Lexus F-Marque

In late 2006, Lexus filed trademark applications for an “F” emblem, leading to speculation that the luxury marque was about to launch a performance brand. At the time it was suggested that “F” stood for “Fast” or “Flagship.” Later reports surmised that “F” referred to the Fuji Speedway in Japan, whose first corner, 27R, was said to have inspired the shape of the “F” emblem. Interviews with company executives in prior years had included mentions of Lexus possibly starting a performance brand to compete with the likes of Mercedes’ AMG, Audi’s S/RS, Cadillac’s V-series, and BMW’s M division, among others. An earlier in-house tuning effort, the TRD-based L-Tuned, had offered performance packages on the IS 300 and GS 400 sedans in the early 2000′s. In December 2006, Lexus announced that the first vehicle in the F-marque lineup, the IS-F sedan, previously known in the press as the IS 500, would premiere at the North American International Auto Show in January 2007. The vehicle subsequently premiered at Detroit along with a redesigned version of the concept LF-A supercar. Compared to the 2GR-FSE V6, 306 hp (228 kW) IS 350, the IS-F featured a 2UR-GSE V8 engine and over 400 hp (300 kW). Media reports suggested that the IS-F sedan would be followed by a GS-F sedan and IS-F coupe. The IS-F is scheduled to be in dealerships by early 2008. The IS-F made its European premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007, and premiered in Japan at the Fuji Speedway in October 2007.