LexFather

Toyota's Lexus readies performance division called "F"

http://today.reuters.com/news/...E.XML

Quote »

TOKYO, Dec 4 (Reuters) - Toyota Motor Corp.'s high-end Lexus brand will launch a performance brand late next year to compete with Mercedes-Benz's AMG and BMW's M divisions, industry paper Automotive News reported on Monday. The offensive will start with the IS sedan, which will get a retuned version of the LS600h's hybrid engine, the paper said, citing dealer sources.

The car, to be called IS-F, with F standing for "fast", will debut at an auto show next month in Detroit and go on sale in December 2007, the paper said. The 425-horsepower car will be priced in the low $50,000 range, it said.

A Toyota spokeswoman declined to comment on the report, saying the company would announce plans for the Detroit auto show in the coming days.

Automotive News quoted a dealer as saying Lexus will likely follow the IS-F with a GS-F sedan and IS-F coupe.

Japan's top auto maker filed a stylised "F" logo on Oct. 9 and a trademark for IS-F on Nov. 8 and with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

LexFather

My take (Ryan you there, lol)

My sources tell me the "F" actually stands for "flagship" of each respective line.

The internal code for the first LS 400 was "F1" which meant flagship 1.


I am not a huge fan of the moniker but glad they are coming. There are TONS of worse names out there though, most have no meaning whatsoever.

plex

iTrader: (11)

About time.......

Lexmex

I am curious about the price and the horsepower compared to the M and AMG. The first thing that hit my mind is the possible use of ultralightweight materials.

LexFather

Now, it just hit me but why would they put "Toyota's Lexus" in the title instead of just "Lexus readies....."

Sigh..

GFerg

The "F" logo...

Gojirra99

Better late than never

Price at low $50K range sounds reasonable, a lot better than what a mag had published ( $70K) . . .

Faraaz23

I just hope it can keep up with the competition otherwise it'll be an embarassment for Lexu. This is a PERFORMANCE car we're talking about... I hope it has the speed and sharp handling (with some actual real steering feedback) of the others. Taking on the M3 and RS4 is nothing to be taken lightly...

I wonder if we will see a GS-F or SC-F (probably next generation) in the future?

Shawnmack

That's real good for Lexus to have a performance division. Since their going to have a performance division not just a more powerful engine but an awesome sporty set-up with great handling and aggressive smooth styling

ff_

Those were the claims and aspirations for the current 2IS cars, and they don't live up. So I'm not going to hold my breath for the IS-F.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

very very interesting, can't wait to see them coming, but better yet i want to see how they actually go against the big dogs. having it only cuts it so much, able to keep up with competitions is the key

i think 50k base with around 60-65k loaded would be a good reasonable number? considering that the m3 would be quite pricey

Koma

iTrader: (3)

Does this mean they plan to use the hybrid engine with the 5.0L in the IS-F? I still haven't heard much aftermarket for the hybrid cars. The hybrid will add a ton of weight as well.

Gojirra99

No, I think they meant using the 5.0 litre V8 gasoline engine of the 600hL, but not the hybrid powertrain.

Gojirra99

Low$50K's base is fine, but I don't think they should load it up with too many options & luxury equipment (& make it expensive at the same time). One of the problems with the IS250/350 is that they still care too much about luxury for most "regular" Lexus customers, & making the car too heavy even though the car is quite compact in size. They should be thinking about reducing weight & making it as agile as possible .

Richie

They need to do some FF models.
You should get what I am hinting at, LOL.