AutoCar - Road Test: Lexus IS-F

Newsbot submitted on 03/27/2008 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 7:47 AM
from: www.autocar.co.uk

Tags: AutoCar - Road Test: Lexus IS-F

For: Engine note, chassis balance, strong brakes, high spec

Against: Lack of proper limited-slip diff, hesitant gearbox, flat seats, fidgety ride

Background:

The IS-F is the first sports Lexus model to make production. It was the idea of two Lexus engineers, Yaguchi-san and Sakamoto-san, but it is not the first IS model to undergo a little light fettling. In 2003 the same engineers experimented with the previous-generation IS300 — normally fitted with a 3.0-litre straight six — to create the IS430 project car, with a 340bhp V8, adjustable dampers and a six-speed manual transmission.

But from here on you must forget what you know about traditional Lexus values – comfort, refinement and so on – because this new model has its priorities in an entirely different place. With petrol V8s and hybrids that deliver mountain-moving torque from idle, Lexus’s existing range isn’t exactly slovenly, but this, the IS-F, is the firm’s first stab at a fully paid-up sports saloon.

The ‘F’ stands for Fuji Motor Speedway, the Japanese track owned by Toyota and the venue for the car’s development. If any doubt remains, one look at the IS-F’s mechanical specification gives a clear indication of its market positioning.

A naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 producing over 400bhp and driven solely through the rear wheels is a strikingly familiar layout; both BMW and Mercedes have recently launched products that, give or take the odd cubic centimetre or brake horsepower, match the Lexus blow for blow.

And the £51,000 Lexus is charging for the IS-F places it neatly between the £49,310 M3 saloon and the £51,317 C63 AMG. That’s tough competition by any measure, but especially so when it’s your first effort.

Design

Although the IS-F shares its basic suspension with more mainstream IS models – double wishbone suspension at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear – Lexus has undertaken some serious tinkering to give the IS-F greater control.

The front suspension arms and steering knuckles are now constructed from lighter materials to reduce unsprung mass, the spring rates are increased, the anti-roll bars are thicker and the bump stops activate earlier, while the hub bearings are unique to the IS-F. The IS-F wears thicker and broader brakes (360mm at the front and 345mm at the rear), but unusually for a car with such driver-focused intentions, the IS-F employs electric power steering, and not a hydraulic system.

On first inspection the driveline package seems familiar, the 5.0-litre V8 providing the conventional power in Lexus’s range-topping LS600h hybrid. The eight-speed automatic transmission has also been seen before in the LS460 and GS460. Make no mistake, though, there has been some major tweakery. The result is a maximum output of 417bhp, 28bhp more than the LS600h, although torque slips slightly to 372lb ft.

The automatic gearbox in the IS-F benefits from bespoke ratios and a manual mode, operated either by the gear selector or paddles mounted behind the steering wheel. From second gear upwards the ’box operates a lock-up mechanism to give faster shifts and a more direct throttle response. It will also hold on to gears right to the rev limiter and only change down if the engine threatens to stall.

The IS-F has also undergone an extensive visual makeover. In addition to the beefed-up bumpers and bigger wheels (in this case 19-inch), the IS-F has a bonnet bulge that makes even the M3’s power dome look inadequate, broader sills and pumped-out front wheel arches complete with cooling gills.

On the Road

If there’s one area of this car where Lexus has absolutely nailed what a super-saloon should be, it’s under the IS-F’s borderline-ludicrous bonnet bulge. Freed from the refinement and economy shackles of its hybrid applications, this 5.0-litre V8 is far and away the most engaging motor Lexus produces.

The delivery itself is relatively peaky. Maximum power arrives at 6600rpm, passing the torque peak at 5200rpm, and with a 7000rpm red line this is a high-revving engine. At MIRA’s test track the IS-F couldn’t quite match Lexus’s acceleration claims, although 5.2sec to 60mph and 12.3sec to 100mph are very respectable figures.

But for all its revving, the IS-F’s powerband is not narrow enough to justify eight forward ratios. Left to its own devices, you’re aware that the ’box is making too many shifts.

The F rides just like a regular IS. It feels quite softly sprung but not softly damped; there’s a certain harshness and patter that, much like the standard car, means its ride at any speed never settles except on the smoothest of asphalt.

So on a demanding road the IS-F is slightly compromised. It is refined but does not quite control its body movements well enough. If it’s just the poise you’re after, the M3 and C63 deliver more here.

The IS-F’s overall chassis balance is very good, however. On smooth asphalt or a race track it is enjoyable and extremely exploitable. It turns in crisply, and while the steering is not overly engaging, it is accurate and direct.

A conventional limited-slip differential, rather than the F’s electronically controlled open diff, would make for smoother transitions back into line and improve traction. Better suspension control and an LSD would be enough to revolutionise what’s already a very entertaining car.

