Is this the new Lexus RC F Coupe?

We have a photo from Best Car in Japan that seems to show the arrival of the new Lexus RC F Coupe (the IS Coupe) ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show.

Back in July we reported that the rumours of a two-door coupe version of the new Lexus IS were true, and that Lexus would be revealing it at the Tokyo Motor Show in November and that it would be called the Lexus RC.

What we also discovered was that there is to be a performance version of the new RC – the Lexus RC F – which now looks likely to arrive at the Tokyo Motor Show as well, as Best Car in Japan have published what appear to be the firts photos of the RC F.

These could be Photoshops based on the Lexus LF-CC – which previewed the new IS – but they do have the feel of being real, and if they are then Lexus is delivering up an RC Coupe that’s pretty faithful to the LF-CC Concept and which promises to be a real competitor for the BMW M3.

Under the bonnet of the RC F is expected to be a 5.0 litre V8 delivering around 455bhp and 400lb/ft of torque, complete with cylinder deactivation for more frugal running when you’re not wringing the neck of the V8, and mated to an eight-speed auto ‘box with flappy paddles and three driving modes.

If these photos are right we could see the RC F at Tokyo in November along with the more prosaic models in the new RC range, but if not then an arrival at the Detroit Auto Show in January seems likely.