Autoblog

UK police replace Imprezas with Lexus IS-F cruisers

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Etc., Japan, Lexus, UK

Lexus IS-Force - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Objects you do not want to see in your rear-view mirror: Hungry dinosaurs, pissed-off exes holding rifles, mushroom clouds and this guy. Indeed, you're looking at a Lexus IS-Force, an IS-F that's been converted to a cruiser for police duty in the English county of Humberside, which includes the notoriously criminally minded port city of Hull. For the past few years, Humberside bobbies have been chasing baddies in Subaru Imprezas, but the AWD cars just weren't up to the task at hand. What to replace 'em with? Here's what the cops were thinking, according to Sergeant Mike Peck:

"The Lexus was tested during a 12-month period along with similar vehicles and proved itself to be ideally suited in providing a dynamically safe high performance chassis along with an electronically stable platform for the computer equipment. In the past this equipment has placed huge demands on vehicles but the Lexus IS-F easily met with our requirements. The final product provides a most formidable package and is undoubtedly one of the most advanced police vehicles in the world which in turn enables my officers to deal with the criminals who use the roads for serious and organized crime."

We're actually a little weak-kneed at the very thought of the IS-Force's existence. 416-horsepower 5.0-liter V8s with the power to yank your license tend to have that effect. Even on crooks.

Gallery: Lexus IS-F Cop Car

UK police replace Imprezas with Lexus IS-F cruisers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORTS: Lexus to build IS F convertible; existing IS droptops selling ahead of supply

Chris Shunk — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Lexus, Toyota

2010 Lexus IS250 C and IS350 C - Click above for high-res image gallery

Lexus has high hopes for its new IS250 C and IS350 C convertibles, and early returns give the Japanese automakers cause for optimism. Car and Driver is reporting that Toyota's upscale division will build a droptop version of its bonkers IS F sports sedan, and plans for that model are surely buttressed by brisk initial sales of the new IS convertible models. Wards Automotive says that IS250 C and IS350 C folding hardtop convertibles are being picked up faster than they can be made, prompting Toyota to increase production at its Kyushu plant in Japan to 1,200 units per month. The ISC is so hot in the Northeast that the region will begin receiving 225 units per month.

Scott Wracher, general manager of the brand's eastern area, says 85% of the convertible IS models will have the 204 hp, 2.5-liter V6, while only 15% will have the more potent 306 hp 3.5-liter V6. The manual transmission 250C stickers at $38,480, and $43,940 will net you the auto transmission-equipped IS 350 C (plus $875 for destination). The IS convertibles also have a lengthy list of expensive options, which will easily push the MSRP up to (and over) $50,000.

In related news, C&D's sources suggest that hopes for a roadster version of the on-again/off-again LF-A supercar (currently 'on again,' for those keeping tabs) are increasingly unlikely.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lexus IS250 C and IS350 C

Photos copyright (C)2009 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc
[Sources: Car and Driver; Wards Automotive]

REPORTS: Lexus to build IS F convertible; existing IS droptops selling ahead of supply originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Lexus IS F pursues perfection, might need more personality

Michael Harley — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedan, Performance, Lexus, Reviews

2009 Lexus IS F - Click above for high-res gallery

The Lexus IS F is the sole Japanese contender in a crowd of compact high-performance sport sedans. Boasting a full complement of performance upgrades, including a 5.0-liter V8 mated to a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, the 416-horsepower sedan blasts to 60 mph in well under five seconds. But the stats only tell part of the tale. Do the sum of the IS F's parts make it a contender against the best from Germany and America? Let's find out.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Lexus IS F

Continue reading Review: 2009 Lexus IS F pursues perfection, might need more personality

Review: 2009 Lexus IS F pursues perfection, might need more personality originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Lexus launches new TV ads for IS C

John Neff — Tue, 19 May 2009 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Marketing/Advertising, Lexus

Lexus IS C commercials - Click above to watch after the jump

Not since Ice Cube and Mark Wahlberg famously argued in the movie Three Kings about whether or not Lexus made a convertible have we cared this much about the existence of a drop top from the italicized L gang. Check out our First Drive of the IS250 C and IS350 C published yesterday, however, and you'll realize that it's all relative. The IS C is a nice addition to Lexus' model lineup, but we're not sure we agree with the brand's new marketing campaign that attempts to highlight the car's "mischievous" side. Mischievous for Lexus? Maybe.

