Lexus cars

Next-Gen Lexus IS-F may get a twin-turbo V6

With Lexus preparing to roll out the next generation IS, a lot of rumors have been circulating on the performance model of the car, the IS-F, particularly the kind of powertrain it’s expected to carry. The current IS-F is fitted with a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 416 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 371 lb/ft of torque at 5,200 rpm.

Given that the car is Lexus’ answer to models ilke the BMW M3 and the Mercedes C63, those numbers are pretty impressive, if we do say so ourselves. But Lexus, who has become adept in ratcheting up its performance line, appears to be looking in a different direction regarding the powertrain for the next-gen IS-F.

Though no confirmations have been made on the matter, Autoblog is reporting that the next-generation IS-F could follow BMW’s approach - and seemingly everyone else’s approach - with the new M3 wherein the current V8 engine will be left out in favor of a more advanced, forced-induction, twin-turbo V6 engine that could, at least in estimates, provide ample power to produce around 450 horsepower and 450 lb/ft of torque. Taking into consideration the current model’s performance capabilities, that should equate to an improvement of 34 horsepower and 79 lb/ft of torque.

Lexus didn’t give any confirmation on this matter, but the company did prop up the benefits of having a smaller displacement engine under the hood of the new IS-F. Take that for what it’s worth for now.

Video: Trio of Lexus LFAs perform lovely ’Japanese ballet’

The Lexus LFA is unquestionably one of the best-sounding exotic sports cars currently on the market. Its 552 horsepower, 4.8-liter V10 engine delivers an incredible howl unmatched by any of its competitors and the following video helps to demonstrate just how incredible the LFA sounds. Oh yeah, and it also appears to be quite tail-happy too.

Captured at an exclusive Lexus Spindle Night in Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan, three LFAs, including the uber-exclusive LFA Nurburgring Edition were brought together into an outdoor arena to perform what only can be described as a lovely Japanese ballet.

After all, drifting is arguably the largest and most internationally-recognized sport to have ever come out of the Land of the Samurai, and this video helps to demonstrate just how happy the Japanese are to test the true performance capabilities of every car out there.

Check out the video above and keep the following performance stats in mind. As mentioned, the LFA’s 4.8-liter V10 engine pumps out a Lamborghini Gallardo-equalling 552hp at an incredible 8,800 rpm at 354 lb-ft of torque at 6,800 rpm. Most impressively however, is the fact that 90 percent of that torque is available between 3,700 rpm and the car’s 9,000 rpm redline!

Car Infographics: The Supercars of the 2012 Olympics

The 2012 Summer Olympics are in full swing now and medals are quickly adding up. We started wondering what about the varying cars of the world? There is no auto racing in the Olympics and a love of awesome cars is one thing that is shared throughout the entire world. So why not include them?

Here at Topspeed, we felt it was time to give our 4-wheeled friends a fair chance and display the top supercars from each of the countries participating in the 2012 Summer Games – those that produce supercars. So let’s have a look at what these countries have to offer. You may be surprised to find out what countries produce some awesome supercars and what ones don’t produce any at all.

We stand to learn a lot about the world of supercars while putting this piece together, so we are certain you will learn a ton right along with us.

Click past the jump to read our entire list and check out our full infographic.

Lexus revives sedan lineup and confirms LF-A Roadster for 2014

Lexus may have pulled one over on us by revealing an LF-A contest instead of a special edition LF-A supercar, but at least we’re getting some good news to put us in better spirits. A Lexus insider has revealed that the company plans to revive its sedan line-up, adding a coupe based on the wild LF-LC concept, possibly a coupe derived from the GS, and a new, smaller five-passenger crossover. The biggest news, however, is the launch of a roadster LF-A for mid-2014.

Next to the changes we’ve seen so far in the GS, ES, and LS, Lexus will also be working on a re-engineered IS for the spring of 2013. It will be built on a shortened version of the GS platform and will feature the same 2.5-liter and 3.5-liter engines, as well as a new exterior design that will differentiate it from the IS. Next, there will be a GS Coupe - placed between the IS-C and LF-LC - priced at about $60K.

As for a production version of the LF-LC concept, it has been confirmed for late 2014 as a competitor for the Aston Martin Vantage and the Porsche 911 Turbo. Lexus’ SUV line-up will see redesigns for the RX and LX in 2014 and 2015 respectively, while a smaller CX will compete against the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 and will arrive in the fall of 2013.

2013 Lexus LS 460 F-Sport

After many spy shots and a series of teaser images, the new generation Lexus LS finally made its official debut in San Francisco. For the 2013 model year, the LS will be offered in four trim levels: LS 460, LS 460L, LS 600hL Hybrid, and the first-ever LS 460 F-Sport.

As expected, the new generation Lexus LS has received a new exterior design language that has already been featured on the GS sedan. The F-Sport version, however, will get a more aggressive exterior look, combined with improved driving dynamics and a sportier interior. It has received the usual F-Sport elements, including an enhanced three-dimensional mesh grille, larger cooling openings, a black grille surround, 19" forged wheels, sports seats, and different aluminum trims for the interior. Lexus will also be offering an exclusive Ultra White exterior paint for the new LS 460 F-Sport.

UPDATE 08/06/12: Lexus has released the official walk-around video for the LS 460 F-Sport. Check out the 4-minute video by clicking on the image above!

Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Lexus LS 460 F-Sport.

