Lexus IS-F Test Drive

The all-new 2008 Lexus IS F high-performance sedan is the first Lexus to wear the brand’s ‘F’ marquee, and is the fastest Lexus production car ever built. Based on the robust IS sport sedan platform, the IS F delivers 416hp from a specially engineered 5.0 liter V8 engine giving it the power to accelerate to 60mph in just 4.6 sec. and hit a top speed of 170 mph. This potent all-aluminum V8 engine features a dual air intake system, high-flow cylinder heads with titanium valves designed by Yamaha, VVT with intelligence, and an electrically controlled intake cam. You’ll love the loud, throaty roar when you mash your foot on the throttle and get kicked back into your seat.

The engine is mated to the world’s first eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatic transmission with a quick and direct special lock up clutch, and a control system that enables ultra-quick manual up-shifts (0.1 sec.), and blips the throttle for precision down-shifts. You can shift manually using either the console shifter or steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters when driving in either Drive mode (D) or Manual mode (M).


You get smooth and imperceptible shifts in Drive when convenience and comfort are the top priorities; and powerful, quick, shifts in M for spirited performance driving.

Tested and tuned on some of the world’s most challenging racetracks including Germany’s world famous Nurburgring and Japan’s Fuji Speedway, the IS F has been designed for ultimate performance. Although using the basic double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension configurations of the standard IS platform, the IS F benefits from a multitude of track-proven modifications that include increased spring and damper rates as well as larger-diameter stabilizer bars. The IS F also sits one inch lower and features suspension bushings and a calibrated Electric Power Steering system tuned for a more direct feel. The ride is firm but never harsh, and you have a console-mounted button to choose Comfort or Sport.

In addition to the finely tuned suspension, a specially calibrated version of the advanced Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system is equipped to provide superior handling dynamics and traction control to keep you on your chosen path.

The IS F is also outfitted with a heavy-duty Brembo brake system designed to the specifications of the Lexus engineering team. The 14.2 in. ventilated and drilled front rotors are gripped by rigid, powerful six-piston aluminum calipers, while the 13.6 in. ventilated and drilled rear rotors use two-piston calipers. The front calipers are powder-coated black with the Lexus logo in white, another first for a Lexus automobile.

With new and distinctive high-performance design features, the IS F is set apart from standard Lexus models. The IS F exterior styling has a muscular stance with unique front fascia, hood, fenders, underbody, and rear spoiler all shaped to optimize airflow management and give the IS F a signature look. Unique ‘F’ badges composed of silver, blue and black are located on both front fenders followed by a third badge on the trunk lid. Four exhaust diffusers, stacked tow per side in a vertical arrangement, are integrated into the rear bumper and leave a lasting sporty impression to cars behind you.

The IS F continues to differentiate itself from its siblings even more with 19 in. forged-alloy wheels produced by BBS that feature a distinct dark-gray finish. These high-performance wheels are wrapped with high-performance, low-profile tires.

The interior is a perfect blend of Lexus comfort and luxury with just the right amount of sporty cues. The sporty cues include heated, leather trimmed, 10-way powered, front sport bucket seats with extra side bolstering to keep you firmly in place during hard cornering; a sport-styled, 3-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel with power tilt and telescope; aluminum-faced foot pedals; white and gray carbon fiber wrapped center console and door switch plates. The unique IS F instrument cluster features blue needles in the 180 mph speedometer and 9,000 rpm tachometer.

Standard equipment includes dual-zone automatic climate control, a pollen filter and smog detector, power moonroof with one-touch open/close and seven open-position settings, three-position memory function for front seats, steering wheel and mirrors, all power windows with automatic up/down operation, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink programmable garage door opener, SmartAcess keyless entry and push-button Start/Stop, Lexus Premium Audio System with six-disc in-dash CD changer, automated rain-sensing wipers, Lexus signature floor mats, and heated, auto-dimming outside mirrors with integrated puddle lamps.

Options include a DVD Navigation System with backup camera, 14-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound Audio System, Intuitive Park Assist, Pre-Collision System and headlamp washers.

While the 2007 Lexus LS460 has taken the full-size luxury sedan segment to new, higher-levels of luxury and automotive high-technology, Lexus has now turned its eye toward conquering the ultra-high-performance segment competing against the new
BMW M3, Audi RS4, and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG sedans.
2008 Lexus IS-F Test Drive
‘TURNING AN EYE TOWARDS HIGH PERFORMANCE’
COPYRIGHT:2008:HARVEY SCHWARTZ
Type: Midsize Sedan
Where Built: Japan
EPA Class: Midsize Cars
Exterior
Height: 55.7 in. Wheel Base: 107.5 in.
Gross Weight: 4660 lbs.
Interior
Front Shoulder Room: 54.4 in. Rear Head Room: 36.7 in.
Front Leg Room: 43.9 in. Rear Leg Room: 30.6 in.
Maximum Seating: 4
Performance
Base Engine Type: V8 Horsepower: 416 hp
Max Torque: 5200 rpm Drive Type: RWD
0-60mph/seconds: 4.6
Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.9 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Automatic: : 16 mpg / 23 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 270.4 mi. / 388.7 mi.