Lexus confirms F-troop!

LEXUS has announced it will reveal a high-performance V8 version of its compact IS sedan at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 8.

As revealed by GoAuto earlier this week, the fire-breathing "IS500" will officially be dubbed the 2008 IS-F, which will constitute the Toyota luxury brand’s first direct rival for V8 pocket rockets like BMW’s next-generation M3, the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and Audi’s blistering new RS4.

According to the Lexus press release, the IS-F will "feature unique styling and a substantial boost in power from a V8 powerplant that will captivate performance car enthusiasts when it goes on sale next year (in the US)".

As the first F-branded Lexus model, the IS-F is due on sale in Australia in 2008, the same year an all-new LX SUV flagship is due on sale. The V6-powered IS350 and turbo-diesel IS220d may also make an appearance here in 2008.

Lexus also revealed it will exhibit an "exotic sports concept" at Detroit, which could be the widely speculated coupe-convertible version of Lexus’ smallest model.

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