Rumor mill: Lexus to build GS-F and IS-F Evo?

[blue8]

From Autoblog:
GS-F:
Reports are beginning to circulate the web that Lexus is working on a high-performance version of the mid-level GS sedan to go up against German rivals in competing for the glory and the cash.

The performance GS would be the next candidate to receive the F treatment, after Lexus took the wraps off the V8-powered IS-F sports sedan at the Detroit show in January. Presumably named the GS-F, Lexus would shoehorn in a version of the V10 engine, detuned to around 450 horsepower, from the LF-A supercar the company is currently working on.

With the GS-F, Toyota would be aiming straight for the BMW M5. That's a mighty ambitious task, especially considering the view that Lexus missed the mark with the IS-F. Could they get it right in the big leagues?

[Source: The Hollywood Extra]

-- With the coming RS6, aiming for the M5 won't exactly help. Then again, the M5, even if outperformed and under-powered, will remain as the ultimate iconic super saloon.

IS-F Evo:
In an attempt to steal another page out of BMW's sport sedan playbook, rumors have surfaced that Lexus is in the process of developing a lightweight version of the IS-F, in the same vein as the M3 CSL. Internally dubbed the IS-F Evo, this limited edition sedan will benefit from an expensive diet, including lots of fiber (the carbon kind) and a bare-bones interior.

The reduced weight, combined with the 400 HP V8, is expected to drop the 0-60 time to below five seconds and on to a top speed of 155 MPH. Naturally, there's no word on pricing, but according to AutoExpress, it should arrive at dealers sometime in 2009.

[Source: AutoExpress]

-- Lexus taking on BMW way too much! They should know better than to use the name Evo

[TopGearNL]

Another car in this segment would be welcome, nice to see its a Lexus

[dutchmasterflex]

Light weight IS is definitely interesting, but they should come out with a smaller 2 door coupe version before they do that.