The new campaign is spearheaded by three new commercials that focus on the IS C itself and one that highlights the entire IS line. The tag line for the three IS C ads is "Live a little... a lot." Titled "Hop In", "Running" and "Look Out", the three new commercials are a bit strange for our tastes - not in WTF? way, more than an artsy fashion. Strangeness, however, may help disassociate the IS C from other Lexus models that have been pursuing perfection in TV ads for some time now. Check out all four commercials after the jump and let us know what you think in the comments.

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading VIDEO: Lexus launches new TV ads for IS C

VIDEO: Lexus launches new TV ads for IS C originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 May 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Lexus IS F Evolution coming next summer, not-for-U.S. price

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Lexus, Rumormill, Specialty

Progress to create a hotter, lighter Lexus IS F is ongoing, and according to recent reports from Japan, the IS F Evolution is slated to arrive in the summer of 2010.

Details on the Evolution are still unconfirmed, but as reported previously, Lexus is focusing more on weight reduction and handling than it is on power modifications. According to 7Tune, the harder IS F is likely to shed over 300 pounds, dropping the overall curb weight to around 3,400 pounds. Carbon fiber will be used extensively both inside and out, with more prominently blistered fenders fore and aft, and the costly weave used liberally throughout the interior, including the console and seats. Output will rise to around 422 hp and carbon-ceramic brakes are rumored to be fitted at all four corners. A total of 500 examples will be available worldwide, but with a price of around $250,000 U.S., most Evolutions will be sold in Japan.

If our green tea leaf reading is correct, we'd expect the Evolution to debut at the Tokyo Motor Show this year, although judging by the price, don't expect it to be available on U.S. shores.

[Source: 7Tune]

Rumormill: Lexus IS F Evolution coming next summer, not-for-U.S. price originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus IS F Evolution still rumored to be in the works

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Lexus

Lexus' attempt at a serious sports sedan has done its best to win hearts and minds, but that doesn't mean the IS F will soldier on unchanged through the economic Armageddon. Following up on a story that surfaced this time last year, Japan's Best Car magazine is reporting that although the Lexus IS F Evolution was initially delayed, Toyota is forging ahead with its hotter IS, and two test mules are currently undergoing testing across the Pacific.

Originally, the IS F Evolution was rumored to be packing a tweaked version of the 5.0-liter V8 putting out approximately 435 hp, however, Lexus has decided to keep the engine the same and instead focus on weight reduction, handling mods and brake upgrades.

The front and rear bumpers, along with the front fenders, will supposedly be swapped out with carbon fiber pieces, while wider wheels coated in 245/35R19 rubber in front and 275/30R19 in the rear will cover new carbon ceramic brakes. A few new exterior hues will be available, while the interior will benefit from even more carbon fiber and a set of matching Recaro bucket seats.

All told, Best Car estimates a weight reduction of around 300 pounds and a price upwards of $180,000, making the Lexus IS F Evolution a JDM-only affair.

[Source: Best Car via 7Tune]

Lexus IS F Evolution still rumored to be in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: 600 hp, twin-turbo Fox Marketing/Artisan Lexus IS-F

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Sedan, Lexus

UPDATE: We've added three more pics to the gallery showing off the blacked-out logos, grille, headlamps and color-matched front emblem.

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Fox/Artisan Lexus IS-F.

The 2009 Lexus IS-F is slated to get some serious attention at SEMA, and Fox Marketing and Artisan are out to prove that show and go aren't mutually exclusive.

