Lexus IS-F 500

[TNT]

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...hotopanel..1.*

^^ video


2008 Lexus IS-F 500 burning up the 'Ring
By Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor Email | Blog
Date posted: 12-05-2006

STORY TOOLS
Print this Save this Digg this!
Email this Most popular del.icio.us
There's been no shortage of speculation on the 2008 Lexus IS 500 seen here lapping the Nürburgring test track in our latest spy video. Although various name and engine configurations have been thrown around, we've learned that this high-performance version of the standard Lexus IS 350 will debut as the Lexus IS-F 500. The "F" designation will be used to denote high-performance Lexus models in the same way "M" is used by BMW.

To take on the new V8-powered BMW M3, which will debut at the Frankfurt auto show next September, the IS-F sport sedan will use the 5.0-liter V8 from the upcoming LS 600h hybrid. And thanks to a little tuning help from Yamaha, the 5.0-liter V8 is expected to generate roughly 425 horsepower. A reworked version of the new Lexus eight-speed transmission will handle the shift duties while a set of Brembo brakes will bring the IS-F to a stop.

In addition to the IS-F sedan, an IS-F coupe is likely to follow along with a high-performance version of the GS midsize sedan. The IS-F 500 sedan will debut at the Detroit auto show next month with pricing expected to run in the low $50Ks. It goes on sale late next year.