this is a quote taken from the guy who gave us info on the IS-F and new LX

"I received a little more information today. The performance division of Lexus will be "F", as in IS-F and GS-F. The IS-F will look distinctive to a "regular" IS, more so than an M3 to a 3-series.
Speculation is that the GS430 will not be replaced by a GS460 but instead with a GS-F with the same 5.0L V8 from the IS-F. It would also get a body upgrade in the process."

from CSS
http://www.carspyshots.net/zerothread?id=15350&postid=361961#361961

That sounds promising :thumbup:

I knew it! It would've otherwise made no sense to produce a GS460 when the IS has a 5.0L. Good to see Lexus stepping up the game. Hopefully they'll not just swap in a bigger engine but tune everything for much sportier performance--chassis, suspension, steering, etc. The F cars won't get any credentials unless Lexus properly does so. A manual gearbox will help too, but that's probably asking for too much.:p

Also, I wonder what they really mean by the letter F. The Evo FQ series comes to mind, but that's because it has a Q after the F to make sense out of it. Personally I think the IS-F probably means "IS-Fight!" or "IS-Fighter", but still an unusual letter.

I don't think it makes much sense at all for a GS-F to share the 5.0 V8 of the IS-F & call it a "performance division car", it will get trounced even in straight line acceleration by the V10 M5, the E63, & the RS6.:egads:

Either they don't make a high performance GS-F at all, or they should make it a V10 with 500+hp (with a version of the V10 developed for the LF-A ? ) . . .

I don't think it makes much sense at all for a GS-F to share the 5.0 V8 of the IS-F & call it a "performance division car", it will get trounced even in straight line acceleration by the V10 M5, the E63, & the RS6.:egads:

Either they don't make a high performance GS-F at all, or they should make it a V10 with 500+hp (with a version of the V10 developed for the LF-A ? ) . . .

Yeah the GS-F will be out gun by the competition by a long shot

And for the manual tranny thing, AMG doesn't do it, and it still gets praises, so lets see how Lexus sees it

WOW, I am very tantalized by the prospect, I really want to see what Lexus can do. "Moreso" than the M3 to 3-series suggests pretty big body modifications, and the 'new body style' GS-F sounds promising too!!! :thumbup:

What Ironman said is very promising but I couldn't help thinking that while the M3 gets new fenders and larger flares in addition to a body kit (and probably that carbon fiber roof for the next gen too!) the spy photos of the IS-F make it look like it's only getting a new front bumper, side sills, and rear bumper. Not 'moreso' different than the M3 is to the 3er.

What Ironman said is very promising but I couldn't help thinking that while the M3 gets new fenders and larger flares in addition to a body kit (and probably that carbon fiber roof for the next gen too!) the spy photos of the IS-F make it look like it's only getting a new front bumper, side sills, and rear bumper. Not 'moreso' different than the M3 is to the 3er.


the IS-F spy shots have side sills?...i don't remember seeing them...do u have a pic?

I don't think it makes much sense at all for a GS-F to share the 5.0 V8 of the IS-F & call it a "performance division car", it will get trounced even in straight line acceleration by the V10 M5, the E63, & the RS6.:egads:

Either they don't make a high performance GS-F at all, or they should make it a V10 with 500+hp (with a version of the V10 developed for the LF-A ? ) . . .

I am with you on this. 5.0L V8 wont work. Lexus needs to try harder than that.

What Ironman said is very promising but I couldn't help thinking that while the M3 gets new fenders and larger flares in addition to a body kit (and probably that carbon fiber roof for the next gen too!) the spy photos of the IS-F make it look like it's only getting a new front bumper, side sills, and rear bumper. Not 'moreso' different than the M3 is to the 3er.
the IS-F in the spyshot we all have seen could be a test mule though

id like to think that they will change it up a bit more

and yeah, GS-F better have more oomph than just a 5.0L V8

Well it's a first for Lexus, I wonder how difficult it is to get it right out of the gate. And also remember the "L-tuned" division? I suppose that will be the 'M package' but not the Real M car thing?

