A few months ago we learned that Lexus was prepared to drop its BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 AMG fighter, the IS F, after 2013. Despite the Japanese automaker working hard to shed its conservative image, we found it a bit odd that it would discontinue what was arguably one of the best models it ever built. Fortunately, the news may not turn out to be all that bad. A new report has just come out indicating that a new IS F is entirely possible, but it won't be powered by the current model's 5.0-liter V8.

The new IS model's chief designer stated that "The V8 is a little difficult to meet Euro 6...and that the engine has a high performance focus, so the combustion condition is more severe than normal engines. We probably need a new engine for the F model." So what could that new engine be exactly? Lexus is now looking at both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged options, but the latter may not properly fit in with IS F's personality. More importantly, the engineer made clear that the brand's hybrid technology would not find its way into the performance sedan anytime soon. If a new IS F were to come to market, don't expect to see it until late 2014 or early 2015.