The 2007 Detroit Auto Show was the showplace for Lexus' newest arrival, the IS-F. The Lexus IS-F will be marketed as a luxury sports sedan in America in 2008. The IS-F is powered by a generous 400 horsepower 5.0L V8. The "F" in IS-F is Lexus code for flagship, meaning that this is just the beginning of what the public will get to see of the IS-F model.

According to the Concept Carz website, Lexus developed the IS-F strictly on Japanese terrain. The Fuji Speedway got to experience the all-new sports sedan before Americans even laid eyes on it. Like in any true sports car, the IS-F boasts a transmission fluid and engine oil coolers. This will allow the car to get more horsepower at higher speeds without overheating as easily as other vehicles. Also, Lexus has given the IS-F a standing-start acceleration mode. The IS-F can reach 60 mph in less than 4.9 seconds, outdoing the Mercedes S Class, impressive for a straight-from-the-factory sedan.

The IS-F is a half-inch lower to the ground than Lexus' IS model. According to Lexus, this lowering provides a more streamlined and aerodynamic body that will allow it to reach higher speeds faster. And what's a sports car without dual exhaust? Interestingly, Lexus has said that they do not want to compete with other luxury sport sedans. Rather, they'd like to be considered a class all their own. That's quite a lofty goal that they may just reach with the IS-F.

Accordingly, Lexus has priced the IS-F at around $55,000. While normally this would be considered high in a North American market, for what Lexus has produced, it may be under-priced. With all the luxury of the Lexus brand, but all the power of Detroit muscle, that will certainly be a hard combination to beat. Just released in early 2008, the small market of buyers is already raving about its superior performance and tasteful luxury. However, the Lexus IS-F is only being built at a restricted number. The IS-F must be ordered directly from the maker and has a destination fee of around $800. Of course, that is a small price to pay for all of the spectacular extras that the 2008 IS-F offers.