Lexus announces local IS F pricing

We already knew Lexus was gunning for BMW M3, Benz C63 AMG and Audi RS4 with its upcoming IS F; now we know how much the Toyota offshoot aims to extract from its customers wanting to get behind the wheel.

Given the broad and wildly varying hints applied during the run up to Australian introduction, the announced final price finally settles the dust: ladies and gentlemen, hand over $129,000 and you have qualified to start your (five-litre V8) engine.

As far back as December 2007, we were told to expect "not much change from $120,000" when forking out for an IS F. Then we were told it was more likely to be in the region of $150,000, which was perilously close to the reigning champion BMWs, Benzes and Audis.

The final tag, which is cheaper than any of the competition (M3 $162,900, C63 $144,365, RS4 $164,500), was undoubtedly arrived at after some serious haggling between Australia and Japan

But with 311kW and 505Nm of manic five-litre V8 at its disposal, delivering its normally-gotten (atmo) gains through an eight-speed auto transmission to record zero to 100km/h times of 4.5 seconds, who is arguing?

For the record, the BMW M3's four-litre V8 produces 309kW/400Nm, the Benz C63's 6.2-litre V8 makes 336kW/600Nm and the Audi RS4's 4.2-litre V8 delivers 309kW/430Nm.

The IS F will come with a full array of standard equipment -- the only option, according to Lexus, is to delete the sunroof.

Lexus is hoping the IS F will do what no other model has so far managed -- attract custom from a younger buyer demographic.

According to Lexus chief executive John Roca, "Lexus is extremely excited about the arrival of the IS F and the new clientele it will bring. Furthermore, Lexus now has a hero car that will stimulate sales of other IS models."

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