Lexus Muscles In

With a sharp new look, a finely tuned rear-wheel-drive chassis and luxurious cabin, all the fresh Lexus IS range needs now is a high-performance flagship -and this week's mag has the pictures to prove it.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Peter Lyon

12th April 2005

One thing which will set the IS500 apart will be economy. Engineers are focused on developing a motor which not only produces massive muscle, but also uses very little fuel when cruising.

The car will feature a 5.0-litre V8 boasting 400bhp. Insiders say it is a bored-out version of the 350bhp 4.6 unit destined for the bigger Lexus LS next year. Expect a sub-six-second 0-60mph sprint, with top speed limited to 155mph. Unveiled in production trim at the Geneva Motor Show last month, the all-new IS will go on sale in the UK later this year.

At launch, a 2.5-litre V6 petrol and 2.2 diesel will be the only models available. Development of the V8 is ongoing, so it will not appear until 2006. But Lexus bosses are not resting on their laurels, as they also plan to produce a mighty 500bhp version of the LS, powered by a 5.0-litre V8 hybrid unit. This LS600h is said to offer super-saloon pace with the economy of a V6.