If the Japanese grapevine has it right, Lexus is working on a harder, super-lightweight IS-F with extra power and torque, designed to close the gap on the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.

Enter the IS-F/R, whose Yamaha-developed 5.0-liter V-8 is reportedly good for 429 horsepower and 376 pound-feet (versus the IS-F’s current 417 horsepower and 372 pound-feet), with curb weight also cut by a dramatic 220 pounds.

If the program goes ahead, word is the asking price would be ¥11 million (say $98,420), more than a 40 percent increase on the standard IS-F. Ouch.

The power difference is hardly noticable, but the weight difference is good!

However, a 40% increase in price is ridiculous.

Hmmmm.....I think Lexus needs to go after the Nissan GT-R and with the IS-F/R.

This should be interesting, i'd love some pics.

No pics.