The Lexus IS-F is a tuned performance amalgamation of the IS 250/350 sedans. It boasts high-performance technology and is looking to be in competition with Audi's RS4, Cadillac CTS-V, and other super performance sedans.
The IS-F gets pumped way up with a modified version of the Lexus 4.6-liter V8, now enlarged to 5.0 liters. Lexus is predicting final output to be around 400 horsepower and more than 350 pound-feet of torque, with a redline of 7000 rpm. It sends that power through an eight-speed automatic transmission equipped with a sport mode that enables lightning fast shifts via shift paddles located behind the steering wheel rim. In normal, hands-off, fully automatic operation, the transmission, should shift unobtrusively. (It's also used in the LS 460.) The suspension is lowered by one inch over the current IS models, and the IS-F boasts firmer springs and big tires on 19-inch diameter alloy wheels, all designed to deliver enhanced road grip. A recalibrated VDIM electronic stability control system allows more aggressive driving and can even be turned off.
The IS-F gets pumped way up with a modified version of the Lexus 4.6-liter V8, now enlarged to 5.0 liters. Lexus is predicting final output to be around 400 horsepower and more than 350 pound-feet of torque, with a redline of 7000 rpm. It sends that power through an eight-speed automatic transmission equipped with a sport mode that enables lightning fast shifts via shift paddles located behind the steering wheel rim. In normal, hands-off, fully automatic operation, the transmission, should shift unobtrusively. (It's also used in the LS 460.) The suspension is lowered by one inch over the current IS models, and the IS-F boasts firmer springs and big tires on 19-inch diameter alloy wheels, all designed to deliver enhanced road grip. A recalibrated VDIM electronic stability control system allows more aggressive driving and can even be turned off.
Back in 1999, Lexus introduced its BMW 3-Series rival, the IS. With rear-wheel-drive and a choice of powerful straight-six engines, it was clearly influenced by the class-leading BMW. It's taken until now for Lexus to attempt to challenge the M3 - but the IS F (the 'F' stands for Fuji Speedway, where much of the car's development work took place) has been worth the wait.
Like the M3, the Audi RS4 and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, the IS F has a V8-formation engine, delivering 4969cc, 417bhp and 372lb ft of torque. Top speed is limited to 168mph, though it's clearly capable of much more, and 0-60mph acceleration is in 4.8 seconds. Yet it's relatively economical, giving 24.8mpg. Most importantly, the highly-tuned engine makes all the right noises when revved hard but sacrifices none of the expected Lexus refinement when you want to take it a little easier.
The IS F is not a hard-core, all-out sports car, but it is an impressive and very complete all-round proposition that should be easy to live with. Obviously, it also comes with a high level of safety equipment and all the expected luxuries, gadgets and accessories for a car at this price - a cool £51,000. UK deliveries start in April.
The IS F is not a hard-core, all-out sports car, but it is an impressive and very complete all-round proposition that should be easy to live with. Obviously, it also comes with a high level of safety equipment and all the expected luxuries, gadgets and accessories for a car at this price - a cool £51,000. UK deliveries start in April.
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