Just a few days after it emerged that the upcoming 2015 Lexus IS-F would not use a V8 engine like the previous-generation IS-F, new spyshots have just emerged of what appears to be a 2015 Lexus IS-F. However, this isn’t just your regular IS-F and is instead a 2015 Lexus IS-F Coupe.
It’s long been unclear whether or not Lexus would create an F variant of the IS coupe, but these images seem to confirm that it’s doing just that. What this means is that the 2014 BMW 4-Series Coupe and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe will have a new competitor to deal with.
Separating this particular 2015 Lexus IS-F Coupe from the standard Lexus IS-range are the much larger front air intakes, a small hood scoop, wide rear wheel arches as well as a quad-exhaust pipe system.
The 2013 IS’ chief engineer Junichiro Furuyama recently revealed to The Motor Report that the new IS-F will likely ditch the V8 engine of the original. He said, “That V8 is a little difficult to meet Euro 6.
“The engine has a high performance focus, so the combustion condition is more severe than normal engines. It’s a little more difficult than making the V6 engines comply with Euro 6.”
“To produce more power and torque it runs leaner. That is the problem. We probably need a new engine for the F model.”
When discussing whether the new Lexus IS-F could go down the forced-induction route, Furuyama said, “For power and torque the turbocharger has a big advantage, but there is some turbo lag. Natural aspiration is one of our strong points… and is a more pure experience.” BMW was put in a similar position when creating its new 2014 BMW M3 sedan and 2014 BMW M4 coupe and eventually went down the turbocharged path.
[Via Top Speed]
