Chicago Auto Show Blog

Lexus Does Some Redecorating

Posted by: Mark Bilek

Your local Lexus showroom is getting a major remodel in the coming months. No, not new paint, or furniture, or fixtures. Two new models will give a fresh look to Toyota's luxury-brand lineup. Arriving in December is the compact four-door crossover NX. Shortly thereafter the RC -- a two-door rear-wheel drive sports coupe -- will arrive.

These two vehicles will fill a couple of gaping holes in the Lexus lineup. The NX competes with vehicles like the Acura RDX, Audi Q3 and Q5, BMW X3, Cadillac SRX, Lincoln MKC, Mercedes-Benz GLK and Volvo XC60 for well-heeled family shoppers. The RC will compete with luxury coupes like the Audi A5, BMW 4-Series, Cadillac STS, Infiniti Q60 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Starting with a Toyota RAV4 chassis, Lexus engineers extensively reworked the suspension, interior and powertrains to create the NX. Two engines are offered. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder with 235 horsepower and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that makes 195 horsepower. Front- or all-wheel drive models are offered. Prices are expected to start at about $35,000.

The RC is a coupe version of the IS four-door sport sedan. Like the NX it's intended to inject a bit of sport into the Lexus lineup. Two models will be offered, the RC 350 and RC F, The $42,790 RC 350 gets a 306-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. The $62,400 RC F gets a thumping 450-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 -- the most powerful V8 engine from Lexus to date.

Click over to DriveChicago.com for reviews on the new Lexus NX and RC.

Lexus RC: http://www.drivechicago.com/reviews/2015-lexus-rc-lexus-adds-all-new-performance-coupe-in-2015_2557

Lexus NX: http://www.drivechicago.com/reviews/2015-lexus-nx-the-2015-lexus-nx-is-designed-to-attract-more-younger-buyers_2543

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