Last year, rumors swirled about Lexus eliminating the IS F sedan and focusing only on the development of the RC F coupe and the GS F sedan. New reports now suggest that Lexus ->ke47 is currently testing the next IS F, and that it could be unveiled sometime next year.
The same rumors suggest that the next IS F will be heavily influenced by the new RC F coupe, including its aggressive body kit, the sport-tuned suspension and the torque vectoring differential with three different modes.
What's remains unknown is whether the V-8 engine will remain a part of the IS F. There were rumors suggesting that the next IS F could drop the V-8 engine because it would be impossible for the engine to meet the Euro 6 emission standards. The rumors suggested that Lexus would instead offer a naturally aspirated or turbocharged engine with pretty much the same output, but with improved fuel consumption and lowered CO2 emissions.
Now, we're not too sure if this will indeed happen with the new IS F, especially if you consider that the new RC F uses the old 5.0-liter, V-8 engine.
Click past the jump to read more about the Lexus IS F.
On the Japanese market, Lexus unveiled the current-generation IS F back in 2006 and at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show for the North American market.
The current IS F is powered by a 5.0-liter, V-8 engine that delivers a total of 416 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and of 371 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift transmission. This allows the IS F to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds and up to a top speed of 167 mph.
The 2014 Lexus IS F comes in at a base price of $63,350.