(By Tom Lohnes) – After the discontinuation of the slow-selling but awesome GS-F sedan, Lexus vowed to not make any more V8-powered performance cars. Well, I guess they have changed their mind, because three V8-powered sedans and coupes are in the near future.
Starting with the more traditional one, the IS-F is making a comeback with the same formula as before: Small car, Big engine. The IS-F will have a 5.0-liter N/A V8 with upwards of 450 horsepower, an 8-speed automatic, and a suite of performance upgrades. Main rivals are as usual, the BMW M3, Mercedes-AMG C63S, and the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing. Pricing should start around $62,000 for the IS-F which sandwiches it between the Cadillac and the Germans.
Cranking up the excitement a little bit, the Lexus LS, a luxury grandpa car turned sport-sedan, is getting the full F treatment. Because of its already-powerful twin-turbo V6, a 5.0-liter V8 will not find its way into the LS, but a 4.0-liter unit with two turbos strapped to it will take its place. Transmission will almost definitely be only a 10-speed automatic. Rivals include the Cadillac CT6-V, Mercedes-AMG S63, and BMW M760Li. Pricing will once again be between the Caddy and the Germans, starting at around $100,000.
And finally, the most exciting announcement from Lexus, the LC F. Based on the gorgeous LC500 coupe, the LC F will use the same twin-turbo V8 from the LS F, and power numbers are supposed to exceed 650. Whatever this insane Super-GT brings to the market, I am ready for it. Rivals leave Cadillac and even the Germans behind, the LC-F is going at the Ferrari Roma. Like the Roma, the LC-F will be expensive. Expect pricing of above $125,000.
