A fresh report out of Japan claims Lexus will soon unwrap a new high-performance IS F model conceived to compete with the likes of the new BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C63.

According to Best Car, the recently revised IS sedan range will gain a full-fat F variant as early as November 2020, powered by the Toyota-backed firm’s naturally aspirated 5,0-litre V8 petrol engine.

The publication says the V8 will deliver 354 kW and 535 N.m in IS F form (interestingly, a touch more power and torque than it makes in the RC F) and be complemented by choice chassis updates.

The news follows Toyota’s July 2020 application to trademark the Lexus “IS500” badge in North America. At the time, rumours suggested it would feature either a turbocharged 3,5-litre V6 or the aforementioned free-breathing V8.

A heavily revised version of the IS sedan was revealed in June 2020, with the updated range scheduled to arrive in South Africa early in 2021.

Best Car furthermore claims Lexus is preparing LC F and LS F variants for 2021, each expected to use a newly developed, twin-turbo 4,0-litre V8 engine worth 493 kW and 650 N.m.

Original article from Car