Lexus IS-F hybrid and a plug-in model on the way?

According to Lexus General Manager Jim Farley, Lexus is in the process of studying to high-performance hybrids hoping to appeal to a market that wants something fast while being green.

In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Farley said that Lexus “may build such gasoline-electric models to reach enthusiast groups outside its core market...
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EL34 - 9/28/2007 11:56:17 AM

-1 Boost

I'm waiting for the wind up version of the IS-F.

Bmw8ter - 9/28/2007 12:03:51 PM

+1 Boost

don't forget the one that you push in reverse to spool up the rear axle, then hop in and ride 100 fantastic yards, to glory.

PureBMW - 9/28/2007 12:13:56 PM

-1 Boost

I honestly like the direction Lexus is going with the performance hybrid. Its an excellent niche that no one fills at the moment. My only problem is the ugly tacky body they designed for the IS-F. It looks like a Japanese Pontiac.

Kinger - 9/28/2007 1:25:02 PM

-2 Boost

I agree, i think if they find their own niche they will be far more succesful in the performance arena than just trying to emulate the Germans.

enthusiastx11 - 9/28/2007 12:46:17 PM

-2 Boost

didn't they learn from the sales bomb GS hybrid?
people don't want a mediocre performance car that gets mediocre MPG.

they want extremes of one or the other.

enthusiastx11 - 9/28/2007 3:11:50 PM

+1 Boost

if 2,000 sales in the united states per year--and a tiny fraction of that in britain--makes it 'the most popular' then i think you're a little confused.

enthusiastx11 - 9/28/2007 3:13:04 PM

+1 Boost

FYI: performance does not equal 'goes fast in a straight line.' handling defines performance cars. and in that arena, the GS falls flat.

Rupert - 9/29/2007 8:10:57 AM

+3 Boost

like the most popular car in london?????
i live in london and you are far from the truth...the hybrid does outsell the 300 and the 430 but it is by no means popular.

Rupert - 9/29/2007 8:14:22 AM

+3 Boost

And Nicad, don't forget, in Britain it does 0-62 in 5.9 seconds, and gets worse MPG than a 530i...which does 0-62 in 6.0 seconds.

S4cabriofoxone - 9/30/2007 11:53:37 PM

+1 Boost

"and there's nothing mediocre about 0-60 in 5.2 seconds and 20+ miles a galon. theres no other car in the world that can do that. "

You're right, but there are cars that weigh much less, go much faster and get much better mileage. There's also the BMW 335i- 0-60 in 4.9 and 30mpg on the highway.

kpaxx - 9/28/2007 12:55:15 PM

-4 Boost

Problem with hybrid cars is that they are heavy and have a high polar momentum. For these reasons they usually don't make a good performance oriented vehicle.

jon21 - 9/28/2007 2:13:59 PM

+2 Boost

Good one XeroKool! :)

enthusiastx11 - 9/28/2007 3:14:49 PM

-3 Boost

you're right kpaxx.

maybe the next gen hybrids will be better handling, but toyota/lexus haven't made one yet. until then, it's all just talk xero.

enthusiastx11 - 9/28/2007 5:05:38 PM

-2 Boost

sorry, i'm wasn't familiar with the supra hv-r.
will they be selling it in the west?

PureBMW - 9/28/2007 11:13:44 PM

+5 Boost

The GS is not a performance car. Its a luxury sedan with a sporty flare. It keeps within the Lexus soft, quiet,theme. I would NOT compare it with a BMW 5 which focuses on handling, and performance. It is what it is and it does a great job. Dont make it what its not.

XYZZ - 9/29/2007 5:39:07 AM

-1 Boost

the IS-F will be a performance car.

the hybrid Supra is a race car, which beat out several porsches.

when toyota decides to incorporate some of the supra components in a future IS-F or any other model, they WILL have a high performance lexus hybrid.