Lexus IS-F

Toyota's luxury brand Lexus will attack Germany's performance heartland when it launches the 5.0-litre V8 IS-F in Australia late in 2008.

With more than 300kW and 500Nm and pricing almost certain to undercut the iconic BMW M3 coupe, Audi's RS4 quattro and the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, the IS-F should take the sports sedan fight to Germany's finest.

Driving the rear wheels via an eight-speed direct shift gearbox, the IS-F is claimed to accelerate to 100km/h in 4.9 secs and then on to a governed top speed of 270km/h. Those sort of numbers make it truly competitive with the Germans.

"This vehicle has been developed with enthusiasts at heart - it's a unique performance car and a true driver's car," said Lexus Australia chief executive John Roca at the preview of the car at the Australian international motor show this morning.

"We are very excited about the arrival of this vehicle late next year. There is no doubt that IS-F will bring a whole new group of customers to the Lexus brand."

Mr Roca forecast sales of about 15 IS-Fs per month and pricing "under our competitor", referring to the new V8 M3, which retails for $157,000.

The audience for IS-F is no doubt younger than the traditionally conservative Lexus buyers, who will have found the LS600hl petrol-electric hybrid saloon and LX570 off-roader more to their liking.

The IS-F, with its quad tailpipes, wider front guards, larger grille, rear spoiler and bonnet bulge is certainly more aggressive than traditional Lexus.

"Our approach will be very different in the way we market this car," Roca promised. "It will be a lot more aggressive, it won't be the softer feel of Lexus, it will be more out there.

"We are going to have some track days and we will have some comparisons versus competitors."