Rumours: Is Lexus planning a sub-RC sports car?

Lexus may be on the cusp of introducing its most affordable sports model yet, in the form of a compact coupe based on the new-generation Toyota GR 86.

According to Japanese website Spyder7, there are “rumours” that the new 86 – which already has an almost identical twin in the Subaru BRZ – will add a third variant to its production schedule in the form of a “Lexus version 86” model.

And, recently, a mysterious Lexus-looking prototype has surfaced on Instagram, described as a new 'Lexus UC' model, or 'Urban Coupe'.

It seems unlikely at this stage in its evolution that Lexus would use the joint Toyota-Subaru platform without developing a completely unique look, and utilise a powertrain more in-line with its own product offering – which would suggest a small turbo petrol engine or, as Spyder7 reports, a petrol-electric hybrid system.

There’s a pattern to that, too: the larger RC can be had with a four-cylinder turbo petrol mill, while the more luxurious LC offers a petrol-electric hybrid V6 option.

In either case, we’d hope to see more power on offer than the 173kW and 250Nm available with the new 86 and BRZ. (These numbers, of course, are a welcome improvement on the previous model’s 152kW and 212Nm.)

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2022 Lexus UC rendering by Theo Throttle

In terms of styling, Lexus could give its version of the 86 an ‘on-brand’ look with new front and rear styling, along with new front quarter panels and – as our artistic friend Theo Throttle suggests with the renderings in this story – new door panels with a sharp character line carved along the top edge.

The familiar ‘spindle’ grille goes a long way to Lexify the little coupe, and new headlights complete the look.

At the rear, Theo’s integrated a tail-light design borrowed from the new IS sedan while retaining the existing rear quarter panel moulds.

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2022 Lexus UC rendering by Theo Throttle

With all of that done, Lexus could retain the 86’s glasshouse and rear sheetwork, keeping costs as low as possible (Toyota’s world-dominating strong suit).

Throw in a more premium interior with upgraded materials and styling, and Lexus could welcome a new generation of buyers to the brand.

What do you think of the potential for a compact Lexus coupe?