Lexus RC 350 nameplate trademarked in Australia
Lexus has filed to trademark the RC 350 name in Australia, indicating plans for a new coupe model potentially based on the LF-CC concept shown in 2012.
Lexus has filed a trademark application for the RC 350 nameplate in Australia, signalling that Toyota’s luxury division is preparing to launch a new coupe model. The application, lodged with IP Australia, points to a production version likely inspired by the LF-CC concept first revealed at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.
The trademark move comes just weeks after the LF-CC concept’s public debut. That car previewed the brand’s new coupe design direction, with a low roofline, aggressive spindle grille and rear-wheel-drive proportions. While the LF-CC itself used a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, the RC 350 badge points to a more conventional petrol offering, likely powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine in line with Lexus’s usual naming convention.
The RC 350 name also marks a departure from Lexus’s existing model structure. The “R” and “C” suggest a dedicated coupe, separate from the IS and GS saloons. This would give Lexus a direct rival to the likes of the BMW 4 Series and Audi A5, which have established themselves in the premium coupe segment.
LF-CC concept sets the stage
Lexus’s LF-CC concept, which appeared at both the Paris and SEMA motor shows in 2012, featured a hybrid setup with a 2.5-litre petrol engine, electric motor and high-performance battery. Lexus claimed CO2 emissions below 100g/km for the show car, but the RC 350’s expected V6 petrol engine would focus more on outright performance than low emissions.
No official technical details have been released for the RC 350. However, if the car follows Lexus’s established engine line-up, the 3.5-litre V6 would likely be paired with rear-wheel drive and an automatic transmission. The coupe would sit above the IS range in terms of performance and price, and could eventually spawn higher-performance variants.
What the trademark means for Lexus
Filing a trademark is a routine step ahead of launching a new model, but it also confirms Lexus’s intention to compete in a segment it has previously left to German rivals. The move could help Lexus attract buyers seeking a premium coupe with Japanese reliability and design flair.
- Trademark filed with IP Australia, indicating intention for Australian market.
- RC 350 would fill a gap in Lexus’s global line-up, offering a direct competitor to established German coupes.
- No official launch date or technical details have been confirmed by Lexus.
The RC 350 is expected to be announced formally once Lexus completes development of the production model. Until then, the trademark filing is the clearest sign yet that the LF-CC concept will make the jump from show stand to showroom.
