Autoblog

Will the next-gen Lexus IS F have a twin-turbo V6?

Michael Harley — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Lexus, Rumormill

The Lexus IS F, Japan's answer to the European BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C63, has been with us since its introduction at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. The first-generation sedan is fitted with the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 (2UR-GSE) from Toyota, a powerplant shared with the hybrid Lexus LS 600h. Tuned by Yamaha, the engine is rated at 416 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 371 pound-feet of torque at 5,200. Mated to a wet eight-speed automatic, the current rear-wheel drive IS is good for a 0-60 sprint in about 4.6 seconds.

But natural aspiration and big displacement is so last year. BMW has confirmed that the next-generation M3 will drop its V8 in favor of a turbocharged inline-six, and it is just a matter of time before the C63 drops its naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 for the automaker's twin-turbo 5.5-liter. Both engines will supply gobs of enthusiast-pleasing torque down low, and much better fuel efficiency - trademarks of today's advanced forced-induction engines.

The replacement is reportedly much larger than the current IS (with a dashboard inspired by the Lexus LFA supercar), and the new sedan will need to meet or exceed the power of its Euro rivals to be competitive. That means 450 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, assuming the rivals hold power at their current levels.

We recently asked Lexus about rumors that the next-generation IS F will follow the same path. While nobody would confirm that the range-topping successor would have a smaller turbocharged engine, the executives admitted with a sly smile that such an approach does have its advantages. They didn't need to say more.

As Lexus doesn't have an obvious turbocharged solution in its current lineup, what do you think will end up under the hood in 2014? And, now that Toyota and BMW have inked a new collaboration, what about the possibility of Lexus borrowing a BMW-sourced engine for its next-gen IS F (much like the Subaru deal for the Scion FR-S)? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Will the next-gen Lexus IS F have a twin-turbo V6? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus IS F Convertible wings in to the 'Ring

Zach Bowman — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Lexus, Luxury

Behold our first clear look at what could be a Lexus IS F Convertible. This retractable hardtop version of the high-performance IS F sedan has just been spotted pounding around the Nürburgring by our spy shooters, complete with a full suite of go faster aesthetic tweaks. The drophead wears the same aggressive front fascia and flared bodywork as the four-door model we know and love, though with a new, huge rear wing and more angled stacked exhaust tips. At this point, we don't know whether this is a one-off creation for some wealthy European banker or if Lexus is actually planning to throw 416 horsepower into the IS C chassis.

Most retractable hardtop convertibles are inherently saddled with design compromises, and to our eyes, the standard IS Convertible hasn't escaped that trap. With a long, awkward-looking trunk deck and unflattering greenhouse, the machine could use some aesthetic polishing, as the performance visuals seen here don't really fix the issue for us. Here's hoping those ails get sorted before the model makes it to market.

Lexus IS F Convertible wings in to the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jul 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch Lexus SEMA showcars get crushed

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 28 May 2012 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Etc., Videos, Lexus

Anyone familiar with the annual SEMA show should recognize the name Fox Marketing. After all, the company shows up to the tuning show in Las Vegas every year with an interesting creation or two. But now, we're going to watch two of those modded vehicles meet their demise.

In the video, Brian Fox talks about the two vehicles being sent to the crusher - a twin-turbocharged Lexus IS F and special IS C - saying that all manufacturers crush their media fleet vehicles. That's not entirely true, though. Yes, many press vehicles are crushed, but they're commonly of the pre-production sort or are simply cars that were never issued VINs. Show cars, like these SEMA one-offs, are usually crushed, as well.

Scroll down to see the action unfold, though we recommend jumping ahead to the 2:00 mark - that's where things start to get interesting. Click through the gallery below, as well, to see some still shots from Fox Marketing's day at the crusher.

Continue reading Watch Lexus SEMA showcars get crushed

Watch Lexus SEMA showcars get crushed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 May 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Lexus IS F [w/video]

Michael Harley — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Lexus, New Car Reviews

New Updates Soften Japan's Super Sedan

Mid-course corrections are a common occurrence when speaking about high-flying commercial aircraft and oceangoing freighters - both are often pushed off track by errant winds and powerful currents. But when it comes to automobiles, a mid-course correction can be a sign that something was wrong the moment a new model was unveiled.

The Lexus IS F was introduced at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. The compact, high-performance sports sedan was a fresh Japanese alternative to the Audi RS4, BMW M3, Cadillac CTS-V and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. Yet, despite a full suite of performance enhancements that lifted it above and well beyond the standard IS, the 416-horsepower rear-wheel-drive sedan arrived lacking the refinement and performance to properly battle its competition.

