Lexus IS-F to Star at Oz Motor Show
July 18, 2007 by George Skentzos
The Lexus IS-F performance sedan that stole the limelight at the North American International Motor Show in Detroit earlier this year will star on the Lexus stand at the Australian International Motor Show in October.
The IS-F is set to become Lexus’ premier performance sedan when it arrives in Australia in 2008. The spec sheet more than grants it performance car status, based on the proven rear-wheel-drive Lexus IS platform, it will feature a performance-tuned 5.0-litre V8 engine, expected to produce approximately 300kW and more than 470Nm of torque.
The gearbox is something else altogether as the IS-F will premier the world’s first eight-speed (yes, eight) direct sport-shift transmission, able to change gears in 0.1 seconds – a mere 0.05 seconds slower than gear changes in a Formula One car. This should send the IS-F to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds from a standing start – although the all important top speed is currently unknown – with eight gears to run out, it will certainly be impressive.
With all this power comes great responsibility. This is taken care of by specially designed Lexus-emblazoned Brembo brakes – six-piston up front, two piston down back – chomping down onto 361mm and 345mm cross-drilled front discs respectively.
Lexus Australia divisional manager John Roca said the IS-F would inspire a new breed of Lexus owner, one who demands superior build quality and comfort, combined with the ultimate in performance.
“The IS-F will bring to Lexus a range of new customers, particularly those who drive their vehicles not just during the working week but for pleasure on the weekends. The IS-F will kick off the Lexus ‘F’ range of vehicles and is expected to be joined by the LF-A concept vehicle in the future,”
Print it: 
A loverly vehicle.Period
Looks nice, will hammer, and cheaper than the 3-stooges out of Germany
WIN WIN WIN Situation!
The Lexus IS350 in the states (we don’t get it here) powered by the very smooth 3.5lt six goes from 0-100 in 4.9 secs. So this V8 insane beast should be faster than the 4.9secs you quote. Low 4s I’m guessing – which is nuts.
I’d be happy if Lexus just brought the IS350 over here. It rates better than the 3.5lt V6 Accord Euro and G35 Skyline/Infiniti (both cars/engines they don’t let us have).
They only pay around US $40K for it too! Imagine that with the current US->Aus $ exchange rate of 87c! We get so ripped off down under.
How true christiaan we are being ripped off with so many taxes on cars would loved to have the IS350 but was not avallable when i bought my IS250 they need the IS350 because the price gap between the IS250 and IS-F is too great,i think the IS350 is comming after the IS-F hope so IF lexus wants to compete with bmw they need more models.
Yeah the IS250 is alittle disappointing in the performance department something the IS350 picks up on.
Wow, a performance Lexus which will really capitalise on Toyota’s dominating success in F1 . . . oops, they haven’t won a race . . . ever.
Don’t laugh Matthew, you are talking about the world’s largest AND most successful car company. Do you think those guys in Japan play to loose?
The F for fast Lexus cars will soon overrun the arrogant Germans and once they’re ahead – the gap will get even wider!
That’s not to say I don’t like German engineering but they have been milking buyers for years due to clever image marketing – which works in materialistic western cultures.
Doesn’t work too well in the Buddhist communities though!
Lexus has grown to become one of the world’s most renouned and respected automotive company and rightfully so.
Their new and upcoming projects are sure to offer alot of sting while thier hybrid derivates have proven to be very successful. i also have absolute confidance that the IS-F and LF-A supercars will be amoung some of the very best that money can buy.
Personally – i believe Lexus will eventually evolve to become the world’s most renouned automotive company but i guess time will be the only judge of that. The IS250 in Australia has earn’t itsefl alot of respect and the IS350 would defantly be a highly regarded sports car. It is my understand that is has a 232kw direct injected derivative of the 3.5 v6 donk that powers the Toyota Aurion and that sort of output in a relatively small car like the IS would be excellant without considering what a 300kw 5.0 v8/8 speed would be like.
I’LL TAKE A LEXUS ANY DAY…
mmm bring on the IS-F and the IS350