The plan is to create an IS-F that has the power to match its presence, and to that end, Artisan developed a twin-turbo setup that huffs compressed oxygen into a 5.0-liter V8 equipped with JE pistons and Crower rods. With a Mishimoto radiator, an Artisan exhaust, a healthy amount of boost and a thorough tune, Artisan is estimating over 600 hp at the rear wheels.

Aesthetically, the team sought to compliment the stock IS-F's styling, so they've fitted a bespoke body kit consisting of custom front and rear bumpers, and a set of side-skirts that cleanly integrate into the blistered rear fenders. iForged rollers fill the wheel wells, sized 20x9.5-inches in front and 20x11.5-inches in the rear, and wrapped in Toyo T1R tires (255/35R20 front and 305/30R20 rear). The Glasurit Sunset Orange hue is courtesy of BASF, and according to Brian Fox, they'll be blacking out the headlamps, grille and emblems to tie everything together.

Artisan plans to have its IS-F exhaust on sale next month, and when we check out the Lexus booth this November, we'll be able to see Fox/Artisan's efforts in person, along with a handful of other tuned and tweaked IS-Fs.

Gallery: Fox Marketing/Artisan 2009 Lexus IS-F

SEMA Preview: 600 hp, twin-turbo Fox Marketing/Artisan Lexus IS-F originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus IS-F gets tuned by Wald

Dan Roth — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Lexus

Click above for gallery of the Wald IS-F

The extrovert of the entire Lexus lineup, the IS-F isn't light on visual or actual horsepower. Japan's Wald Tuning hasn't let that fact get in their way of releasing the Sports Line Black Bison bodykit. Wald's setup adds some visual aggression through an increase in the number of strakes and vents, as well as a trunklid spoiler. Doubtless, this get-up will add weight, possibly offering contradictory real-world performance from a vehicle that certainly looks like it should be fast. The amped-up visuals also help distract from the controversial fender gills, and the Black Bison package for the IS-F manages tack-on without being overly tacky. Well, maybe just a little tacky.

Gallery: Wald IS-F Black Bison

[Source: Inside Line]

Lexus IS-F gets tuned by Wald originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: WebRidesTV pits IS-F against RS4

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Audi, Lexus

Click above to view the WebRidesTV shootout.

It's tough to top Top Gear (as Gear producers are about to find out), but until Clarkson, Hamster and Captain Slow get back on schedule, the crew at WebRidesTV is back to cure our insatiable lust for all things automotive and in motion. Sure, it doesn't have TG's production value, but everything looks cooler with heavy vignetting.

This latest installment pits the Audi RS4 against the Lexus IS F, in what could be their best shootout to date. It's the battle of the middleweights and you can view the film in full after the jump.

Continue reading VIDEO: WebRidesTV pits IS-F against RS4

VIDEO: WebRidesTV pits IS-F against RS4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Tokyo Auto Salon: Lexus IS-F racer unveiled

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Japan, Lexus, Toyota, Tokyo Auto Salon

click above for high-res images of the IS F Racing Concept from TAS

Lexus quietly trotted out its IS-F Racing Concept last week at the Tokyo Auto Salon, but despite the official unveiling, more questions than answers remain about the future of the DTM-inspired sedan.

According to Winding Road, the racer was the brainchild of the IS-F's chief engineer, Yukihiko Yaguchi, who wanted to create a vehicle that further expanded the credentials of the IS-F. Unfortunately, when Peter Nunn questioned the Toyota folks about what plans it had for the concept, he was met with resounding silence.

Rumors are swirling that this particular concept is nothing more than a design study, with no intention of campaigning a similar IS-F competitively. However, Lexus is supposedly working on an IS-F to campaign in the SuperGT GT300 series in Japan, with the SC430-based racer soldiering on in the GT500 class. More surprising is that the IS-F currently being developed by the Japanese Bandoh team might be sporting a mid-engine configuration. We're not sure if that's going to sit well with SuperGT officials, but testing of the race car is expected to begin at Suzuka towards the end of February and we'll know more then.

Autoblog Chinese snapped off a handful of images of the IS-F Racing Concept in person while at the Tokyo Auto Salon and you can check them out in the gallery below.

