Enter the rumormill: Lexus IS-F Evo in the works?
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]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
f3rg 8:18AM (3/30/2007)
I can't help but think that anything with RWD and 400HP should already be getting 0-60 times of way under 5 seconds. Porsche's 911 Turbo was getting under 4 seconds back with the 993 (albeit, it had two extra driven wheels).
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HeavyArmsSix 8:18AM (3/30/2007)
A 0-60 in under 5 seconds for what $70k? BLISTERING SPEED!
That's Z06 money, son.
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arnie 8:21AM (3/30/2007)
Maybe this time they'll supply a real driver actually wants to use. I vote for an SMG (not as in the m3) but as in a motorcycle or any GT racing.
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airiox 8:22AM (3/30/2007)
the normal IS 350 gets to 0-60 in under 5 seconds.... how exactly is "under 5 seconds" an improvement on what they have now?
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HeavyArmsSix 8:36AM (3/30/2007)
All the weight they add with that ricer body kit and the nails they used to attach it offset the extra power.
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nissan fan 9:22AM (3/30/2007)
my nissan maxima with only 227hp can hit 155 MPH !
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spdracerut 9:42AM (3/30/2007)
It's electronically limited to 155. I'm curious to how this will do in the market..... Kinda weird to have a stripped down 4-door in my view. Coupe seems to make more sense as you associate a coupe with being more sporty; so more easily able to deal with the NVH, etc associated with a performance car.
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philip 11:02AM (3/30/2007)
BMW has almost always raced sedans for 3 series type events. That and of course the M3. Go back before the e46 and they raced the M3 sedan. I would always pick a sedan over the coupe and ill be in line for the new m3 sedan.
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leo 10:26PM (4/01/2007)
uh the IS350 has been timed as low as 0-60 in 4.9 sec
- so adding this bigger engine I am sure will
get 0-60 in ~4.5 sec, and if this is not true what's the point of getting the bigger heavier engine?
and the 335i has been tested 0-60 in 4.8 sec
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Scott 11:35AM (3/30/2007)
Lexus should concentrate on matching a regular M3 before they start worrying about the CSL. Or (IMO) even a regular 3-series like the 335i.
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Jorge 11:53AM (3/30/2007)
If the Evo name gets out on the market isn´t Lexus looking for a trademark lawsuit by Mitsubishi???
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Sampson 12:18PM (3/30/2007)
i think the best way to lose weight is to subtract 2 doors... Where's the DAMN COUPE... LEXUS? TOYOTA?
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nagmashot 1:04PM (3/30/2007)
# 10
The word EVO is widely used in the car world. LONG befor Mitsubishi used it since 1992 for the EvoI.
Some examples ..
1989 Mercedes 190E 2.5-16V Evo
1990 Mercedes 190E 2.5-16V Evo II
1990 BMW e30 M3 Sport Evo, befor the 1990 Sport Evo they had the Evo I and Evo II.
All that cars were street models of the DTM race cars.
1991 Lancia Delta Evo build till 1994.. the Lancia Delta Evo had won 6 WRC championship in a straight...most successfull Rally car of all time!
1985 Audi quattro sport Evo2
and many more
should they start a lawsuit vs Mitsubishi? ;-)
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Rocket Punch 1:11PM (3/30/2007)
@#6, what #7 said + it is not just about top speed, it is more about how fast you can get there. What good would it be it take you a year to reach 155mph?
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nagmashot 1:28PM (3/30/2007)
# 13 not much experience with topspeed?
With 227hp you get pretty quick to speeds of 140mph... no 400hp is able to run out of sight of a 250hp car acclerating from 70-140mph... who cares if you need 10seconds longer to get to that speed if you drive 30-60minutes 140mph in a 227hp or 400hp car..
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Justin 5:32PM (3/30/2007)
hmm I think I'll take an ls2 CTS-V with 400 hp AND 400 lb-ft of TORQUE.
Not that this is a bad looking car either though.
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GT-R 2:02PM (3/30/2007)
Toyota wishes.
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dave 2:10PM (3/30/2007)
The IS-350 does 0-60 in about 5.3 seconds, not under 5. I have one, but have never actually tested the 0-60, I'm just listing what's posted by Lexus. I put a deposit on the IS-F, can't wait to get it.
Here are some photos I took of the IS-F:
http://www.taxicabs.com/autoshow/chicago2007/Lexus/IS-F/
and
http://www.taxicabs.com/autoshow/chicago2007/Lexus/IS-F/day2/
Cheers,
Dave
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the vette makes them wet 2:22PM (3/30/2007)
that top speed is probably the electronically limited top speed. 155mph is the magic number for some reason.
But - will this thing have a manual tranny? (or at least an automated gearbox and not a slushbox automatic)
no manual no cred.
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Jorge 6:33PM (3/30/2007)
#12
Thank you for the auto cultural background.
Have a great day.
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