Good things come to those who wait!

Australia will finally be able to purchase the Lexus IS-F in late October, and even better, the super sedan's pricing significantly undercuts the competition.

Retailing for $129,000 AUD (approx. $89,700 USD), the IS-F will be $15,365 AUD less than the Mercedes C63 and as much as $33,901 AUD less expensive than the BMW M3. Mr. John Roca, Lexus Australia's Chief Executive, has more:

“IS F enters one of the most competitive categories,” Mr Roca said. “This category is all about passion and brand values. With the IS F we have the brand values - the passion comes with the first drive.

“The core Lexus values are what will set us apart from the competition. Lexus is extremely excited about the arrival of the IS F and the new clientele it will bring. Furthermore, Lexus now has a hero car that will stimulate sales of other IS models,” said Mr Roca.

In North America, this trio of cars retails for roughly the same amount (before options), but in Australia, the difference between an IS-F and an M3 roughly translates to $23,600 USD. That's staggering.

[Source: Japanese Sports Cars]

Fresh from its debut at the Paris Auto Show, the Lexus IS 250C is now making an appearance at the Australia International Auto Show. When asked about the new convertible, Lexus Australia GM John Roca had this to say:

"For the first time in Lexus history we can now claim we have an IS range...[it] will join the soon-to-be-launched IS-F and new IS 250 sedan to form a very strong backbone for the brand,” Mr Roca said.

"IS 250C has been developed to strict Lexus standards. Its superior NVH suppression, wind turbulence characteristics, ride comfort, interior space and versatility will set a new benchmark for convertibles in its class. It will also arrive at a time when practicality and versatility are driving purchase decisions. IS 250C consumers will not have to choose between sedan versatility and convertible enjoyment."

Lexus is extremely excited about the addition of IS 250C to the local model line-up in the later half of 2009," Mr Roca said.

Seems the IS 250C will be taking its time making its way to Australia, but even more than that, Lexus fans down under still don't have the IS-F?

[Source Japanese Sports Cars]

There's some fairly strong imagery in this Lexus IS commercial from Australia, and it's all vaguely biblical:

I'd really like to see the creative brief on this one.

In preparation of winter, Australia is getting a special edition of the Lexus RX 350 perfectly suited for the colder months. Here's a breakdown of the particulars:

Added extras include bespoke 18-inch shadow chrome alloy wheels, three unique exterior colours – including Arctic Blue, Burgundy and Onyx carbon – and an accessories pack featuring roof racks, nudge bar, tow bar, headlight covers, rear bumper protector, cargo mat and reverse parking sensors.

Only 250 examples of the Special Edition RX 350 will be offered, with each vehicle featuring unique SE badging and numbered build plates, making it one of the most exclusive RX Lexus vehicles.

I'm not a big fan of the wheel design, but the nudge bar on the front more than makes up for it. (More than anything, though, I really like the rear cargo mat pattern.)

Here's a gallery for a closer look:

[Source: Lexus Australia via The Motor Report]

When John Roca, the chief executive of Lexus Australia, isn't leaking the future plans of his employer, he's busy planning the expansion of Australia's dealer network by more than 50%:

Lexus Australia has announced plans to grow its current 22-strong dealer network by more than 50% by 2012.

Dealers will commit A$230m towards new and existing dealer facilities and sites over the next four years. New outlets will be in a mix of regional and metropolitan centres.

Lexus chief executive John Roca said that the commitment had been made possible by the continued growth of the brand in Australia over the last seven years.

"Lexus locally is in growth mode," he said. "Demand for our vehicles regularly outstrips supply and our dealerships in their current format are reaching their capacity limits."

The new dealerships will be based on the recently opened Lexus Perth dealership (pictured above), which has a very nice look. I'm especially impressed by the giant roof overhang.

[Source: Just Auto via Carscoop]

John Roca, the chief executive of Lexus Australia, just can't seem to help himself when it comes to leaking new product announcements. In an interview with The Australian, Roca dropped information about a number of new vehicles in the Lexus pipeline:

• Lexus will be expanding the F lineup to include the GS-F, which was rumored last year, and quite possibly a LS-F, both of which could be powered by a V10.
• There's definitely plans to produce a new entry-level Lexus, positioned under the IS, which would compete with the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3.
• The dedicated hybrid, expected to be announced at next year's Detroit Auto Show, would be separate from the new entry-level car, though that makes very little sense to me.
• The IS coupe/convertible is being tested in Australia right now, and is expected to be released late next year.
• The LF-A, seemingly stuck in concept form, will definitely see production, though it might not happen until 2011. Roca mentions that it may only be available in a left-hand drive configuration.
• Lastly, the next generation RX will be released next year, and will remain a 5-seater. (This mirrors the comments of a poster on my site, who also says there's a 7-seater on the horizon, most likely the JX we heard about last year.)

For a short interview, this is a lot of verified rumors. It's unclear exactly how the new entry-level model is going to play out, and whether this Lexus "Prius" will be separate or the very same thing.

I'll admit that the possibility of a LS-F has me intrigued, but it's safe to say it's at least 2-3 years away.