very excited.
It may not make 600 horsepower, but a new RC is on its way and if Lexus delivers on its promise, it will be one of the most exciting sports cars. We look forward to what Lexus has in store and if a 2JZ replacement is built for the Lexus RC, it will be legendary.
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