Toyota Motor Corp unveiled the production model of its Lexus IS F sports car on Thursday as it aims to close the gap with global luxury car heavyweights Mercedes-Benz.
The IS F is the first in a new series of muscle cars planned under the Lexus line christened "F", created to broaden the brand.
"Lexus has long been renowned as a luxury, high-quality brand," said Executive Vice President Akio Toyoda, responsible for Toyota's domestic operations.
"But to be recognized as a true global premium brand, we knew we needed more emotional vehicles," Toyoda, grandson of company founder Kiichiro Toyoda, said at the car's unveiling at Fuji Speedway, the automaker's racing circuit near Mount Fuji.
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