Lexus reviewed the situation, noted it was not on the proper path and made a series of corrections this past year. The 2011 IS-F four-door boasts a host of improvements, both inside and out, promising a smoother ride, better handling, improved ergonomics and a freshened exterior. So is the Lexus IS F firmly back on track?

Continue reading 2011 Lexus IS F [w/video]

2011 Lexus IS F [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus IS F Circuit Club Sport Package comes into focus

Zach Bowman — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Sedan, Performance, Etc., Lexus, Luxury

Lexus has turned its already fast IS F over to the go-fast guys at Toyota Racing Development. The finished product is the IS F Circuit Club Sport, and the sport sedan wears a wide range of aero and mechanical improvements. We've known this model was coming for some time thanks to a 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon concept and details spouted late this summer, but these photos provide our best look yet at this touring-car-like model.

Outside, engineers have fitted the IS F with a new front spoiler, rear diffuser and hood, all of which are fabricated from weight-saving carbon fiber. You may have also noticed the vehicle's sizable rear wing. A performance damper kit is also part of the package, offering buyers two separate settings that independently adjustable compression. The luxury bruiser also comes equipped with lightweight forged aluminum wheels, though magnesium rollers are also available.

Mechanically, the IS F Circuit Club Sport Package utilizes a TRD limited-slip differential as well as a TRD big brake kit. At this point, there's no word on how much the package will cost or when it will be available. We aren't even sure American buyers will be able to sink their teeth into the factory-bred racer, so stay tuned.

Lexus IS F Circuit Club Sport Package comes into focus originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus lines up LFA against IS F on UK track

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 20 May 2011 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Videos, Lexus, UK

Lexus supercar versus super sedan - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Lexus UK finally has its first LFA on the Queen's home turf. Rather than take it on a glam tour by propping it up in shiny showrooms, Lexus is taking it to the track. It's also bringing along a camera to record the sights and sounds that come along with the two-door supercar.

Recently, the LFA lined up at the Bruntingthorpe Proving Grounds alongside its sibling, the Lexus IS F and both were put through the requisite paces. Unfortunately for the IS F, however, its dulcet exhaust tone was drowned out by the banshee wail spewed forth from the tri-tipped rear of the LFA. Click past the jump to revel in the noise.

Continue reading Lexus lines up LFA against IS F on UK track

Lexus lines up LFA against IS F on UK track originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 May 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota and Lexus show off at Tokyo Auto Salon

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Coupe, Sedan, Hatchback, Lexus, Toyota, Tokyo Auto Salon, Design/Style

Lexus F-Sport CT200h - Click above for high-res image gallery

You've seen the Toyota GRMN iQ Racing Concept (lucky you!), and now it's time to divert your attention towards the rest of the Japanese automaker's wares being shown off at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

First up is the Toyota Prius G Sports Concept, which features the kind of gaping maw only the Mama Cylon could love. Rounding out Toyota's offerings is the TRD Auris GT Concept, which we think actually looks kinda nifty with its subdued body kit and blindingly bright yellow paint.

Lexus wasn't left out of the proceedings either, and its machines are arguably more interesting than its mothership's. There's the F-Sport CT 200h (a future production model) taking center stage with its unique alloy wheels, body kit and Recaro seats, which is joined by the IS F Club Circuit Sports Racer and a set of Club Performance Accessories for the IS F that include front and rear spoilers and a carbon fiber hood.

Last but certainly not least is the Gazoo Racing Lexus LFA supercar that raced at last year's Nürburgring 24 Hours race. See both sets of vehicular craziness in our high-res image galleries below, then check out all the details in the press releases after the break.

Gallery: Toyota at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon

Gallery: Lexus at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota and Lexus show off at Tokyo Auto Salon

Toyota and Lexus show off at Tokyo Auto Salon originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Lexus LS460 Sport Package is F-ing with perfection

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Lexus, First Drives, Luxury

2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Lexus introduced the IS F, enthusiasts were suitably skeptical about the automaker's attempt to go head-to-head with the Germans. After all, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have specialized in creating autobahn-burning, Nordschleife-honed handlers for decades.

And then we drove it.

To everyone's surprise, Lexus pulled it off, but we figured it might be a one-time deal. We assumed the IS F was an outlier - just a distraction from the brand's cadre of well-built, less-than-sporty luxo-barges. We were wrong.

In the footsteps of the IS F was the introduction of the F-Sport accessories line, followed by rumors of a GS F and finally the LFA supercar. Lexus was becoming increasingly serious about making a mark in the luxury performance space, but on its own terms and at its own calculated pace.

