New Lexus 'F' - as in 'FAAAST'

F will be the moniker for new performance models from Lexus. According to the article below, it all comes true in 2007, and for US$50,000. At that price and with a 425hp V8 in an IS (which is the upmarket alter-ego of the Toyota Altezza), which is about the size and weight of a 3 series... you've got a car as potent as the likes of a M3 GTR.

The GS-F... up against the 500hp M5?

If the pictures I took of the Lexus LFA concept at the Singapore MotorShow 2006 - The Review & the Cars are anything to go by (you have to scroll down a bit, ok), the new F cars will be something else.

A new Lexus 'F' - as in 'faaast'
Mark Rechtin / Automotive News / December 4, 2006 - 1:00 am

LOS ANGELES - Lexus will launch a performance brand in late 2007 to compete with Mercedes' AMG and BMW's M divisions. Lexus will start with an IS sedan equipped with a 425-hp, 5.0-liter V-8. The engine is a retuned version of the LS 600h L hybrid's engine, dealer sources said.

The sedan will be called the IS-F. It will debut at the Detroit auto show in January.

Lexus likely will carry that nomenclature into other high-performance Lexus vehicles, a dealer said. He said a GS-F sedan and IS-F coupe likely will follow.

The IS-F - "F" as in "fast" - will go on sale in December 2007 and sticker in the low $50,000 range, sources said. Lexus told dealers of the plans at a recent national meeting.

Toyota Motor Corp. filed for a trademark for "IS-F" on Nov. 8 with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. It also filed for a trademark for a stylized "F" logo on Oct. 9.

A dealer source said Yamaha is tuning the IS-F engine's heads for more power. Brembo will be the brake supplier.

Lexus declined to comment.