IS-F Challenges Image of Lexus

SALINAS, CA – With the same laser-guided backing that has made the Lexus brand synonymous with luxury in the U.S., Toyota Motor Corp. taps its luxury division to confront a previously vacant automotive genre for Japanese auto makers: high-end performance vehicles.

Designated by the letter “F” and formally introduced with first drives of the ’08 Lexus IS-F sports sedan at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca here, the new sub-brand could best be described as the worst nightmare for BMW AG, ...