Lexus may be looking to add a performance model to the IS lineup - potentially, even, a vehicle to challenge the BMW M3.

Photos taken this past summer caught an early prototype of a high-performance Lexus, built using the production body panels of a current Japanese market model, the Toyota Crown Royal - only shortened and chopped into a suitable mule upon which to test V-8 engines and new suspension settings.

The abbreviated shape drew our spies' attention. Confirming their instincts that this was a new sporty model are the prototype's quad exhaust pipes, rear deck spoiler, and alloy wheels shod with very low-profile tires.

Recent articles in the Japanese press indicate that the test car is the engineering mule for a super-powerful car based on the IS platform. The vehicle is expected to be powered by a 32-valve, 4.3-liter V-8 delivering approximately 300 hp. No launch date is set, but the state of preparation indicates a potential introduction as a 2008 model.

http://www.thecarconnection.com/Enth...178.A9738.html




I also heard that there will be a convertible version of either the IS350 or this IS500

 

well, this is funny because the IS350 has 3.5Liters and 300hp.

 

I like the look and style all except that 3 pipe exhaust in the rear yuuk

 

yea im not feelin the exhuast but other then that looks good.

 

hmm... i didn't realize that it only has 300hp... now im doubting that review... it may have more... by the way it got that exuast from the LF-A...

 

That is so clean, i love it.

 

I'm going to raise the photochop flag on this one.

 

i know i'm good at photoshop but damn i'm not that good especially having a copyright logo on i might get fined or even go to jail... hehe...

 

Well after seeing the strikingly similar photo in Road and Track, the photochop flag is coming down.

 

i like everything but..... I HATE that exhaust. nothing that couldnt be changed for a few hunned at any exhaust shop.

 

This BMW M3 is presumed to be putting down approximately 400 horsepower turbocharged 4.0 L V8 motor, applied to the ground with the help of an SMG transmission. That's a lot of horsepower for BMW's lightest M series car. It is anticipated that the 2007 BMW M3 will have a few extras thrown in to help it compete with the likes of Audi RS4, and other luxury sports car makers.

The 2007 M3 is going to need all the gadgets that BMW can throw at it to compete with the Audi RS4's 420 horsepower and 317 ft/lbs of torque. Who will wear the crown for best selling luxury sports car.

 

what the hell was the point of that post.
are you mentally challenged?

LEAVE scionlife. please.

 

I dunno, maybe he wants to say that Lexus would have to really put in some work to compete with the M3 and RS4


I personally think they have what it takes

http://www.lexus.com/assets/magazine/current/index.html

 

the lexus is just boring lookin just like everyone else says...its def not goin to out perform those german bad boys...they aint in that leauge more in the family cars and hybrids thats about it

 

they're not trying to beat an m3........ least not with an is deriverant

 

So then whats the point of a 450 hp V8 coupe????

And for all hose getting a fit over how it looks, that pic is a photo chop

 

the 450 v8 will be the lf-a not an is. an "is" is too small for toyo to put that much power into.

 

The LF-A is supposed to come with a V10, (though it could very well change and come with a V8 instead......in anycase it will be 500+hp) and just like the IS300 could hold the 4.3 V8, i'm sure the IS350 chassis (which is bigger) will hold a V8

 

TOP GEAR VIDEO OF THE AUDI RS4...... http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...880&q=audi+rs4

 

both is chassis's are the same just different front subframe/crossmember.

it'd be on the gs platform more than likely.

and the lf-a is still sooo far away.