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60 Style | motoring
STReeT
Fighter
Ross Kiddie discovers Lexus’ sport coupe, the rC200t, punches above its weight.
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It was only a matter of time before the new 2-litre turbocharged
engine stretched across more Lexus product.
Last year the four-cylinder unit first arrived in the Lexus NX sport
utility vehicle, it then found its way into the IS sedan, and it is an
option in the RC, a two-door sport coupe and, as you would guess,
it is badged RC200t.
I’ve long been an RC series fan. The 350 with its 3.5-litre V6
engine is a stunner, delivering vivid performance and fitting in well
with the concept of manageable power and reasonable economy.
The same could be said of the new 200t, it has stunning economy
(7.3l/100km or 39mpg) and its 180kW (5800rpm) is more than
adequate for the RC’s concept. Sure, it gives way 53kW to the 350,
but that is negligible, it’s not often you can exploit an engine’s true
potential, and the RC200t delivers honest power and still imparts
the fun factor.
Lexus also rates the twin-camshaft, 16-valve unit with 350Nm
of torque, and if you take into account the areas where maximum
torque is produced – 1650rpm to 4400rpm respectively – it has a
solid flow of energy across the rev band.
There’s a global trend towards smaller-capacity turbocharged
engines and Lexus’ entry is a true gem. It is smooth, silent and very
flexible. It works through an eight-speed automatic transmission
unimpeded; the latter provides a seamless ratio spread and
changes which are almost undetectable, bar the needle shift on the
tachometer.
In true sports car fashion, the RC200t drives through the rear
wheels, which is pretty much as Lexus hallmark, and it offers an
involving driving experience. There is something about rear-wheeldrive
which contributes to a pure handling feel, encouraging driver
input. You also get a deliberate feel of control from the rear
with the fully independent multiple links controlling suspension
movement and keeping the wheels in constant contact with the
ground, that on top of the most amazing feedback from the front.
While it is like steering on velvet, there is definite feel which
encourages quick turn-in. It is forceful yet delicate in the same
movement.
I took the test car on the gorgeous road to Lake Coleridge
Village. It has a mixture of corners, fast and slow, which really tests
chassis control. The RC200t served to prove it is a true touring
car. It sits low at just 1395mm; consequently, there is a low centre
of gravity, so body movement is well contained. The spring and
damper rates are a mix of what is needed to control balance and
allow for freedom and absorption for comfort.
When powering out of a corner, there is just enough power
to test grip at the rear. In saying that there is plenty of grip on
offer through sticky Bridgestone Potenza sport specification tyres
(265/35 x 19in), and with the traction control settings there is little
to suggest the RC200t would oversteer, although that could be
manufactured by disengaging the TCS. I don’t do that in any car, and