My guess is 'F' is for 'formula' ? :)

Of course they can have a new slogan...

If M doesn't do it, and AMG doesn't either, then F it! :D

My guess is 'F' is for 'formula' ? :)

Of course they can have a new slogan...

If M doesn't do it, and AMG doesn't either, then F it! :D

Hhahah i was thinking that too...

Interesting too see Lexus changing a little bit

Interesting too see Lexus changing a little bit

It's about time. They've built up an excellent customer base... but have always lacked with those that are performance hungry. If they get this right... Look out!:thumbup:

GS500 makes perfect sense to me. That way the GS450h can substitute for a V8, and a detuned (405hp) 5.0L can compete with the 550i and E550. This will also allow Lexus to be the first at breaking the 400hp barrier in a non-performance model.

The GS500 wouldn't cost more than the E550 or 550i while delivering significantly better engine performance.

It's not like the GS460 would be a strong seller or even outsell the proposed GS500.

Using the LF-A's V10 would be overly expensive. It would be something like the STS-V, sure the magazines will look at it but nobody would buy one. Such a car would have limited appeal.

Not to mention purchasing a GS460 when a LS460 could be had for $10k more would appeal to only a few diehard Lexus GS fans, makes no sense to me. The GS is a sport sedan so fuel economy/comfort isn't as high a priority like the LS.

I think the IS-f and LF-A are the only two performance varients Lexus should bother with.

It makes sense to leapfrog the GS 460. The GS 350 is the real deal anyways for the vast number of buyers, GS 450h is right where it should be, only way to go past that is up, way up.

IMO, the GS needs to be more performance focused and a Lexus-F version of it is a good idea, particularly if some radical changes are made as alluded to in this thread.

I hope they put turbochargers inside just like what AMG and M used to do.

However I doubt the accuracy of this rumor.

Leaving the midsize RWD V8 market would not be a smart move IMO. Lexus was the original upstart bad boy with the GS400 and I would be very surprised to see them neglect this market all together. What would they have to compete with the M45, A6 4.2, E550, and 550i? What a huge disappointment it would be if they simply leave the two-ton GS 450h to battle them. I don't view the hybrid models as mainstream, like a GS460 or GS500 should be, and I would choose a gas powered V8 over a V6 with V8 like power and unproven long term reliability.

If you ask me, Lexus could justify the production of the V10 engine by putting it into "F" versions of the GS and LS. 380-410HP is plenty for a V8 GS, but it's not super sedan status. In fact, it's the new competitive figure, so they need to be there or go home. The GS is now two years old so I think that they need to test the waters with the IS-F and save the GS-F for next generation maybe. At least for the refresh. 303HP GS350, 340HP GS450h, 390HP GS460, 510HP GS-F. It sounds pretty solid to me.

I just think it would be foolish for Lexus to drop a "mainstream" V8 model of the GS.

I work for Lexus and I have info on some new models and there release dates:
LX 570 - Sequoia platform --OCT. '07
LS 460 hL - 5.0L, 470 hp -- May. '07
IS 500F - 4 Door 420 hp -- 5.0L V-8 -- April '07
LS 460 - 7 person (station wagon) on the "L" platform --
no date available

* Also Lexus is saying: Do not use 'burned c-d's in the new vehicles, may not function or could get stuck in player, new discs only.

* 07 IS 250/350-- pull or drift, Nov. '06 factory started using non- directional Bridgestones.

What do you think? (A lexus Station Wagon!) :thumbup: :thumbdn: :uh:

I work for Lexus and I have info on some new models and there release dates:
LX 570 - Sequoia platform --OCT. '07
LS 460 hL - 5.0L, 470 hp -- May. '07
IS 500F - 4 Door 420 hp -- 5.0L V-8 -- April '07
LS 460 - 7 person (station wagon) on the "L" platform --
no date available

* Also Lexus is saying: Do not use 'burned c-d's in the new vehicles, may not function or could get stuck in player, new discs only.

