Long wait for new Lexus IS F replacement

Lexus is secretly working on a long-awaited replacement for its Lexus IS F, but it won't arrive until 2022 at the earliest.

According to Japanese car blog, Spyder 7, engineers have chosen to spin off the BMW M3-rivaling Lexus IS F off the all-new fourth-generation IS sedan. This would not only provide for a stiffer platform to base a performance sedan, but bring significant weight savings over the current car.

Using Toyota's all-encompassing TNGA platform - one which, coincidentally, is shared with the Toyota Prius - the next-generation IS F could utilise a rear-drive or all-wheel drive layout.

Unfortunately, since the next-gen IS isn't set to go on sale globally until the second half of 2020, Spyder 7 says internally the Lexus IS F isn't due to arrive until 2022 at the earliest.

More bad news for fans of the former Japanese super sedan is the next IS F will trade the old car's normally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 for a development of the twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 that powers the current Lexus LS.

According to rumours, the new engine will easily match the old V8's 311kW max power and dwarf the 505Nm torque peak the old 5.0-litre mustered.

Better still, performance will purportedly be in another league thanks in part to Lexus' decision to combine the new twin-turbo V6 with the firm's 10-speed automatic gearbox.

Moreover, it's thought the next IS F will also feature further weight-saving measures like a carbon-fibre bonnet, wings and even fenders to give it the competitive edge over rivals.

It's thought later on an even more extreme Track Edition of the IS F could follow that, like the recently previewed RC F Track Edition, will feature a big aero, revised suspension and, potentially, lots more power.