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Sales start 25 December

In order to drive the new IS F by New Years Eve in the States you will have to buy your car through Neiman Marcus, but in Japan you can just stroll down to a Lexus dealership to pick up your 423 hp sports car. The new Lexus IS-F will go on sale 25 December with a starting price of yen 7,660,000 (EURO 46,286 or USD 65,268).

Lexus is aiming to inject 'the joy of driving' into the premium sports car, something which many enthusiasts claim the Japanese manufacturers lack (and even Toyota themselves seems to think so). The IS F is based on the IS series and comes with a new engine and transmission, an exclusive suspension and special aluminium wheels. The F refers to the Fuji Speedway on which Lexus has been extensively testing the car. The transmission is an 8-Speed Sport Direct Shift transmission which can be operated either as an automatic or clutchless manual, a world first for an 8-speed transmission.

The 5,0 liter V8 (model 2UR-GSE) engine (a D-4S direct injection four-stroke gasoline engine, superior version, that combines both port and direct fuel injection) produces 311 kW / 423 hp at 6,600 rpm with 505 Nm of torque at 5,200 rpm. Lexus is looking to sell 40 units per month in Japan.

Press Release

Lexus Launches 'IS F' in Japan

Lexus announced today that it will begin sales in Japan, starting on December 25, of the "IS F"*. The IS F is a Lexus "F" premium sports car based on the concept of proposing a new level of performance for Lexus through a refinement of basic performance with the addition of new cruising technology. The vehicle was developed to pursue, to the fullest extent possible, the "joy of driving" — which is one of the fundamental appeals of the automobile — by responding reliably and performing as intended.

Based on the IS series, the IS F boasts a completely new engine and transmission, an exclusive suspension and specially selected aluminum wheels and tires. The vehicle was tested extensively on race circuits in Japan and overseas, including Fuji Speedway, in order to demonstrate its full potential. Detailed attention to the responsiveness of the acceleration, gear shifting, steering and brakes, as well as to the actual experience of quality (such as engine sound and the sensation of acceleration), has created a new type of driving pleasure — not just for the driver but for passengers as well — thus expressing the emotional appeal of the Lexus brand.

Engine Specifications

*1. Specified under the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's (MLIT) Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles
*2. Outlined by MLIT

Monthly Sales Target: 40 units
Assembly Plant : Tahara Plant, Toyota Motor Corporation

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (Prices in Hokkaido differ; unit: yen)

* Based on the idea of creating a vehicle that can run on various types of roads, the vehicle was extensively tested on race circuits, including Higashifuji Technical Center and Fuji Speedway. The "F" in the IS F name comes from the "F" in "Fuji Speedway".
# Excluding recycling fees