* 07 IS 250/350-- pull or drift, Nov. '06 factory started using non- directional Bridgestones.

What do you think? (A lexus Station Wagon!) :thumbup: :thumbdn: :uh:

Thanks for sharing the info but they are all wrong.

GS460 can already compete with the E550 and 550, GS500 would just surpass it

Wagon? Maybe on another platform???

I think that the V8 GS is a good point, the hybrid is rather a niche product. But GS 500 V8 would do it...

to compete with performance offerings from BMW Motorosport, AMG, and Audi's Quattro GmBH... lexus needs to use a V10 or use the same hybrid powerplant as the LS600h. You need > 450hp or so to compete with the Big Boys. If Lexus brings a water pistol to the gun fight, it'll make Lexus look like they aren't capable of producing a sport sedan to compete with the germans.. Lexus... go all the way or don't go!

LS 460 hL - 5.0L, 470 hp -- May. '07Sorry but this is wrong on so many levels.:egads:

5.0L supercharged GS-F sounds good to me

I work for Lexus and I have info on some new models and there release dates:
LX 570 - Sequoia platform --OCT. '07
LS 460 hL - 5.0L, 470 hp -- May. '07
IS 500F - 4 Door 420 hp -- 5.0L V-8 -- April '07
LS 460 - 7 person (station wagon) on the "L" platform --
no date available

* Also Lexus is saying: Do not use 'burned c-d's in the new vehicles, may not function or could get stuck in player, new discs only.

* 07 IS 250/350-- pull or drift, Nov. '06 factory started using non- directional Bridgestones.

What do you think? (A lexus Station Wagon!) :thumbup: :thumbdn: :uh:

Do you think we were born yesterday?

I just hope that we'll have a good idea on the "F" division before spring rolls around (or ill be looking elsewhere for future products). They'll lose a lot of performance minded consumers if they drag their feet when the M's and AMG's come out to play. And I'm still hurt they never did come out with the IS430.
They can't jerk it around either, go big or go home.

Whatever the performance winds up as...it will be welcomed. This continued growth spells future projects and it would be nice to see S, E and C-55 variants in the Lexus line. :thumbup: We know it's going to be slow coming. :sad:

Whatever the performance winds up as...it will be welcomed. This continued growth spells future projects and it would be nice to see S, E and C-55 variants in the Lexus line. :thumbup: We know it's going to be slow coming. :sad:

Yea. I don't expect Lexus to launch a GS-F or whatever that would destroy the E63 AMG or M5 in every aspect on the 1st gen. model.

0-60mph in 4.5 is hard to beat......

Did anyone notice that Lexus hasn't released a single turbocharged vehicle yet?

How do you think they are wrong, This came straight from a factory conference call. Explain yourself! Or are you the president of Lexus's marketing division.

It better be on par or exceed BMW M, Mercedes AMG, Cadillac V, Audi S, Jaguar R, in performance and handeling or else the "F" will stand for failure.

It better be on par or exceed BMW M, Mercedes AMG, Cadillac V, Audi S, Jaguar R, in performance and handeling or else the "F" will stand for failure.

Agreed, this is a crucial time for Lexus who is trying to have a sportier and less "vanilla" image. If they make a performance car that isn't at least on par with an MB or Audi performance model, it is going to hurt them. Toyota/Lexus has the engineering prowess to make a GS or IS run to 60 in 4.5. They should have learned a lot from competing in various motorsport leagues around the world... not to mention F1... and they own a stake of Yamaha who's speciality is high-output engines.

What were they thinking with L-Tuned the first time around? They made some gorgeous aero kits and wheels... but they tried to market it like a real performance line of mods comparable to BMW Motorsport or AMG.