The IS-F’s brakes are excellent. Their feel and progression are good and, for a car weighing 1720kg, they have no problem routinely stopping the IS-F on a circuit.

Living

Much like in the M3 and C63, the hottest Lexus’s interior pretty much follows the themes set by the standard car. Dashboard architecture and materials are largely unchanged, save for some faux-metal finish on the centre console.

Unlike in the BMW and Mercedes, though, changes to the Lexus don’t amount to serious alterations to the driving furniture. Granted, the IS-F’s front chairs are subtly different from a standard IS’s, but not by enough; they don’t drop low enough and have insufficient lateral support.

The steering wheel is little different from that of the regular version. Its range of adjustment is limited; serious drivers will find they can’t bring it close enough to their body and that, when it’s at the uppermost reach of its height adjustment, it’s too angled (the bottom of the wheel is too close to the driver while the top is too far away).

Otherwise, the cabin is fine. Materials are acceptable, while fit and finish are beyond reproach. The touch-screen infotainment system is largely simple to use and, at the Lexus base price, comprises all the kit you would expect to be standard and a bit more besides.

Interior room? It’s at a premium in the rear of the cabin, but the boot is average for a car in this class.

Lexus hasn’t been shy in its pricing; the IS-F is pitched right between its rivals from Mercedes-AMG and BMW.

What does set the Lexus apart is that, typically, it wants for nothing in terms of standard equipment. If the IS-F maintains Lexus’s traditional ownership traits – and there’s no reason to think that it shouldn’t – then running an IS-F should be a remarkably easy, fault-free and fuss-free experience, albeit at a cost in depreciation; after just two years it’s predicted that the IS-F will have lost almost half of its value.

Verdict: 3.5 / 5

The IS-F is a credible effort for a company whose stock in trade is luxury and refinement, and there is much that Lexus has absolutely nailed. The V8 powerplant stands comparison with any of its rivals and the overall balance of the IS-F’s entertaining and adjustable chassis is wonderful. Those are the basics and they’re spot on.

In the end, then, it’s details that set the Mercedes C63 and BMW M3 apart from the IS-F. But they’re the details that separate excellence from mere competence. If Lexus is serious about its ‘Fuji’ moniker, it should fit a limited-slip differential and a gearbox better suited to fast driving. It has tuned the suspension to retain comfort while improving control, but in the end it excels at neither. And inside you’ll find seats that are too flat. Lexus has done well, but could do better. Read Article

Comments:

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bmwman1963 - 3/27/2008 9:04:18 AMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

Not a looker is it?

reply to this comment

AdHominem - 4/1/2008 9:41:23 PM

+1 Boost

"...it’s details that set the Mercedes C63 and BMW M3 apart from the IS-F. But they’re the details that separate excellence from mere competence. " The Lexus is merely competent! Take that German car fans.

EL34 - 3/27/2008 9:15:17 AM

+2 Boost

Does anyone care about this car?

reply to this comment

answer - 3/27/2008 2:23:20 PM

+3 Boost

Well, considering every topic remotely mentioning the IS-F seems to bring out all the anti-Lexus jerks and the crazy Lexus fanboys... YES!!!!

MattB - 3/30/2008 7:04:13 PM

+1 Boost

GoObama, why do you have two accounts? I assume you're the same person as GoObama08.

MunichRob - 3/27/2008 9:20:45 AMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

Still can't get over the fact that it more expensive than the M3...What were they thinking?

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LexSucks - 3/27/2008 10:18:12 AM

+4 Boost

Because Americans are fools when it comes to cars. Name another place on the planet where Lexus is successful?

answer - 3/27/2008 11:09:22 AM

+1 Boost

Where are you from Lexsucks?

bulldogz - 3/27/2008 11:18:31 AM

+4 Boost

Munich Rob, how many times do we have to go over this?? Neither car comes stripped, option out each accordingly and you find 2 things: the IS-F offers more features standard, and the M3 will cost on avg. $4-6k more when finished.

Notjustlex - 3/27/2008 12:17:36 PM

+2 Boost

when both cars are built out the way they are arriving for sale the M3 is priced considerably higher than the IS-F.

LexSucks - 3/27/2008 3:14:21 PM

-2 Boost

Answer,

I'm from America.

macker83 - 3/27/2008 4:20:05 PM

-3 Boost

its not more expensive than the M3 BMW dealerships are selling it for upwards of 90000 including the packs i work at a lexus dealership the ISF is 62000 fully loaded lo jack is 1000 thats all they add on no discounting yet.

autopro - 3/27/2008 6:46:39 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

Its a better car!!!

