German Car Zone

It's about bloody time!

Orignal link here

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. "

Ok, Lexus, do it! Time to see what can you do! But bear in mind that as a newborn child, you have to crawl to know to walk! And it takes some time to learn...

I don't disagree, it will be Lexus' first attempt at doing so, it'll be interesting to see what they can come up with.

I think they've always had the technology and what not to create a performance division but now they are finally stepping up with their performance, it's about time

They do have the technology, but they don't have expirience, especially if we're talking about them vs. AMG or M or RS divisions. Especially vs. M...

That's true, they don't have any experience creating really high performance vehicles. AMG and M are of course legends, much, much older legends and rightly so.

Look at Pagani, people didn't think he could create a vehicle as good as the competition because of his experience but he most certaintly proved them wrong

I can't say for sure, but i believe the "F" division of Lexus will not be as sporty as BMW. .still i'm excited!

Pagani is a complete different story, since they only produce Supercars.

You can't win or lose unless you play!
Lexus has proven rather sucessful in just about all
their goals, I'm not a big Lexus fan but it would be
foolish to assume they haven't done lots of research before
making such a major move!

Alright

Wow this is cool. Will be anticipating to see F models in the future.

Cool indeed. Glad to see Lexus joining the big boys!

But I must say one thing... that logo is lame!