Twin-turbo V8-powered Lexus IS F on the cards

If you thought Lexus had been a bit quiet on the high-performance car front, you’d be right.

But that’s all set to change over the next few years as the Japanese luxury car brand is set to unleash some seriously big guns – including a resurrected Lexus IS F with a scorching new twin-turbo V8 engine that could nudge 400kW (530hp).

Just last week Lexus took the wraps off its first V8-powered mid-size sedan in over eight years, but the left-hand drive 2021 Lexus IS 500 F Sport (pictured) is only available in the USA at the moment.

Given that Lexus hasn’t badged the vehicle as an IS F and chose to fit its long-serving naturally-aspirated 2UR-GSE 5.0-litre V8, the IS 500 F Sport leaves plenty of scope for something more serious.

Lexus confirmed it had an all-new twin-turbo V8 undergoing development in its LC Coupe-based race car back in 2019. The new bent eight is expected to be 4.0-litre unit and its more compact dimensions mean it will almost certainly fit under the IS bonnet – even with all the extra turbo plumbing.

Lexus is yet to confirm details of the engine, nor which vehicle it will make its debut in – or when – but it’s understood the engine will be good for close to 500kW and 700Nm.

However, the Lexus IS F will likely get closer to 400kW and 600Nm, with power expected to reach the rear wheels via a new automatic transmission.

With the BMW M3 (375kW/650Nm), Audi RS 4 (331kW/600Nm) and Mercedes-AMG C 63 (375kW/700Nm) in its sights, Lexus is understood to be serious about upsetting the status quo with a hard-core IS F, based on its wider, sportier new-generation IS mid-size sports sedan.

It’s not clear whether it will be priced in the same $150,000-$160,000 price bracket as its German rivals or whether it will be a more affordable machine like the last IS F available generations ago, but pricing and performance in line with its direct competitors is more likely.

The new Lexus IS sedan that has just launched in Australia is 45mm wider at the front and 50mm wider at the rear than its predecessor, but the IS F could get a wide body kit backed up with a lower stance and more aggressive front and rear bumpers with various vents and NACA ducts. creating even more muscular visuals.

Lexus’ all-new twin-turbo V8 will power a range of new models from Lexus, including the LC F, LS F, LX F and possibly even a few GR-branded Toyota vehicles. Like the new engine, the volume-selling IS F will be a key part of the car-maker’s new high-performance strategy.

It’s understood Lexus is planning a massive overhaul of its high-performance ‘F’ division hat will hinge not only on scorching new engines, including its crucial new biturbo V8, but also improved chassis dynamics and, most importantly, driver engagement.

The latter will be crafted at the new $3.6 billion R&D centre in Shimoyama, which currently features a test track dubbed the ‘mini Nurburgring’ by the Japanese brand, and the new Lexus IS was the first car to be developed there.

More test tracks are under construction, including a high-speed circuit and several other areas devoted to self-driving vehicles, for example, with the entire facility scheduled to be completed by 2023.

Lexus (and Toyota) CEO, Akio Toyota, is a self-confessed petrol-head who presided over the successful commercial launch of Toyota’s new performance arm, GR (Gazoo Racing). Expect official details of the revitalised Lexus F portfolio soon.