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Lexus is working on a new range of performance monsters according to reports.
Japanese publication Best Car has reported the Japanese luxury brand is working on a range of V8 performance cars to take on Europe’s best.
One of the new models Lexus is reportedly working on is an IS F, a V8-powered version of its new mid-size sedan.
Lexus hasn’t built a V8 version of its IS sedan for close to a decade.
The new IS F is expected to use the same naturally-aspirated V8 found in the RC F coupe, which makes 351kW and 530Nm.
This is a sizeable jump over the brand’s current top IS 350, which uses a 3.5-litre V6 petrol unit making 232kW/380Nm.
That high-revving and sweet sounding V8 found in the RC F is reminiscent of the glory days of Holden and is a rarity in cars these days as ever increasing emissions restrictions in Europe halt its use.
But there are concerns the IS’s compact platform wouldn’t be able to accommodate a V8 under the bonnet.
The second new performance model rumoured to be on the cards would be the LS F.
Lexus’ flagship luxury sedan would compete with top European performance limousines such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series.
This top-shelf machine would use a new twin-turbo V8 that has been under development and will make a reported 492kW and 650Nm.
Those are some impressive figures that would push the LS F into Mercedes-AMG and BMW M territory.
Best Car also reports that the new LC F coupe will score the same engine – the current LC 500 uses the same 5.0-litre V8, which is predicted to fall into the IS F.
Out of all three cars rumoured to enter production this one makes the most sense as the big V8 would suit the car’s grand tourer persona and the new engine would only elevate the driving experience.
The LC was a massive change in direction for the usually conservative Japanese luxury brand.
Wild, head-turning styling matched to a big V8 was a break from a brand that relied on simple looks and hybrid power in many of its luxury machines.
If these cars enter production it would be likely they would make their way to Australia due to our lack of emissions regulations and the fact Japan is also a right-hand drive market.
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