Video: Lexus launches "Unleash the LFA" contest

A few days ago, Lexus launched a video called "Unleash the LFA," together with the promise that we would see something big on August 1st. Of course, we were all hoping to see a special edition LF-A, especially considering all of the spy shots we have seen in the past few weeks - like the images of the AD-A and the AD-B prototypes.

Unfortunately, the issuance of a special edition never happened. Instead, Lexus has announced an "Unleash the LF-A" contest that will provide viewers an opportunity to get behind the wheel of a real Lexus LF-A supercar on a private race track. Not exactly a special edition, but at least Lexus wasn’t lying when Etienne Plas, senior manager of product communications for Lexus Europe, said, "We have no plans to produce and sell any new special edition of the LFA."

Lexus is celebrating the launch of their new "Golden Opportunity Sales Event" by offering one lucky guy the chance to climb behind the wheel of an LFA. All you have to do to enter the contest is launch the contest app), fill out the entry form, and you could win a trip to Salinas California to spend the day at the Skip Barber Racing School where you will have exclusive one-on-one time with professional race-car driver Scott Pruett.

Interested Facebookers have until August 21, 2012 to put in their entries and one random winner will be selected on August 24, 2012. Good luck!

For full legal mumbo-jumbo, visit the Lexus Facebook page.

2013 Lexus LS 600h L

Aside from debuting the standard LS 460 in San Francisco, Lexus has also unveiled the hybrid version of their new LS line-up: the LS 600h L. The model features the same exterior design language as the standard LS 460, but combines a 5.0 liter V8 engine with two electric motors for a total output of 438 HP, making it the most powerful LS in the line-up. It will be offered with full-time AWD system.

The new LS 600h L measures a total of 205 inches in length, 73.8 inches in width, and 58.3 inches in height, and offers seating capacity for five people. The exterior will offer the same inverted trapezoid-shaped upper and bottom-wide lower grille, LED headlights, and a new set of 19" alloy wheels in a seven spoke design. Customers will distinguish the model thanks to its hybrid-specific characteristics, including blue accents in the front headlamps, front and rear "L" badges, "Hybrid" side badging, a "600h" badge on the rear, and an "LS 600h L" badge on the engine cover.

Updated 12/03/2012: Lexus has unveiled a very cool launch video for their new LS 600h. The movie presents details of the car’s exterior and interior and will help you making a better idea on the new generation LS.

Hit the jump to read more about the Lexus LS 600h L.

2013 Lexus LS460

Lexus ignited rumors about the new generation LS luxury sedan at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show when, in a video explaining the new generation RX, the company revealed the first teaser image of the future LS sedan. A few teasers and a couple of leaked images later, the Lexus LS made its official debut in San Francisco, revealing all of the details that were kept a secret until its release.

Compared to the previous generation, the new LS is refined with dynamic, fresh styling that reflects the bold new face of Lexus. As a first for the LS line-up, Lexus has added an all-new F-Sport version, next to the usual LS 460, LS 460L, and LS 600h Hybrid. While the LS 460 versions will be offered in both RWD and AWD versions, the LS Hybrid is available with a full-time AWD system.

The new LS 460 is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine that delivers a total of 386 HP and 367 lb-ft of torque for the RWD version and 360 HP and 347lb-ft for the AWD version. In both models, the engine will be mated to an eight-speed sequential shift automatic transmission.

UPDATE 07/31/2012: This review has been updated with the official images and details for the Lexus LS460.

Hit the jump to read more about the new Lexus LS.

2012 Lexus LFA ’Project Reignfire’ by PUR Wheels

With Lexus recently confirming that the two mysterious LFA prototypes spotted near the Nurburgring will never hit production, PUR Wheels recently took matters into their own hands by creating one of their most tasteful projects thus far: ‘Project Reignfire.’

Fitting a set of 21”, three-piece, forged aluminum 4OUR DEPTH wheels to this stunning red LFA helps to really bring the entire Japanese supercar package together by adding to the overall street appeal of this particular LFA immensely.

Finished in gloss Lumiere grey, the 4OUR DEPTH wheels help to accentuate the lines of the LFA, with the low profile tires also doing wonders for the overall look of the car.

No performance tuning has been conducted on this particular LFA, but after looking at the LFA’s stock spec sheet, it’s no wonder that PUR wheels decided to keep all the mechanics stock! Featuring a 4.8-liter V10 engine, the size of a traditional V8 and the weight of a V6, that delivers 552 horsepower at 8,800 rpm and 354 lb-ft of torque at 6,800 rpm, the LFA is unquestionably a true performance car.

Is this the 2013 Lexus LS?

The new generation Lexus LS is set to be released on July 30th, but it looks like Lexus couldn’t keep the upcoming luxury sedan a secret that long as the first images of the next LS have surfaced on the internet.

The pictures show the LS F-Sport specifically, and feature design elements previously seen on the GS sedan. These features include new headlights, a signature spindle grille, and larger air vents. The LS 460 F-Sport version will be distinguished by the usual F-Sport elements: front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and a rear diffuser with prominent tailpipes.

The entire LS lineup will include the LS 460, LS 460 L, LS 600h, and LS 460 F-Sport. Lexus has yet to offer any details on the engine line-up, but some potential units are a 4.6-liter V8 engine delivering 357 HP and a 5.0-liter V8 engine for the hybrid version producing about 438 HP.

Stay tuned, the official details for the 2013 Lexus LS will be unveiled in just a few days!