Lexus IS F CCS Concept

Japanese luxury car maker Lexus cemented its commitment to performance cars when it launched the IS F sports car and the V10-powered LFA supercar.

But if its desire to rival the likes of Mercedes' AMG or BMW's M division was in doubt, the Asian car maker has released a hard-charging track-based version of the V8-powered IS F.

Unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon in Japan -- the place where all good modified cars from the region hang out -- the IS F Circuit Club Sports Concept is a carbonfibre creation designed to withstand the rigour of racetrack competition.

The IS F Circuit Club Sports Concept, or CCS for short, tips the scales at 1690kg, lighter than the standard IS-F by a small margin (25kg) thanks to carbon fibre replacements for the bonnet, boot, roof and rear wing. The interior also gets the expensive carbon treatment on door trims, the gear shifter and centre console.

As well as its very obvious carbon aspect, the bright orange IS F CCS Concept gets a stiffer suspension tune though its engine remains standard. Not that that's a bad thing with 311kW and 505Nm from its 5.0-litre V8 being funnelled to the rear wheels via an eight-speed gearbox.

Developed in-house by Lexus, the IS F CCS Concept drew on the "manufacturing processes derived from the development of Lexus' LFA supercar" says the car maker, boasting componentry such as forged magnesium wheels, a titanium exhaust system, mechanical limited slip differential and very large carbon ceramic disc brakes.

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