S2000VS911 - 3/28/2008 2:01:32 AM

+3 Boost

IS-F -- CAD 69742 (Included Taxes, Levies, Fees, Freight and Delivery),without series 2 package.

M3 sedan -- CAD 69900 base price

Ironman273 - 3/28/2008 1:34:08 PM

+4 Boost

Take a look at the IS-F/M3 comparisons and you'll see that on comparably equipped cars the M3 is actually a little pricier. Base price means nothing when that's not the car you'll see at the dealership.

Dutchman - 3/27/2008 10:20:13 AM

0 Boost

4 tail pipes two work two are cosmetic with no evhaust passsing through them....weak! Keep making hybrids and leave the performance to teh Europeans. Oops and Nissan! GT-R

reply to this comment

EL34 - 3/27/2008 10:32:32 AM

-2 Boost

The GT-R may have performance, but leave the styling to the Americans and Europeans.

r15mohd - 3/27/2008 11:25:25 AM

+1 Boost

as far as i know...all four work. it's just different, hell porsche's have 2 extra tips on some of their vehicles that are useless...it's pure cosmetic, what's the complain?

vehicle is good, just not better than the rest. it is however a GREAT starting point.

M35MT - 3/27/2008 12:37:02 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

Your mom should have left reproduction to intelligent people.

GTR35 - 3/27/2008 3:49:27 PM

+2 Boost

"Your mom should have left (primate) reproduction to intelligent people."

Way too funny.

Targa - 3/28/2008 10:08:39 AM

+1 Boost

Porsche does not use fake tips...... try knowing something about what you are saying.

Dutchman - 3/27/2008 11:11:54 AM

-4 Boost

agreed

reply to this comment

ChicaneShooter - 3/29/2008 8:02:08 AM

+2 Boost

"Your mom should have left (primate) reproduction to intelligent people."

DOUBLY agree!!!

xlr8 - 3/27/2008 11:23:36 AM

0 Boost

it costs more than an m3??? IS-F AILURE lol

reply to this comment

autopro - 3/27/2008 6:49:23 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Jaguar=failure Now you get a free turbin with every purchase.

answer - 3/27/2008 11:33:12 AM

+9 Boost

Say what you will, but as far as a first attempt goes, the IS-F does a pretty good job.

You can still prefer the Bimmer or Benz, but you can't say the IS-F is a piece of crap. Unless of course, you are a biased ass.

reply to this comment

GTR35 - 3/27/2008 3:53:12 PM

-5 Boost

True, I never saw it from that perspective. But still doesn't get my respect. We'll have to wait for the second model, that's if the F line survives that long.

Designer1 - 3/27/2008 12:20:23 PM

+1 Boost

lool, what do you expect when German fan boys drive a car that hunts them down every second of their life.

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M35MT - 3/27/2008 12:34:18 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

At MIRA’s test track the IS-F couldn’t quite match Lexus’s acceleration claims, although 5.2sec to 60mph and 12.3sec to 100mph are very respectable figures.

Should that be, "WE" couldn't quite match Lexus' times?

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bimmer - 3/27/2008 12:47:16 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

I think this Toyota model is getting to much attention and is distracting everyone from the real performers. Take a look at any older Toyota (or Lexus, doesn't matter what is called) vehicle and in your mind just say and repeat it a few times: "This is one beautiful car"... Then you'll see something is wrong.

reply to this comment

StickShiftCamry - 3/27/2008 1:57:39 PM

+2 Boost

Wow, 5.2sec 0-60, were they going uphill? Or don't read any other magazines? or the wrong car, IS 350 almost does that time.

reply to this comment

answer - 3/27/2008 2:31:26 PM

+2 Boost

Seriously spellchecker, have you driven any of the cars you speak of?

You act as if you're an expert on all things automotive, but what you bring to the discussion is almost always founded in pure ignorance.

Last time. Like what you want, buy what you want/can afford, but the IS-F is not the rolling pile of junk you and your cronies make it out to be.

People like you love to to point out how the Lexus hasn't won any of the comparison tests, which is completely true. But not one of those same reviews has universally panned the car the way you seem to think.

BMW4me4ever - 3/27/2008 2:58:28 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

I have to kind of defend the ISF in the performance of the car. I dont think the guy from Autocar is that great of a driver. Case in point, when he did the performance evalutaion of the M3 & Porsche GT3. He absolutely blew the start by spinning the tires and then spun them again in second gear. Anyone who is anyone knows that you lose .4 to .5 of a second when you do this. Then he made his judgements about the cars based on the lackluster performance.

StickShiftCamry - 3/27/2008 3:32:18 PM

0 Boost

Slow shifts? Even German only fans know it probably has the fastest shifts.

