NEW IS-F & LF-A MODELS MAKE WORLD DEBUT AT DETROIT

Lexus unveiled the IS-F high-performance luxury sedan and the LF-A sports-car concept during a press conference on 8 January at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

The IS-F is an all-new high-performance version of the popular Lexus IS 250 sport sedan. The new model features unique styling and a substantial boost in power from a V8 powerplant. The car is expected to be available in Europe during 2008. The IS-F will deliver more than 300 kW (400+ bhp) from a 5.0-litre V8 engine when it goes into production.

The LF-A supercar concept is equipped with a V10 engine that produces more than 370 kW (495+ bhp) of power. Together, the two exciting new cars make a dramatic statement of Lexus performance.

IS-F Performance Sedan

Much of the development of the new IS-F took place at Fuji Speedway and the Higashi-Fuji Technical Centre in Japan. The IS-F is based on the proven rear-wheel-drive Lexus IS, which is equipped with a double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension. As well as the IS performs, Lexus engineers demanded much more of the all-new IS-F. The result is a performance tuned 5.0-litre V8 engine, topped with specially engineered heads fed by a two-stage intake system, that produces over 300 kW (400+ bhp) of output.

The IS-F engine is mated to the world's first eight-speed direct sport-shift transmission. A new torque-converter lock-up control was developed that allows for a direct, crisp gear change through the constant lock-up of the torque converter in second through to eighth gears. In Drive mode, the IS-F transmission performs with great smoothness, and the torque converter allows for great launch ability for fast standing-start acceleration that propels the car from 0-100 km/h (0 - 62 mph) in less than 4.9 seconds.

LF-A Sports Car Concept

The LF-A sports-car concept was originally shown at the 2005 NAIAS to express a bold new direction in styling for the Lexus brand. The goals for the new LF-A are no different from the original concept: To build a supercar with world-class performance that is uniquely Lexus.

As with all new Lexus vehicles, the styling of the LF-A is rooted in the L-finesse design direction. The concept of L-finesse is used to shape and detail the original LF-A, and it was used to reshape, re-detail and redefine this latest version. Lexus has further refined the styling of the new LF-A to enhance its exotic nature with a greater use of curved surfaces and interesting details.

The running gear of the LF-A is just as it was with the original, powered by a high-revving V10 engine. Its front mid-engine placement, along with a rear-mounted transaxle and rear-mounted radiators, allows for excellent weight distribution. The horsepower, superior aerodynamics, and revised styling make a top speed of 300+ km/h (215+ mph) not only possible but probable.