LEXUS uses a 4-letter "F" word for its performance division

[Ahbengdriver]

Think straight, because the 4-letter F-word is "FAST".

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By MARK RECHTIN | AUTOMOTIVE NEWS

AutoWeek | Published 12/04/06, 8:01 am et

 

"LOS ANGELES - Lexus will launch a performance brand in late 2007 to compete with Mercedes' AMG and BMW's M divisions.

 

Lexus will start with an IS sedan equipped with a 425-hp, 5.0-liter V-8. The engine is a retuned version of the LS 600h L hybrid's engine, dealer sources said.

 

The sedan will be called the IS-F. It will debut at the Detroit auto show in January.

 

Lexus likely will carry that nomenclature into other high-performance Lexus vehicles, a dealer said. He said a GS-F sedan and IS-F coupe likely will follow.

 

The IS-F - "F" as in "fast" - will go on sale in December 2007 and sticker in the low $50,000 range, sources said. Lexus told dealers of the plans at a recent national meeting.

 

Toyota Motor Co. filed for a trademark for "IS-F" on Nov. 8 with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. It also filed for a trademark for a stylized "F" logo on Oct. 9.

 

 

 

 

A dealer source said Yamaha is tuning the IS-F engine's heads for more power. Brembo will be the brake supplier.

 

Lexus declined to comment. "

[Subersti]

Nice exhaust.

[Blackyv]

if they ask me, i'll give that car a FF name.. (F*cking Fast..)....

[Nazaki]

Its another 5L engine!

 

 

Who can afford >.<~!

[Weiming]

Logo looks a lot like that of the Panasonic Toyota F1 team http://www.toyota-f1.com/public/index.html

 

It appears Lexus is starting to expand its market focus to attract drivers who enjoy both luxury and sporty driving. Will be interesting to see how it fairs against its German rivals of AMG, M, RS etc.

 

More interested to find out more about the supercar LF-A. Hope the front end looks like the Volta concept car!

[Dermocyma]

would u pay SGD500k for a japanese ride like this? or a SL55? i will take SL55 anytime.

Edited December 20, 2006 by Dermocyma

[Mmatrix]

a 2008 skyline gtr leh?

[Ahbengdriver]

Might as well use the logo "FNF" (fast n furious)

 

But then, somehow I really feel when it comes to car names n such, the japanese are never very good and overlooked some areas didnt think properly before going ahead.

 

can you imagine someone ask u...

"heh whats that fast car u driving"

*oh its a F-car* (Fxxx Car)

 

Why cant they name it like other jap marques, like Type-R or call it LEXUS IS-R ?

 

The other thing is....would F-division be sharing techno with Toyota's TRD ?

[Ahbengdriver]

SL55 AMG of cos which has proven itself in races n had a great history behind it. Similarly for RS and M.

[Dermocyma]

that is different altogether - its a pure breed. can take into consideration.

[Dermocyma]

u got the key word correct - history.

 

would u pay the same amount of $ for something that is not proven, but only have full load of money poured into marketing hype? worst, u open the bonnet, u get cheap toyota parts that makes u feel so unjust for the insane amount of money paid.

[Ahbengdriver]

Frankly, that was the hesitation that dissuaded me from a lexus owner. Exterior, their cars dont look too bad, but problem or shld I say fear is one fine day,u discover that one of its parts come from or is also used by a toyota model. Mark-X is a good example. One IS200 owner who is an old friend of mine says he bought his car second hand bcos he felt its good value for $$ bcos he can maintain/service his ride using toyota parts!

 

Actually based on the spec as discribed, IS-F with 425bhp from a 5.0L v8 is pretty unimpressive. Audi's RS4 can churn out 420bho from a 4.2L V8

[Blackyv]

take Nissan car naming for example and we know how "artistics" they are in naming a car...

[Chromas]

Love that exhaust... now to hear it purr...

[Dermocyma]

Thats exactly the point again. imagine paying SGD500k for a nice ride, and when u peep into the brake well, u find SGD100 japanese pads. i definitely wont feel good.

 

many that i know avoid the L logo. the L brand may looks good to some, its quality is fairly well, its fuel comsumption is no doubt better than conti. but we all say to hell with all that, we all get >3L 6-12 cyl conti rides because we only live once and we can afford it.

[W210k]

Actually based on the spec as discribed, IS-F with 425bhp from a 5.0L v8 is pretty unimpressive. Audi's RS4 can churn out 420bho from a 4.2L V8

 

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You are not comparing apples for apples.

 

The IS 5L V8 is an NA engine.

While Audi's RS4 is TC.

 

Of course any TC engine will give a much higher BHP/cc.

[Ml2spin]

Audi's latest RS4 is NA engine lah

[Dermocyma]