vanlex

Out of mild boredom, I read the writeup on the Lexus marque in Wikipedia this morning.

I noted with much interest that Lexus quietly filed for a trademark for their "F" logo only last month, sparking rumours / unfulfilled prophecies that Lexus is necessarily entering the red-hot performance arena with the likes of BMW M, Mercedes AMG and Audi S/RS. Hopped-up versions of the Lexus lineup would indeed sport the "F" designation.

I've had four M-cars over the years and am still considering a CLS 63. A performance-oriented, full-sized Lexus sedan would pretty much be a slam dunk for me. The notion of an LS with suspension much more substantive than a Touring Package, big brakes and over 500HP...yummy.

Could anyone point me towards some further insight into the F Programme and its rollout?

Many Thanks.

Gojirra99

There will be an IS-F by the fall next year, & possibly a GS-F if the IS-F is well received according to some articles, but we haven't heard anyone mention a LS-F from any source (even speculations). Personally, I don't expect to see one anytime soon, if ever.

spwolf

600h with touring package? :-)

Gojirra99

From my understanding, I think most European countries are getting the sportier suspension as standard, i.e. the Touring Package ?
Wouldn't that be the same for the LS600hL too ?
I don't think they intend the LS600hL even with Touring Package as a F-division car, & they have to do more than that.
If they even consider a future LS-F at all, it has to match well in hp with the S-class AMG's, which has over 600+ hp & 700+ lb-ft torque peak.

LexFather

Well not sure how Lexus would do it. Remember the IS-F is getting the LS 600 V-8. It is the largest Lexus sedan engine. (5.0 liters)
So a LS-F would need, well a bigger engine.

vraa

iTrader: (2)

If they make an LS-F it doesn't matter what it has on the interior, we'll get one.

However realistically, we'll see how the LS600lh fares and if the new engine actually fits well with the new LS.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

in one of the videos i watched, they said that the 600hl will actually come with the ****, that's currently on the gs450h. if so, that car is going to be sick on handling. with the power, it's already the f version by my book

and yes, that's the car i want -- except i don't have the money, ha!

Gojirra99

I would be real disappointed if they call the 600hL with **** an F-division car.
Even the regular S500/550 has Active Body Control as an option & the S600 comes with it standard, & they are no AMG's.
Lexus needs to do MORE than that or not make an F-division car for the LS at all. BMW does not have a M7 either . . .

rominl

iTrader: (4)

that's why i said it's already the f version by my book. a car of this size it's almost silly to put too much stuff on it coz' it can't achieve what we all "want". that's exactly the philosophy why there is no m7, coz' bmw doesn't think they can make the car the same level as the m3 and m5

the amg s class is nothing but speed imho, it doesn't have the kind of sport driving as you get on the e55 or c55, to me mb is just doing it to "complete" the picture. a good thing? i think it's cool to have, but not necessary from a true performance point of view

dimapb

As far as I know there is a BMW Alpina B7 which is sort of like their M line but for 7 series.

Faraaz23

Correct, BMW decided that the Alpina would be a better option than an M7 because they said they felt they could not make a 7 series that would live up to the true M designation. I guess not even BMW could do anything with a sedan weighing that much.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

aftermarket companies they are different story. they have nothing to do with bmw FACTORY setup anymore. it's just like saying my gs is just ok on power and handling out of factory, but now i have no problem killing a lot of cars on the road. that doesn't mean much

MR_F1

I wouldnt mind seeing a 'LS-F' with the 5.0L V12 from the Toyota Century... perhaps twin tubocharged to the tune of ~550hp ? A proper active suspension (like the one found on the UZZ32 Soarer) some bigger brakes (bigger even than in the touring package) and an elegant body kit/tim would be nice too...

Hameed

Tell me this car does not mean much Henry - Brabus V12 CLS rocket http://www.rsportscars.com/eng/cars/brabus_rocket.asp

JessePS

The LS doesnt need any more power, it has enough. May'be some more gadgets would be nice, even more quiet than it already is, if thats even possible.

Dual-Ottaman in the back instead on the right side.

I would rather see the LS go against the ultra-exclusive market like the Phantom and Maybach 62 S Business Edition.

Would be nice to have pretty much all the features that the LS has now with some of the nice stuff in the Maybach also (as extra options)

Also an option for armouring, for once.

No need to play in the same ball park at BMW or Audi or Mercedes.

Maybach quality of sorts for a really nice fraction of the price

God bless Lexus, when ever that happens.