LEXUS REVEALS PERFORMANCE SHOW-STOPPERS IN DETROIT
Lexus unveiled the IS-F high-performance luxury sedan and the LF-A sports-car concept at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.The all-new 2008 IS-F high-performance luxury sedan will deliver more than 400 horsepower from a 5.0-litre V8 engine when it goes into production.
The LF-A sports-car concept is equipped with a V10 engine that produces more than 500 horsepower.
Together, the two exciting new cars make a dramatic statement of Lexus performance.
Lexus, known for building elegant luxury sedans, is moving into the high-speed sports car market with the new IS-F.
The IS-F is based on the company's successful IS sedan's underpinnings.
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 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 car goes from zero to sixty miles per hour in less than five seconds and has large four-wheel disc brakes.
It also has an eight-speed automatic/manual transmission. The IS-F features an all-new three-mode version of Lexus' Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system.
In addition to the Normal mode, the new VDIM features a Sport mode that allows the driver to push the car even further before its braking, throttle and steering-control systems kick in.
The third VDIM system mode is Off, which allows the driver to push the IS-F to its ultimate level of handling performance.
The attention to performance is complemented by modified styling cues that differentiate the IS-F from the standard IS.
Lexus engineers provided the IS-F with a dual-exhaust system and quad tail pipes, wider front fenders, and a larger grille and rear spoiler.
Both the hood and lower intake were enlarged to accommodate and cool the V8 engine.
Like the exterior, the interior of the IS-F features unique styling with aluminised composite trim and special surface treatments.
In addition to the usual Lexus standards of comfort and convenience, the interior of the IS-F features specially shaped and trimmed seats which hold the driver comfortably and securely in place.
The special sport seats are available in black or a unique high-contrast white and black trim.
"The intent of creating the IS-F was not to be a competitor to other performance-sport sedans," said Bob Carter, Lexus group vice president and general manager.
"Rather, the goal was to create a true performance sedan in a uniquely Lexus way, one that is totally authentic, with a unique interpretation of raw driving thrill at all speeds, and provides a whole new definition of 'useable power'."
Lexus, the top-selling luxury brand in the United States, also unveiled the LF-A sports car concept that it said was closer to a future production version compared with the pure-concept LF-A that debuted two years ago.
The two-seater sports car with a 500-horsepower V10 engine, can reach top speeds of around 321 kilometres per hour.