Auto Channel

• European debut for new Lexus F-marque

• Lexus IS-F powered by 5.0-litre V8 with more than 400bhp

• Lexus LF-A supercar concept with 5.0-litre V10

• Lexus LS 600h with V8 hybrid powertrain

Lexus is presenting the European premiere of its new F-marque at the Geneva motor show, with the new IS-F sports saloon and LF-A supercar concept taking centre stage.

The Lexus F designation identifies vehicles specifically designed and engineered for ultra-high performance and exceptional sports driving dynamics. F-badged models further emphasise Lexus’s pursuit of perfection and its aim to continuously push the limits of automobile engineering.

LEXUS IS-F

The IS-F is powered by a sports-tuned 5.0-litre V8 that delivers more than 400 DIN hp and 500 Nm of torque. Acceleration from rest to 62mph takes 4.9 seconds and top speed is a governed 168mph. Carbon dioxide emissions of 290g/km position the IS-F as one of the cleanest sports saloons in its class, as well as one of the most powerful.

The transmission is based on Lexus’s world-first eight-speed automatic, which made its debut last year in the new LS 460. It is specially tuned for the IS-F with a new sports shift control that lets the driver choose a manual mode, using paddle shifts on the steering wheel, or fully automatic gear selection. The sports shift control gives the transmission the quickest up-shifting in the segment at 100 milliseconds (compared to 50ms for Formula 1 cars).

In keeping with its sporting character, the IS-F is the first Lexus to feature switchable VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management). This lets the driver select Normal, Sport or Off settings according to preference.

LEXUS LF-A

The Lexus LF-A is the result of Lexus’s sports engineering team’s success in developing a new and practical approach to design engineering for a more compact and energy-efficient supercar concept.

With an overall length of 4,400mm, it is the most compact, yet most powerful Lexus to date. The racing-inspired 5.0-litre V10 engine generates more than 500 DIN hp, giving the LF-A a top speed approaching 200mph. The forward/mid-engine location, with rear-mounted transaxle and radiators gives the car perfect front/rear weight distribution and superb handling precision.

LEXUS LS 600h

Both the IS-F and the LF-A demonstrate the advances Lexus has made in perfecting the base technologies that shape its cars’ performance characteristics. The LS 600h shows how these can be even further refined to deliver power with supreme efficiency, setting new standards in environmentally-conscious performance in the premium segment.

The new LS 600h is the highest expression of current automobile technology. Its 5.0-litre V8 uses Lexus’s D-4S technology, with two fuel injectors per cylinder and VVTi-E intelligent valve timing on the intake to boost performance and reduce emissions, noise and vibration.

These characteristics are further refined by Lexus’s hybrid system. This combination, together with a unique, electrically-controlled continuously variable transmission, delivers performance typical of a normally-aspirated V12. At the same time, combined fuel consumption is 29.7mpg and carbon dioxide emissions are 220g/km, figures which compare well with the levels achieved by the cleanest diesels in the segment.

The dual-stage, CVT gives the LS 600h smooth, linear power delivery and seamless acceleration. It is matched to the all-wheel drivetrain with a central mechanical Torsen limited slip differential to give excellent handling stability in high performance driving.

In addition, Lexus will present its first long wheelbase model, the LS 600h L, offering unprecedented entertainment and relaxation features for rear seat passengers, including a reclining seat with leg and footrest.