Lexus IS F Reportedly Coming With V8 Power, Again
New report indicates that the IS F will make its triumphant return in November.
On Again?
Rumors of the return of the Lexus IS F have run rampant for years now. As have statements that it simply isn't going to happen. Now, Japanese magazine Best Car is reporting that the IS F is once again on, shortly after Lexus introduced the world the the newly refreshed IS. And it appears that we won't have to wait very long to see it, either.
Photos: Lexus
Proper Power
If that isn't good enough news, the rag is also reporting that the newest IS F will come equipped with the same sort of engine that made it a fan favorite in the first place - Lexus' naturally-aspirated, 5.0-liter V8.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the upcoming IS F right here in the ClubLexus forum.
Slight Uptick
The 5.0 currently makes 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque in the RC F, but Best Car reports that it will receive a tiny bit boost for the IS F. In that guise, it will produce 474 horsepower, which is an interesting number. Regardless, it's 58 more than the last IS F, anyway.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the upcoming IS F right here in the ClubLexus forum.
Perfect Sense
As we previously reported, Lexus recently trademarked the IS 500 name, which would indicate the arrival of a V8-powered version of the brand's smaller luxury sedan. If they were going to go to the trouble of shoehorning a V8 in the car, it would make perfect sense to bring back the IS F.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the upcoming IS F right here in the ClubLexus forum.
Comeback Needed
As of right now, the most powerful IS consumers can purchase comes packing a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The automaker hasn't bothered competing in the hot luxury sedan segment for years now, and it's overdue for such an offering, at least in our opinion.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the upcoming IS F right here in the ClubLexus forum.
Joining the Competition
After all, Lexus' rivals continue to push out such products. A new IS F would be a nice alternative to cars like the BMW M340i and the Mercedes-AMG C43, though it might not quite have the juice to go head-to-head with the likes of the upcoming BMW M3 Competition.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the upcoming IS F right here in the ClubLexus forum.
Glimmer of Hope
Regardless, until we actually see something come from Lexus, we'll take this report with a grain of salt. We've just been burned too many times in the past to get our hopes up too high. But if nothing else, it's clear that there's at least a glimmer of hope left for a new IS F.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the upcoming IS F right here in the ClubLexus forum.
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