Lexus IS-F (2007): first official pictures

By Ben Oliver

First Official Pictures

08 January 2007 09:22

So Lexus reckons it can do quick as well as quiet?

The IS-F is the first in a series of F-badged performance cars with which Lexus hopes to take on Merc's AMG and BMW's M division. It was one of the few cars at Detroit that hadn't been seen before its unveil slot. While it might struggle to beat the established players at its first attempt, Lexus hasn't sent the IS-F into battle under-equipped. Its 5.0-litre V8 produces 400bhp and 350lb ft of torque, and is good for 60mph in 4.9sec. It gets an eight-speed automatic gearbox with paddle-shifters and 14-inch six-pot Brembo brakes.

Not with styling like that. After 17 years of majoring on refinement, the IS-F is all visual aggression. There are 19-inch rims by BBS, major changes to the bonnet and nose to cram in that V8, a wide-boy bodykit and very distinctive quad exhaust pipes. Inside there's an oil temperature gauge, change-up lights and black-and-white leather trim on the bespoke sports seats.

By Ben Oliver