(By Tom Lohnes) – Remember the Lexus IS-F? The hot sedan introduced in 2007 was direct competition to the likes of the mighty M3, and really solidified Japan as a legitimate manufacturer of sport sedans. Well, it may be coming back, and with a lot more punch than before.

So, you know how Lexus vowed to ditch V8 engines a few years ago? That was some good slight of hand. Apparently they have been developing a new version of the 5.0-liter naturally aspirated unit that they shove into many models right now. Well, that’s not the only V8.

They’ve been experimenting with turbochargers, which is a rarity right now at Toyota, and it’s not just on a three or four-cylinder. A twin-turbocharged, DOHC V8, is being developed at the Lexus HQ in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan. Power for this motor will probably be in the mid to high 500’s, which will not only be the most powerful engine Lexus has ever made, but the new IS-F that will be the smallest car this engine will go into will be by far the most powerful in its class, and will replace the Mercedes-AMG C63S as the sole V8 player in its segment.

Does a 600-hp, RWD, compact sedan sound fun to you? It sure does to me, and with Toyota’s brand reputation of making reliable cars, this may as well be one too.