Lexus IS-F sport performance model officially headed to North American International Auto Show in Detroit
Earlier this week reports surfaced that Lexus was planning to unveil a high-performance variant of the popular IS 250/350 sedan at the Detroit Auto Show in January. At the time Lexus had not yet commented, but yesterday the Toyota luxury brand announced its intention show the 2008 Lexus IS-F model at the upcoming NAIAS. Confirmed was a V8 engine which has been estimated to output 425 horsepower when it debuts.
Lexus also showed a ?teaser? image depicting an offset ?over-under? style exhaust outlet, distinctive IS-F badges and a subtle trunk-lid spoiler. The official press conference is scheduled for Monday, January 8, 2007 at 11:25 a.m. EST.
Source and image: Toyota press
Lexus high performance division a go, says Automotive News
Last month it was reported that Lexus, Toyota?s luxury brand, was considering bringing back its high performance ?L-Tuned? division. The Japanese luxury marque had previously given hi-po modification a try from 2000 to 2003, but the program was discontinued as consumers realized L-tuning amounted to little more than minor cosmetic adjustments.
However, with competition from BMW?s M class, Audi?s S line and Mercedes-Benz?s AMG treatment, Lexus needs a high-output product portfolio to compete with the German kings of luxury. Consequently, the manufacturer has announced Lexus F ? meaning fast ? to add some spice to the brand often associated with super serene driving experiences, reports Automotive News.
The first F application will appear among the IS sedan lineup, as a 425-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine will be fitted into unique ?IS-F? models. Scheduled to debut at this year?s North American International Auto Show in Detroit, MI this January, the Lexus IS-F sedan will likely go on sale in December of 2007 priced in the low $50,000 range. An IS-F coupe variant will follow, as will the larger GS-F sedan. Although Lexus has not commented, Automotive News sources say Yamaha is tuning the engine for power and Brembo will supply the brakes.
Source and image: Automotive News [Subscription required]
2007 Lexus ES 350 sedan and Lexus RX SUV win Consumer Guide Automotive ?Best Buy? awards
Consumer Guide Automotive, a respected automotive resource for vehicle shoppers, has titled two Lexus vehicles ?Best Buys? for the 2007 model year. In the Premium Midsize Car segment, the Lexus ES 350 triumphed as a Best Buy, joined by the Acura TL and the Infiniti M. The luxurious Lexus ES 350 sedan has been redesigned for 2007 and features more attractive styling, a 272-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, six-speed automatic transmission, optional adaptive cruise control and the available Pre-Collision System which poises airbags for deployment should a crash be perceived.
Both the 2007 Lexus RX 350 and RX 400h Hybrid models earned the distinction in the Premium Midsize SUV class, also joined by the Acura MDX and Cadillac SRX. A 270-horsepower V6 and five-speed automatic transmission comprise the RX 350?s powertrain, while the hybrid Lexus RX 400h mates a gasoline V6 engine with battery-powered electric motors to the tune of 268 total horsepower. Behind the hybrid system, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) dictates gear ratios. Both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) models are available.
Source and image: Consumer Guide Automotive [2007 Lexus EX 350 pictured]
Lexus considers high performance division
Many of the major European luxury brands allocate research and development resources to their dedicated performance divisions. BMW perfects its M lineup. Mercedes-Benz flaunts AMG muscle. Audi emboldens the S-line. Even Volvo pumps up its R class.
Japanese luxury brands have not really embraced high-performance variations of base models. Sure, Acura has the Type-S and Infiniti cars are generally tuned for responsive performance, but appealing to the horsepower-craving automotive enthusiast has not occurred. According to Automotive News, however, Lexus may offer L-Tuned models poised to dethrone the reigning European performance marques.
Lexus already gave L-tuning a try beginning in 2000, but the program dissolved in 2003. At that time, ?L treatment? was minor and cosmetic and did not amount to serious performance gains. Now, though, new Lexus IS 250 and IS 350 models would be prime candidates for modification, as would the GS 450h hybrid sedan and LS 460 flagship full-size sedan.
Toyota is seeking to develop its luxury division Lexus as a ?core-luxury brand.? The parent company believes a high performance lineup to combat M/AMG/S/R-tagged cars is a necessary component. With resources such as Toyota?s excellent Hybrid Synergy Drive system, Lexus could potentially redefine that which causes car fanatics and power-junkies to salivate on command.
Source: Automotive News
Image: Toyota/Lexus press [2007 Lexus IS 250/350]
