Lexus F performance brand to expand

Lexus USA has announced plans to expand its F performance brand, as the Japanese luxury marque looks to inject new life into its challenge to BMW M, Mercedes-AMG and Audi Sport.

Whereas Lexus' current range comprises F Sport and F models – the former focused on styling and suspension upgrades, and the latter on all-out track-ready performance – the future F portfolio will cover "four distinct tiers": F Sport Design, F Sport Handling, F Sport Performance and F.

As the name suggests, F Sport Design models focus on "sport-inspired" aesthetic elements including "unique front and rear bumpers, grille and wheels". F Sport Handling vehicles add "sport-tuned suspension components honed at the track" such as adaptive suspension – with 'F Sport' versions of the new Lexus NX and LX falling into this category.

The F Sport Performance moniker incorporates a "higher performance powertrain", with the badge's debut vehicle – the North America-only IS500 F Sport Performance – seeing the standard IS sedan's range of turbo four-cylinder and naturally-aspirated V6 engines replaced by a 352kW/536Nm 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8.

Sitting atop the hierarchy will remain the full F designation which, according to Lexus, builds on the F Sport Performance tier with "innovative components developed for the racetrack, including upgraded brakes, advanced aerodynamics and lightweight materials".

The most recent F model offered by the Japanese luxury brand was the recently-discontinued RC F coupe – available in limited-run Track Edition guise – preceded by the GS F and IS F sedans, and the legendary LFA supercar.

Translating the reshuffled Lexus F tree into German, the F Sport Design line corresponds to the M Performance Parts range available on nearly all modern BMWs – albeit as an option pack on the Lexus, rather than standalone accessories.

The F Sport Handling series is similar to an M Sport package, which pairs styling, suspension and braking upgrades with 'standard' engines.

F Sport Performance is akin to an M Performance model – which pairs the M Sport pack with a more potent engine, such as an M135i, M340i or X7 M50i – while the master F line would rival a BMW M3, M4, M5 or other true M model.

Lexus' acknowledgement of the F moniker at the top of its performance hierarchy confirms more full Mercedes-AMG and BMW M-rivalling hero cars are on the way, following comments earlier this year – though tightening emissions rules and a push towards plug-in vehicles could see the next high-performance Lexus use all-electric power.

Reports out of Japan have suggested go-fast LS F limousine and LC F super-coupe models are imminent – powered by new 493kW/535Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engines – though these models are yet to surface.

Following the demise of the RC F and F Sport, IS F Sport and CT F Sport earlier this year, Lexus Australia's line-up comprises 'F Sport' versions of the ES, LS, RX and UX, which will be joined by NX and LX F Sport models next year.

All of these models carry exterior styling, interior and chassis improvements over the variants on which they're based, placing them in line for F Sport Handling nomenclature.

Lexus promises that "more details will be announced soon", suggesting the first of the Japanese marque's new sporty models could break cover within the coming months.