Here are the first official images of the Lexus IS-F, the sports version of the small Lexus saloon. The engine, as anticipated, is a 5.0-liter V8 with more than 400 ps and almost 460 Nm of torque.
Lexus wants its "F" specifications to be seen as up to par with the "M" models from BMW or the AMG models from Mercedes-Benz, so this IS-F has a tough task ahead of it: what we know about it is encouraging (less than 4.9 seconds from 0-60 mph, no news yet on top speed).
The IS-F has the same 8-speed automatic transmission as the new LS, with paddle-shifters mounted on the driving wheel. According to Lexus, the shifting time is a tenth of a second.
As you can see, the exterior of the IS-F is a bit less understated than that of its german rivals: the ride height has been considerably lowered (almost an inche), and the wheels that seem to almost touch the wheel arches, together with the big side vents, combine to give it a bit of an "aftermarket" look.
The package is completed by big 19" alloy rims from BBS, 6-pot brake calipers from Brembo, quadruple exhaust tubes and bucket seats in the cockpit.