Flash forward to October when a press release arrived touting a new Sport Package for the upcoming 2010 LS460. To be honest, our first thought was Lexus was overreaching. The LS is a fine sedan, with plenty of power and a reasonably good balance of ride and handling. But a sports sedan it's not. No matter. If Lexus was threatening to "F" up its LS with a "Sport" package, we needed to put it to the test. And we did just that.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Lexus LS460 Sport Package is F-ing with perfection

First Drive: 2010 Lexus LS460 Sport Package is F-ing with perfection originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Lexus preparing soft-top SC430 successor

Noah Joseph — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Lexus, Rumormill

2009 Lexus SC430 Pebble Beach Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

While the Lexus IS C is enjoying strong early sales and the luxury Toyota marque prepares to launch a version with the 5.0-liter V8 from the IS F, the top-of-the-line SC 430 grows increasingly irrelevant and long-in-the-tooth. However, contrary to reports that surfaced this time last year - 'tis the season for convertibles, after all - Lexus is indeed planning a successor to the range-topping coupe-cabrio.

Reports indicate that, far from the IS C replacing the aging SC 430, a clean-slate successor to the big roadster is in the planning stages. Because the SC has been around so long, Toyota's designers and engineers are reportedly going back to the drawing board. What they're apparently coming up with eschews the current model's complex folding hard top - one of the first on the market after the Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 Spyder and Mercedes SLK - in favor of a simpler, lighter folding soft top.

With a new SC 430, an IS F convertible and a potential LF-A roadster all in the pipeline, the forecast looks sunny for Lexus.

[Source: Car and Driver]

REPORT: Lexus preparing soft-top SC430 successor originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:58:00 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, New Car 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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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: Lexus reveals four tuned IS Fs, IS 350 and LX570

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:02:00 EST

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

Click any image for a high-res gallery

Lexus decided that its presence at SEMA should revolve around its most tuner-friendly models, specifically its range of IS sedans. So in addition to the Five Axis IS F that's been making the rounds since late last year, Lexus has tapped some notable names in tuning, along with a few magazines, to create a handful of bespoke vehicles to populate its booth. But the IS 350 and four tweaked IS Fs won't stand alone. They'll be joined by another Five Axis creation built around the GS 460, along with an LX 570 SUV created by the crew at Icon 4x4 Design.

Click here for our take on each model, along with official details on each IS F, the Lexus' F-sport-tuned IS 350 and the big 'ute.

Gallery: Lexus at SEMA 2008

Continue reading SEMA Preview: Lexus reveals four tuned IS Fs, IS 350 and LX570

SEMA Preview: Lexus reveals four tuned IS Fs, IS 350 and LX570 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: Lexus GS 460 by Five Axis

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:27:00 EST

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

Click above for a high-res image of the Five Axis Lexus GS 460

Lexus is gearing up for a big showing at SEMA. In addition to bringing four tuned IS Fs, including one from our friends at 0-60 magazine and another from Fox Marketing/Artisan Performance, long-time Toyota collaborator, Five Axis, will be debuting a heavily reworked GS 460 in Vegas.

Also on hand will be IS Fs from Import Tuner/Tein and MotorworldHype, along with an ICON-designed LX 570 sporting serious off-road upgrades, an IS 350 kitted out with F-Sport accessories and a prototype body kit, plus the 2009 IS F with a handful of upgrades and a new interior color. Hit the jump for all the details.

Gallery: Fox Marketing/Artisan 2009 Lexus IS-F

Continue reading SEMA Preview: Lexus GS 460 by Five Axis

SEMA Preview: Lexus GS 460 by Five Axis originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:27:00 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 Performance Driving School: Dates are available and the price is right

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Lexus, First Drives

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

The introduction of the IS F proved that Lexus was serious about taking on its Germanic counterparts, but it's taking another page out of the BMW and Audi playbook by beginning to offer a high-performance driving experience to prospective owners. The Lexus Performance Driving Academy has announced dates and locations for 2008, giving attendees a choice of two courses to suit their needs and pocketbooks.

The first course consists of a two-hour session that puts you behind the wheel of the IS250, IS350, GS460, GS450h and the IS F. These basic sessions are available on Saturday and Sunday and here's the kicker: it's free. If you're willing to take a Friday off, you can upgrade to the "Ultimate" session that puts you behind the wheel of the IS F for a half-day, and includes your basic chalk talk (racing lines, grip dynamics, etc.), a team time attack, timed autocross session and a lead/follow exercise around the racetrack. Not a bad deal for $295.

Four tracks are available, including the Autobahn Circuit in Joliet, Illinois; the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California; the Summit Point Motorsports Park in West Virginia; and the Atlanta Motor Speedway, in Hampton, Georgia. You can head over to the Lexus Performance Driving Academy website for all the details.

Gallery: Lexus IS-F

Lexus Performance Driving School: Dates are available and the price is right originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:27:00 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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