Put twin turbochargers in the IS and GS. Let's see what happens.

For now I don't really consider Caddy's V Series or Jaguar's R cars to be credible entrants here. The supercharged XJR makes just ten more horsepower than the LS460, and really isn't significantly faster in a straight line. CTS-V never really matched up to the M3, and certainly not the RS4 or C55, and the STS-V is similarly "blah". Next generation could be better for Caddy as I've heard rumors of the 6.0L V8, but who knows.

For now, Lexus needs to focus on AMG, M, and RS.

I'll still lust after M cars if they are the only ones offering true manual gearboxes.

If the Lexus cars do get the 5.0L+ V8 treatment, they better not just be a straight line monster, otherwise it'll be considered a failure against the BMW M-division and mercedes' AMG.

If the Lexus cars do get the 5.0L+ V8 treatment, they better not just be a straight line monster, otherwise it'll be considered a failure against the BMW M-division and mercedes' AMG.


The AMG cars, while still capable in the bends, are more about straight line power. M cars do beautifully in both, but I see Lexus going more for the AMG approach.

I think of AMG cars as cars that could handle, but with more punch than BMW's M-series :D

I'll still lust after M cars if they are the only ones offering true manual gearboxes.

Well they waited to release the manuals for the M5 and M6.

Lexus might do the same after they test the waters with the auto trannies.

Don't count on it ;)

I think if they develop their own version of DSG, that's probably the best you can reasonably hope for . . .

I'll still lust after M cars if they are the only ones offering true manual gearboxes.

Have you driven a REALLY fast car with a manual transmission? It's easy to lose a LOT of power and time shifting. To do it fast AND smoothly while driving hard is almost impossible. It's usually quite jerky. Certainly gets your attention.

More and more cars are getting 400+HP and fewer and fewer people can handle them with manual transmissions. They will continue to be offered on those brands that have die-hard performance fans, but I think Lexus is unlikely to offer true manuals on very powerful cars.

I doubt that lexus will do it the "right" way but hey...anything is possible.

A friend of mine has a deposit on the new 5L IS, he reports that the deposit is for an IS-F and the car is due in April/May. We shall see.

A friend of mine has a deposit on the new 5L IS, he reports that the deposit is for an IS-F and the car is due in April/May. We shall see.Wow...I didn't know dealers are allowed to take deposits on cars not officially announced by Lexus. That's a good sign if it's true though.

We will see as well as Lexus is doing, they need to CONTINUE to expand and this is the next true logical step.

Funny but Lexus themselves press released the upcoming GS 460, so we know it is coming.

It is entirely possible maybe the next generation GS becomes the GS 500 eventually.

The 5.0 making 415hp makes sense in the IS since its small and M3/etc competiton. IN all honesty, it SOUNDS good but a GS 500 (GS-F)would be underpowered, the E55/M5/S6 all make more power.

Seems Lexus will offer "h" for hybrid and "F" for I am guessing like bitkahuna said "Formula" but my money is on "FLAGSHIP"

:)

THis thread did give me a smile! Good news for Lexus!

Would be insane to see like a GS hF :p hybrid perfomance *drools* more POWER hahahahahaha!

Sorry.

If they have a perfomance version of the GS probably would be well over 440 hp. Would be nice to see like atleast 520 hp.

THis thread did give me a smile! Good news for Lexus!

This IS good news!
Lexus wants to play with the Germans in terms of a performance divisions... and the big three (MB, BMW, Audi) all have their respective performance divisions - so about time Lexus got one.

I personally think there will be a GS460 and a GS-F with the F possibly having the 5L engine. This rocks.

All I can say is it is about time. Even if they don't offer a real manual trans or a SMG/DSG trans, at least it is a start in the right direction. You have to start somewhere, and I'm glad Lexus is starting to cater to the performance minded buyers.:thumbup: Not everyone wants to feel like they are sitting on their couch while driving:p