Lexus Shows Off Muscular New Sedan

OYAMA, Japan — Lexus chose a Formula One racing course to show off its new luxury sport sedan Thursday, to make sure reporters got the message the new IS F is about engine muscle and the thrill of nimble handling.

Lexus hopes to sell 7,000 IS F cars globally next year, about 5,000 or 6,000 in the U.S., 500 in Japan and the rest in Europe.

The $67,000 sport sedan, which can hit 186 mph, rolls out Dec. 25 in Japan, and in February or March in the U.S., company executive Takeshi Yoshida said.

Reporters were given helmets before getting into the IS F. Then professional drivers took reporters for two laps lasting just a few minutes on the Fuji Speedway race course, reaching 149 mph at one point.

As the sport sedan took the sharp corners, reporters swayed in their seats, holding tight, hearing the engine growl at high speeds and sensing the pavement speed by.

Executive vice president Akio Toyoda, the usually suit-clad grandson of Toyota's founder, appeared in a black racing outfit and even was one of the test drivers for the event.

Toyoda, who oversees Japanese sales, acknowledged that Lexus needs time to grow into a ''premium brand'' in Japan, where the nameplate was introduced just three years ago.

''Lexus must have the emotional factor of being exciting to drive,'' he said.

The IS F is a more powerful version of the Lexus IS, which is already on sale. The letter ''F'' added at the end of the name stands for ''fun'' as well as Fuji Speedway, the company said.

Lexus officials said the new IS F measures up to popular German sport sedans in acceleration and other performance.

The IS F, which has a 5-liter V8 engine, delivers good mileage for a high performance sport sedan, getting about 20 miles per gallon in Japanese test-driving conditions, the company said.

Yukihiko Yaguchi, who oversaw the development of the IS F, said the car's quick response, smooth acceleration and engine roar are key for attracting buyers.

''This model highlights the emotional element, while the hybrid Lexus LS 600h L showcases our innovations,'' he said.