[Source: Winding Road]

Gallery: Lexus IS F Racing Concept

2008 Tokyo Auto Salon: Lexus IS-F racer unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ALMS or DTM? More images of Lexus IS-F racer surface

Noah Joseph — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 10:26:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Europe, Lexus, Tokyo Auto Salon

click above to view more high-res images of the Team Lexus IS-F

No single car better demonstrates the determination of Lexus to stick it to the Germans than the IS-F. The high-performance sports sedan gives the BMW M3, Mercedes C63 AMG and Audi RS4 a real run for their ~~deutschemarks~~ euros. But Lexus isn't about to let it rest there. That is, not if the rumors are to be believed.

A few days ago we brought you a preview image of the IS-F Racing Concept, which Lexus is bringing to its home-court Tokyo Auto Salon later this week. But while it certainly looks the part, emerging reports now suggest that the concept is no mere concept at all, but that Lexus is actually planning on using it to compete in Germany's domestic (and both highly popular and ultra-competitive) DTM touring car series. The rumors are fueled by the image you see above, posted mysteriously on TeamLexus.com. If the reports turn out to be true, the IS-F could find itself trading paint with race-prepped AMG Mercedes C-Classes and Audi A4s before long.

However a seemingly conflicting report suggests that the racing IS-F pictured above is actually a GT2 car destined to succeed the previous IS300-based racer that Lexus campaigned in the 2006 American Le Mans Series (ALMS). Enough differences exist between the dark concept headed for Tokyo and the orange one in the new images to allow for the possibility that Lexus could be relentlessly pursuing perfection in two distinct classes with racers based on the same sports sedan. Check out the images in the gallery below for more angles.

[Source: IS-F Insider]

Gallery: Team Lexus IS-F

ALMS or DTM? More images of Lexus IS-F racer surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus IS-F Racing Concept coming to Tokyo Auto Salon

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 15:51:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Lexus, Tokyo Auto Salon

Lexus is gearing up for next week's Tokyo Auto Salon and has released a teaser image on its preview site showing the Super GT SC430 and the IS-F Racing Concept. Lexus hasn't released any details about the DTM-esque racer, but from the looks of its massively flared wheel arches, comically large diffusers and righteous wing, it's all business with a side of flash. Where Lexus might campaign such a vehicle is open to speculation and we'd encourage you to do just that in the comments below.

[Source: Lexus via World Car Fans]

Lexus IS-F Racing Concept coming to Tokyo Auto Salon originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Jan 2008 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Enter the Rumormill: Lexus developing lightweight, 429-hp IS-F/R

Noah Joseph — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Lexus

FiveAxis Lexus IS-F at the 2007 LA Auto Show

When Lexus set out to target the likes of the BMW M3, Audi RS4 and Mercedes C63 AMG with its spankin' new IS-F, they weren't kidding. The V8 super-sedan turned out to be an astonishing departure for the Japanese luxury brand that cut its teeth on rock-solid reliability and luxurious comfort. Not content resting on its laurels, rumors are surfacing that Toyota is hard at work preparing an even more extreme variant, being dubbed in the motoring press as the IS-F/R.

Reports have Lexus tweaking an extra 12 horsepower and 4 lb-ft of torque out of the Yamaha-sourced 417-hp/372 lb-ft, 5.0-liter V8 for an increased output of 429 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. A modest increase, it would seem, until you look at the targeted 220-lb weight reduction. And as we all know, a little more power unburdened by significantly less weight is a winning formula. Just ask the likes of the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, Lamborghini Gallardo SUperleggera, Porsche 911 GT2 et al.

The rumored price of admission? A whopping 11 million yen in Japan, compared to the 7.7 million yen for what suddenly looks by comparison like a rather ordinary "standard" IS-F. Pursuit of Perfection, indeed.

