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The 2008 Lexus IS-F has a 4.6-second 0-60-mph time from a 5.0-liter V8 mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. (Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.)

TORRANCE, Calif. — The 2008 Lexus IS-F, which arrives in dealerships in early February, will start at $56,765, including a $765 destination charge, the automaker said on Friday.

This is the first “F” model out of the chute. It is equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 that churns out 416 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 371 pound-feet of torque at 5,200 rpm. The engine is mated to an eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatic transmission. Lexus says the IS-F sprints from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and has a maximum track speed of 170 mph.

Standard features include a power moonroof, automated rain-sensing wipers and a Lexus Premium Audio System with six-disc in-dash CD changer. Options include a DVD navigation system with back-up camera, 14-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound audio system, Intuitive Park Assist, a pre-collision system and headlamp washers.

What this means to you: Lexus manages to keep the price of its hot new property under $60K. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent