Lexus is priming up to go against the big--or in this case, fast--boys with a new, sporty lineup.
"F for fast" will be what Lexus will call its new line of sported up models. The intent is to offer something similar as the M designation for BMW, AMG for Mercedes-Benz, or even the V trims for Cadillac.
First to fall under the F signature will be the the IS-F or IS500, a small sports car. The smallest Lexus vehicle, the IS-F will feature a 425bhp plus 5.0 liter V-8 engine as Lexus prepares it to rival BMW's M3.
There's scant other details. Automotive News reported that IS500 will debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January. Our take is that Lexus may be taking more than it can chew: Lexus, at least in the U.S., is more well-known as a luxury vehicle, not a maker of sports cars. The brand, though, may be in the process of reinventing itself. If so, we think Toyota should look at Mercedes-Benz more than BMW for its benchmarks.
12/06/2006 Torrance, CA December 6, 2006 – Lexus will stage the world premiere of the 2008 IS-F sport performance car and an exciting concept vehicle at a press conference at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The IS-F is an all-new high-performance version of the popular Lexus IS 250/350 sport sedans. It will feature unique styling and a substantial boost in power from a V8 powerplant that will captivate performance car enthusiasts when it goes on sale next year. In addition to the IS-F, Lexus will unveil an exotic sports concept.