[Source: Winding Road]

Enter the Rumormill: Lexus developing lightweight, 429-hp IS-F/R originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2007: Lexus IS-F gets FiveAxified

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, LA Auto Show, Tuners, Sedan, Lexus

Click the image above for a high-res gallery of the FiveAxis Lexus IS-F

We've berated the styling of the Lexus IS-F at length, but throw the Southern California team over at FiveAxis into the mix and we're ready to drive it out the front doors of the LA Auto Show. The combination of a custom six-inch wide body kit, Satin Black Pearl Paint and Satin Bronze accents make this IS-F a sports sedan we'd be happy to roll in. The installation of FiveAxis' own custom 20-inch wheels (20x8.5 in front and 20x10.5 out back), swathed in the same bronze hue as the ducting, diffusers and exhausts, ties everything together, and the lowered ride height provided by the Tein adjustable coilovers brings it all down to earth, literally.

Performance is aided by a custom exhaust system and what FiveAxis is calling a "Stage 2" engine package. What that means is beyond us, but we're sure it's got potential. Slowing those undefined extra horses is a set of Brembos at all four corners: 380 mm discs with six-piston calipers up front and 345 mm plates grabbed by two-piston calipers in the rear.

Gallery: FiveAxis Lexus IS-F

LA 2007: Lexus IS-F gets FiveAxified originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus IS-F design to influence F-lineup, even though it ain't pretty

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 19:34:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Lexus

Lexus has received its fair share of flack for the styling of the new IS-F sports sedan. The gaping gills and misshapen snout - the most radical exterior elements - have done little to distinguish itself from its lesser brethren, and the interior is largely unchanged, save a few badges and trim pieces.

Lexus execs have recognized that more has to be done to separate the performance brand from the run-of-the-mill models, but even so, they maintain that the IS-F will serve as the design template from which other F-badged offerings will be based.

Toyota Motor Corp.'s design chief, Wahei Hirai, admitted that Lexus' aim of competing with the AMGs and Ms of the world would take a different tact than its Germanic rivals. Hirai is quoted by Wards as saying that "They appreciate consistency, or continuity, very much. We like to make (our vehicles) a different way." Difference for difference sake is rarely a good thing, and the IS-F may have already proven that fact.

[Source: Wards]

Gallery: Lexus IS-F

Lexus IS-F design to influence F-lineup, even though it ain't pretty originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Nov 2007 19:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pull my dyno - Automobile puts the IS-F on the rollers

Dan Roth — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Technology, Lexus

Lexus is billing the IS-F as "Everything you thought we weren't," and the potential is certainly there. The engine bay is filled with 5 liters of 4-valve V8 putting out 416 horsepower and 371 pound-feet of torque. The Minilite-esque wheels hide a Brembo braking system with six piston front calipers and cross-drilled rotors 14.2 inches in diameter. The sill extensions wrap up the front fenders to form a styling detail reminiscent of extractor vents, and the rest of the body has been tweaked in the wind tunnel to improve high speed aerodynamics. It all sounds good when you read the spec sheet, and the car does at least look aggressive . What everyone's dying to know, though, is "has Lexus done it this time?" Automobile magazine had the same burning curiosity, and they just also happened to have an IS-F sitting in their lot.

In no time, they headed over to their local Dynojet. The result? Well, they're a little disappointed, and they're calling the torque delivery peaky. Looking at the dyno graph, we're not sure we'd agree entirely with that assessment. There's at least 225 lb-feet at the wheels from 1,800 rpm, topping out at 318 lb-ft. First, let's point out that 15 percent torque loss through a drivetrain including an eight speed automatic is pretty phenomenal. Secondly, the torque curve is pretty fat below the peak. What is surprising to everyone, though, is the way the power drops off precipitously on the other side of the 5,200 rpm peak. You'd think an engine with 4-cams and Yamaha-designed cylinder heads would be a revver. Of course, there are lies, damn lies, and statistics and these dyno results are sure to kick up some debate. What still remains to be seen is how the entire package works when pitted against its bogeyed competition. For that, we must still wait.

