Lexus IS Performance Variant to Carry Moniker 'IS-F'

The new Lexus IS-F is reported to be packing a 5.0L V8 with 415 hp. Other details include 4 huge staggered exhaust pipes in the rear and a raised cowl.

A source, reliable carspyshots.net poster Ironman273, says that it will be available in showrooms about one year from now in the month of October.

The source, who saw pictures of the IS coupe described the body as very low and flattened (compared to the sedan body-style) which in turn creates a much more aggressive looking car - very different from photoshops circulating around the internet.

It is unclear whether the IS-F will be sold first as a sedan with a coupe version following the release of the standard IS coupe, vice-versa, or whether it will be sold in one bodystyle. However, it is assumed that the IS-F will first be released in sedan format.

Coupe and convertible variants of the IS will be sold in showrooms 2 years from now.
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EL34 - 10/9/2006 1:14:49 PM

-8 Boost

This car looks best in camo.

wannabe 3 series.

trackturtle - 10/9/2006 1:25:58 PM

+1 Boost

Here comes the comments. I don't see why we bother, it will be worlds better then cars only a few years ago. Even if it isn't the ultimate car, most drivers won't be able to push this car to its limits. We'll all see videos of it drag racing and use it to validate it's worth. pity...

Designer1 - 10/9/2006 2:52:40 PM

0 Boost

with today's engines, I think Lexus can boost more power out of its 5.0 V8, so I don't think this IS-F will have the 5.0 but the 4.6. Because 415hp for 5.0 compared to 380hp for 4.6 doesn't seem right. The new GS460 will probably boost 390hp out of the 4.6, which means the 5.0 makes only 25 more hps? hmmm so here is my comment to Lexus, you better make this 5.0 V8 a killer that makes at least 450 hps, otherwise you'll loose against the M3 and I don't want to see that.

Hyundai - 10/9/2006 3:17:25 PM

+2 Boost

Desgner1,

My thoughts exactly. With 380 hp being pushed out of a non-performance 4.6L, the 5.0L can definitely do better than 415 hp. And, it will.

AUDBMLEXMRC - 10/9/2006 3:10:09 PM

+1 Boost

Agrre with Designner1. Better that goes realy big with this car! Anyway it's great to have it.

BMW530i - 10/9/2006 4:34:24 PM

0 Boost

THIS THING IS GOING TO MURDER THAT POSER M3. THE IS STANDS FOR PURE PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING!!!

kart1 - 10/9/2006 5:02:17 PM

+1 Boost

What happened to you???

BMW530i - 10/9/2006 5:18:12 PM

-2 Boost

Being sarcastic. ;)

lexusis350 - 10/9/2006 5:45:33 PM

+2 Boost

Well, whether you were being sarcastic or not, you were absolutely right. This IS will reduce German profits a ton because now Lexus has high performance.

chewy - 10/9/2006 6:59:14 PM

+1 Boost

We will have to wait to see how it turns out. Closer competition is the C63 as this one will most likely have an automatic.

lexusis350 - 10/9/2006 9:38:52 PM

+1 Boost

It might not. After all, everyone thought that Lexus couldn't make a performance car, they may surprise us with a manual transmission as well.

S4cabriofox - 10/9/2006 11:05:03 PM

0 Boost

At least they're being creative... we don't need any more "S" cars, thank you.

M, V and F are all very good. And many companies try to emulate Audi's S/RS moniker, but fail, miserably.

lexusis350-

I highly doubt it. BTW, it's not a bad thing to be compared to a C63 AMG.

lexusis350 - 10/10/2006 5:42:35 PM

+2 Boost

It's bad to be compared to a Mercedes at all. It's even worse to be compared to a Volkwa--I mean Audi.

S4cabriofox - 10/10/2006 6:47:39 PM

-1 Boost

"It's bad to be compared to a Mercedes at all. It's even worse to be compared to a Volkwa--I mean Audi."

Oh, and like half of the Lexus lineup isn't based off of the Toyota Camry.

Use your head, or you'll always get a response like this back. And by the way, Lexus has four models based off of Toyotas, while the only Audi based exclusively on an essentially unchanged VW platform is the A3. And the A3 is a fabulous car.

Did I ever dis the IS500? I don't think it's going to be a true competitor yet, because it's Lexus's first foray into the über-performance segment. And if you think it's a bad thing to be compared to a Mercedes-Benz or an Audi, I don't know what planet you live on. The new RS4 is better than any Lexus ever built.

lexusis350 - 10/11/2006 5:52:47 PM

+1 Boost

Actually, the Camry is based off of the Lexus ES. And they don't look the same either. The only Lexus that looks the same as a Toyota is the LX. The other ones might be based off of a Toyota, but you can't tell. And the A8 is based off of the Phaeton or vise versa. They're identical. They look exactly the same with a different logo on the car. At least when a Lexus bases their cars after a Toyota, they look a little different. Even the LX has differences. But the same can't be said about the Audi Phaeton. Or was it Volkwagen Phaeton. Who knows?

tecnopolis - 10/10/2006 6:01:36 AM

+1 Boost

OMG~! Can you say nose-heavy?

Hyundai - 10/10/2006 10:48:10 AM

+1 Boost

Yea, I know. BTW, do you have the F/R weight distribution and curb weight off hand?

ToyotaLexus - 10/10/2006 7:57:15 PM

+2 Boost

Im sure the IS500 will have more than 415hp and it will be a true competitor with the german cars, i don't think the Japanese guys didn't test all the other cars and im sure they will do all they can to make it better.

XYZZ - 10/11/2006 5:13:43 AM

+2 Boost

lexus no doubt used their Formula One racing experience to boost the output of the 4.6 V8. if they further punch it out to 5.0 liters, they could easily get far more than 415 hp.

maybe they're just understating the output for now, to make the final figure (a whole year from now) all the more impressive. (and to throw the competition off too.)

Spoonie_G - 10/13/2006 10:04:28 AM

+1 Boost

Maybe it's me but the New IS isn't really an exciting car to look at. I liked them at first but know they have about as much visual excitment as an Avalon.