Motoring News
Today, 25 July 2013Lexus RC-F coupe spotted testing in Germany
Hot Lexus RC-F coupe targets BMW M4 for performance
A high-performance version of the upcoming Lexus IS coupé has been spied testing at the Nürburgring.A coupé version of the new Lexus IS, likely to be called RC, with the range-topper called RC-F, was previewed at last year’s Paris show by the LF-CC concept. It’s clear from this Nürburgring test mule that much of the concept’s design has carried over to Lexus’s performance coupé.The mule is identified as the RC-F rather than more humble RC variants by its bulging wheel arches, deeply sculpted bumpers, larger air intakes and design nods to the LFA supercar.Large brakes and two sets of diagonally stacked tailpipes are further clues to the RC-F’s performance. The car was snapped testing alongside a current BMW M3 coupé, a model thought to be considered the benchmark.The RC-F’s engine remains a mystery. An uprated version of the previous-generation IS-F saloon’s 417bhp 5.0-litre V8 is the most likely option, although Lexus officials have indicated that it is a challenge to make it meet Euro-6 emissions regulations.
read moreCitroen DS SUV is destined for Europe
DS-badged SUV is to be aimed at the premium end of the market
Citroen's DS-badged luxury SUV is likely to be sold in Europe after all, following the positive reaction to a concept version at this year’s Shanghai motor show.Originally, the car — revealed as the Volkswagen-Touareg-rivalling Wild Rubis concept — was due to be sold in China only, where the DS brand is enjoying significant growth and profits, in contrast to the firm’s European plight.However, DS chief designer Thierry Metroz told Autocar: “The reaction has been so positive that it is now possible the SUV will come to Europe. The focus is China, where we have a chance to make a great success, but that can help push it to Europe, too.”The Wild Rubis sits on the DS5’s platform and is likely to be called DSX7 when it is revealed in production form at next year’s Beijing show.The DS brand’s push will concentrate on China, where sales suggest that Citroën can fight with more established premium makers such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. As a result, the SUV’s launch in mid-2014 is likely to be followed by a BMW 5-series rival based on the Numero 9 concept. Ahead of both cars, Citroën will reveal a VW Jetta-sized DS saloon.
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