[Source: Automobile, photo: Automobile]

Pull my dyno - Automobile puts the IS-F on the rollers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Oct 2007 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Neiman Marcus "Special Build" Lexus IS-F

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Lexus

Even though we just turned over our Jessica Alba calendar to October, Lexus is proclaiming that the holiday season is right around the bend. In keeping with tradition, the L-finesse'd automaker is teaming up with Neiman Marcus to offer its own special holiday edition ride to trust fund kids and recent divorcees in the form of the Lexus IS-F "Special Build."

For those of you in a higher tax bracket and smitten with the new 400 HP sedan, the duo is offering a limited run of 50 IS-F "Special Builds" that come swathed in an Obsidian black paint job, perforated leather seats with white stitching and an "F" logo embossed into the headrests. The steering wheel gets white leather accents and when you're not up to enjoying the burble from the 5.0-liter V8, you can bask in your favorite Barry Manilow hit album through a Mark Levinson premium surround system with nav and Bluetooth connectivity.

Lexus and Neiman Marcus realizes that deep pockets and driving talent have a tendency to be mutually exclusive, so included for your $68,000 is travel and lodging for buyers to attend a complimentary course from Skip Barber. They're taking orders beginning at noon on Thursday, October 18th, so get your platinum card ready and kick off the holiday season right.

Top tip Tony!

[Source: Lexus, Neiman Marcus]

Continue reading Neiman Marcus "Special Build" Lexus IS-F

Neiman Marcus "Special Build" Lexus IS-F originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Oct 2007 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Lexus IS-F doing things no other Lexus has done before

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 17:05:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Videos, Lexus

Lexus = luxury. That's been the traditional equation, and rather sedate luxury at that. The IS is more fun, certainly, but it's not really a monster-revving tire smoker -- at least, not before it's been fettled. (I don't know what the means either - Ed.) It appears, though, that as Lexus works to broaden its image with true sports car credentials, a lot of tires are going to meet their ends to make the point. The video above is seventy-eight seconds of tire-smoking drift and spin, courtesy of an IS-F at Laguna Seca. If this is what the IS-F does... well, then the LF-A should be a whole lotta fun. Follow the link to see the video.

[Source: You Tube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Lexus IS-F doing things no other Lexus has done before

VIDEO: Lexus IS-F doing things no other Lexus has done before originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Sep 2007 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IS madness at Laguna Seca: Lexus IS-F flogged

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 18:34:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Lexus

Lexus seems to be pretty confident about the capabilities of its new IS-F, otherwise it wouldn't have allowed members of Club Lexus to unrelenting flog its newest entrant into the sport-sedan segment at Laguna Seca this past week.

The lucky participants posted a number of photos taken at the event, as the Lexus-lovers perpetrated all kinds of high-speed hoonage on the new 3-series fighter. You can check out more images over at the Car Lounge, here.

[Source: The Car Lounge via 0-60]

IS madness at Laguna Seca: Lexus IS-F flogged originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Aug 2007 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brembo lands Lexus IS-F brake deal

John Neff — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Lexus, Toyota

click above image for high-res pics of the Lexus IS-F

When the Lexus IS-F debuted at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, it was wearing a set of black painted calipers branded with the Lexus name. When the car officially goes on sale in the second quarter of 2008, it will be wearing a set of gold painted Brembos. Toyota has officially cut a deal with big name brake manufacturer Brembo to supply the stopping power for its high-performance IS-F sedan. It's the first time Toyota and Brembo have partnered, which makes sense considering the only car from Toyota that could go fast enough to require big-name braking power was probably the last generation Supra.

Of course, having your car wear Brembos isn't just about achieving excellent stopping distances, it's also about getting the Brembo name on your calipers, which carries a lot of weight with performance-minded consumers. With this deal, Toyota will be infusing the Lexus IS-F with some instanst cachet right out of the gate, though there are plenty of other areas in which the car will need to perform well to earn its stripes.

[Source: just-auto, sub. req'd]

Gallery: Lexus IS-F

Brembo lands Lexus IS-F brake deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Apr 2007 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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