Skip advert
Advertisement

Lexus IS: Lexus targets M3

IS to get 5-litre V8 with over 400bhp

Lexus IS

We’ve always said that the Lexus IS could do with more power, and the company has answered our prayers with the IS-F, complete with a 400bhp-plus 5-litre V8. The cylinder count and power output should, on paper at least, put it head to head with the next generation, V8-engined BMW M3, not to mention the Audi RS4.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Development of the hotrod Lexus was conducted both at the Nürburgring and at the Fuji Speedway, the circuit that hosts the Japanese Grand Prix, presumably so that the marketeers can make the most of Toyota’s motorsport connections.

The rear-drive IS-F is claimed to hit 60mph in ‘less than 4.9sec’ and boasts the world’s first production eight-speed automatic gearbox. Apparently you will be able to turn off all the electronic driver aids, although as the car’s principal market will be litigation-mad America, you do wonder if that means ‘completely disable’.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Aston Martin Vantage (1993 - 2000) review – Britain's 550bhp hand-built muscle car
Aston Martin Vantage V550 – front
Reviews

Aston Martin Vantage (1993 - 2000) review – Britain's 550bhp hand-built muscle car

One of Aston Martin's last true hand-built models, the ludicrous twin-supercharged Vantage was a muscle car crossed with a stately home
24 Apr 2025
Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 2025 review – 'N0' tyre makes Porsche GT3 RS a wet weather weapon
Michelin GT3 RS tyre
Reviews

Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 2025 review – 'N0' tyre makes Porsche GT3 RS a wet weather weapon

Michelin has developed a wet and cold weather tyre for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS and it’s brilliant
23 Apr 2025
Porsche 911 Carrera S 2025 review – a 473bhp BMW M4 CS fighter
Porsche 911 Carrera S – pictures
Reviews

Porsche 911 Carrera S 2025 review – a 473bhp BMW M4 CS fighter

A new Carrera S has arrived with supercar-baiting pace and a £120k starting price – is it the sweet spot of the 992.2 range?
25 Apr 2025