Lexus IS-F

By Dan Strong

21st December 2006

	One source Auto Express contacted suggested that the newcomer will represent much better value for money than its German supercar class competitors

The mighty V8 that sits under the bonnet of Lexus's very special new IS-F is rumoured to produce 425bhp - making it even more powerful than the latest Audi RS4.

This is the first official 'teaser' picture of the newcomer, which has spent much of the past 12 months under­going performance testing at the Nürburgring in Germany.

Now, development is close to completion, and the car is due to make its world debut at the Detroit Motor Show next month.

A spokesman for Lexus told us: "The IS-F is an all-new high-performance version of the IS250 sports saloon. It will benefit from unique styling and see a substantial boost in power from a V8 engine." He confirmed that the new machine is scheduled to go on sale in the UK in early 2008.

Designed as a rival to the forthcoming BMW M3, the flagship IS is expected to be equipped with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. And although there is cur­rently no word on its exact performance figures, the car should be capable of completing the benchmark 0-60mph sprint in around five seconds. An electronic speed limiter will keep the maximum to 155mph.

Prices for the Lexus are likely to be revealed closer to its UK launch. However, one source Auto Express contacted suggested that the newcomer will represent much better value for money than its German supercar class competitors. And that could mean drivers will be able to get behind the wheel for around £40,000.