Sometime in 2007, Lexus will launch it’s recently revealed “F” high-performance line. The series is said to compete with the Mercedes AMG line and BMW’s M Series cars. The first model in line to be transformed is the IS-F, wielding 425 horsepower from a 5.0 liter V8. Previously called the IS500 (pictured below,) the car will be featured at the Detroit Auto Show in January, and will go on sale December of 2007.

No transmission has been even hinted at, and one would assume that they would keep their current (and controversial) paddle-shifting setup. However, with a more performance oriented line, it would be nice to offer an optional 6-speed manual tranny.

Lexus also filed a trademark for the logo above (which needs to be worked on,) resembling the current Lexus “L” emblem, but looking, um…faster, I guess. Some models to follow the IS-F include the GS-F, and an IS-F coupe, which happens to get me rather excited. I’m sure we will see more models to follow; perhaps an SC-F? Please?

Nihon Car & Bike shows us some pictures from Japanese car magazine “Car Top” of the upcoming Lexus IS500. It’s most definitely photochopped, but you get the idea. The first pic will be of the one we were shown, then it’s the original picture, from the IS350:

Great chop job, though, it looks really clean. Anyway, “Car Top” says the car will be powered by a 5.0L V8 pushing 420 hp and 405 ft-lbs of torque. Hopefully it will have better transmission choices. I haven’t driven the current IS line but I hear the “manumatic” tranny is terrible. I’m sure this will have a version of it, but the response time and other complaints of the current system should be fixed. I really like the style of the new IS line, and the fender flares and subtle rear lip spoiler look great.