Notjustlex - 3/27/2008 6:20:10 PM

+1 Boost

Spellchecker001

slow shifts? Are you kidding. You and all the other bench racing wanabee's need to get in an IS-F and see what it can do. Oh yeah you can't afford it and no dealer would take your seriously when you walk in. Keep reading your magazines and maybe one day you can drive what you talk about. Probably not I'm sure you just got your first used car.

ChicaneShooter - 3/29/2008 8:09:25 AM

+2 Boost

so what happened to Stoolchecker? oh, i guess he finally got flushed down the toilet! LMAO!!!

Agent63 - 3/28/2008 12:19:53 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

IS-F more expensive than the M3 and basically the same as a C63. Not going to work Lexus. No one will pay that kind of money for a glorified IS. The IS should be 5k cheaper than the M3 to make it stand out. 5K less it's a bargain!. Lexus should be great value not trying to compete in price with the rivals. When it comes to price American's have known Lexus to be more affordable than its rivals. I think most of them end up buying one because it's a cheaper alternative to MB/BMW/Audi. Let's face it.

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S2000VS911 - 3/28/2008 2:16:02 AM

+1 Boost

i don't mind go for IS-F if get tired of manual & clutch. This car look great !!! Just not sure the electric power steering work good or not. But i think both car's dealer won't allow to test drive except u put down deposit.

Agent63 - 3/28/2008 2:37:53 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

The IS-F has controversial styling IMO. Although it has styling that the younger generations would like it still lacks an identity. It doesn't know if it's a riced-out Lexus or a Luxury sports saloon. Deboost me if you want but it's a car that will suit well in a Playstation game and the fans will love this car.

Not to put down this car. Despite it not being as good as it's competitors (IMO) it's one heck of a try by Lexus. I expect nothing less with their LF-A model. However, I rather have an asset than a liability. At least in this point in time.

Lexus - 3/28/2008 3:13:35 AM

+3 Boost

The information provided on this post is absolutely wrong. Numerous test has been done on the Lexus IS-F and it went from 0-60 in 4.2s. Just google it find for yourself.

I wonder if those idiot where testing the IS350, instead of the IS-F to get such a slow time like that?

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lexusrox123 - 3/28/2008 9:08:21 AM

0 Boost

the camera angle makes it look worse than it really is

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S2000VS911 - 3/28/2008 10:54:07 PM

+3 Boost

where is the E-brake ? same as IS350 ?

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ChicaneShooter - 3/29/2008 10:07:24 AM

0 Boost

"the camera angle makes it look worse than it really is."

it NEVER looked bad, much less worse, except in the eyes of tha jealous anti-lexus crowd.

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S4cabriofoxone - 3/29/2008 10:58:02 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

What reason would they have to be jealous when the C AMG, RS4 and M3 match or beat the IS-F in (literally) EVERY respect? It's an honest question.

lexusrox123 - 3/29/2008 1:02:52 PM

-1 Boost

Whatever you say s4cabriofoxone...

do u think we really believe that junk

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S4cabriofoxone - 3/29/2008 2:57:37 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

?

I'm absolutely serious, not a hater. What does the IS-F have that, to you, makes it more special?

lexusrox123 - 3/29/2008 10:38:46 PM

+2 Boost

i agree with go0bama08...

just not your political outlooks....lol. i hate barrack hussein obama

reply to this comment

KeyserSoze - 3/30/2008 2:20:34 AM

-1 Boost

I have never expected a positive review from any Euro journos about anything non Euro. the other day I was reading a review of the new LC on a Euro mag and it was pathetic, they have an obssesion with handling for everything.

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gsh23 - 3/30/2008 9:18:29 AM

+1 Boost

worst thing about the IS is the seats. next to worse is probably the steering wheel adjustment. it really doesnt pull out far enough.

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S2000VS911 - 3/30/2008 6:10:04 PM

0 Boost

the seat in m3 even look worst when compare to S5 ...

StickShiftCamry - 3/30/2008 12:37:02 PM

+1 Boost

I saw the MotorWeek test of the IS-F. It looks nice on the road and track than the stills. Real wide and low...

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huu76 - 3/30/2008 3:50:46 PM

+2 Boost

S2000,
Interesting, the BMW.ca website doesn't even list the M3 coupe/sedan yet. Where'd you get that price from?
The closest is the M coupe roadster which when tricked out, costs a few hundred bucks more than the IS-F.

reply to this comment

S2000VS911 - 3/30/2008 5:34:18 PM

+1 Boost

cad 71300 - m3 coupe
cad 81900 - m3 cab

http://www.zercustoms.com/news/2008-BMW-M3-Coupe,-Sedan-and-Cabriolet-Price-for-Canada.html

S2000VS911 - 3/30/2008 5:37:05 PM

+1 Boost

also, they release the photo for m3 cab too... click gallery

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