You can understand the apprehension with the new Lexus IS F. After all, the name sounds more like a kitchen appliance than that of a super sports sedan. But, that’s what the IS F is: a super sports sedan. Turning away from their comfort zone of producing uber comfortable luxury barges, Lexus has come up with their own BMW M or Mercedes-Benz AMG. The question that remains to be asked is: is it worth it?
If the ‘F’ in IS F stood for Toyota’s Formula 1 team, then it’s not a good start. So it’s just appropriate that the entire press kit skipped the matter of motorsport altogether. The ‘F’ originates from ‘Circle-F’, Toyota’s internal code name for what’s now known as the Lexus brand. Aside from that ‘F’ doesn’t mean anything else—just a letter appended to the IS name to connote a monstrous 5.0-liter V8 the under hood.
The basic engine is based off Lexus’s 4.6-liter unit also found in the LS and GS sedans. For the IS F though, changes were made, the biggest among them is the extra cc’s of displacement. The net effect is 416 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 505 Nm of torque at 5,200 rpm. Lexus is proud of the high specific output (83.2 bhp/liter) and high operating range (6,800 rpm) of the engine—highlighting the IS F’s core engineering. Other changes in the engine bay include a dual air intake system, engine oil and transmission-fluid coolers and a cylinder head scavenge oil pump. The scavenge oil pump forces oil from the cylinder heads back to the oil pan ensuring a reliable oil supply even during cornering (a more cost-effective solution than a dry sump-style engine). All exhaust gases are expelled through dual 2.4-inch front pipes that join to a 2.7-inch single center pipe after which it splits again into two 2.1-inch pipes.
Mated to this manic engine is a innovative 8-speed automatic transmission (a world first) with sequential-shift override. According to Lexus, the use of an extra-gear bridges the gap between an automated manual-type transmission and a planetary-type automatic by offering the response time and the smoothness. The transmission box is ultra compact, fitting in the same length and width as Lexus’s own 6-speed unit. In the cabin, paddle shifters on the steering wheel offer direct control when needed. Additionally, there’s a ‘Sport’ button that allows the IS F to intervene less in terms of driving aids as well as a sharper throttle response, more steering effort and holding gears longer.
Based on the sharp-looking IS sedan, the IS F is clearly differentiated thanks to a trapezoidal-shaped front bumper fascia, V-shaped grille and a raised center section of hood (to make room for the V8). The front fenders were also widened to accommodate the 19-inch forged alloy BBS wheels (225/40 R 19 in front, 255/39 R 19 at the back). The upper and lower grilles both get mesh treatments, enlarging the cooling area for the engine. Separate brake ducts are adjacent to the front fog lamps. The rear view is equally strong not just because of its dramatic trapezoidal shape. There are four exhaust diffusers two per side in a vertical arrangement, while above them is a set of LED tail lamps behind clear lenses and white LED license plate lamps. Underbody panels and a subtle rear spoiler improve the overall aerodynamics as well.
Because of the IS F’s 4.6 second 0-100 km/h time, improvements had to be made to the suspension to accommodate the excessive performance. Aside from the 19-inch Bridgestone tires, the IS F sits lower thanks to revised shock and spring settings. The sub-frame and other key aspects, including the engine mounts of the car were stiffed. On all four corners of the IS F, massive Brembo brakes measuring 14.2 inches upfront and 13.6 inches at the back make their way. The six-piston front and two-piston rear caliper brakes are mated to a 10 inch brake booster for high confidence in extreme driving conditions.
Lexus, being Lexus, is uncompromising in the IS F’s luxury fittings. For starters, the glass used is a UV-reducing, heat-absorbing one that gives occupants utmost comfort whatever the weather. The trim is made of an aluminum composite, replacing the fuddy-duddy wood trim. The gauges are uniquely rimmed in aluminum as well and house a multi-information display that includes a dual-mode tire pressure monitoring system (for summer and winter tires). The seats have been replaced with heavily bolstered sport ones, available in the traditional black or a unique white color dubbed Alpine. Other standard IS F amenities include powered front seats, dual climate control, a powered moon roof, a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, automatic on/off HID headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and tons more. Throughout the cabin, the ‘F’ is emblazoned reminding the driver that this is no ordinary IS.
Surely, the best sound track of the car should be provided by the V8 engine. Still, Lexus did provide a high-power, high-quality audio system in the IS F. The “standard” audio system features a six-disc in-dash CD changer and 13 speakers. For the serious audiophile though, it’s best to upgrade to the Lexus exclusive Mark Levinson 14-speaker system that offers a 7.1 surround sound experience. It has 10 amplifier channels that pump out 300 watts peak output each. It’s total harmonic distortion is less than 0.1 percent. Plus, CDs, DVD movies, MP3-filled CDs and external audio/video devices can be played through the 7-inch color LCD screen.
On paper, the Lexus IS F looks like the new super sports sedan to beat. Take note though that it’s actually fighting in a territory occupied by the likes of the iconic BMW M3 and monstrous Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG. But, Lexus has done their homework, extensively testing the IS F in places like Germany’s Nurburgring Nordschleife, Circuit Paul Ricard in France and Japan’s Fuji Speedway. Now, whether or not the buying public accepts a high-performance Lexus, only time can tell; but one thing is for certain: the Germans have a new rival in town, and this one’s not going down without a fight.
By Ulysses Ang
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