Car Magazine UK reviews IS-F. More positive than negatives...

LexusKindaGuy12 submitted on 02/14/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 2:39 PM
from: www.carmagazine.co.uk

Tags: lexus IS-F

lexus IS-F

Car Magazine UK reviews IS-F. More positive than negatives...

"The new Lexus IS-F performance flagship arrives here this April primed to take on its BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 AMG rivals. Even its £51,000 price tag (M3 £50,725, C63 AMG £52,567) puts it deep into enemy territory. It may not have the aspiration strengths played on so heavily by M Division and AMG, but that hasn't stopped Lexus wheeling out a pretty formidable rival to rock the Teutonic triumvirate.

Heritage or no, the F has the power, the performance and the looks to face up to any competitor – a track-tuned 417bhp 5.0-litre V8, an eight-speed paddleshift transmission, tweaked wishbone front and multilink rear suspension and steering and Brembo developed brakes, all wrapped in out-my-way sheetmetal.

The F doesn't photograph particularly well, tending to look oddly proportioned and slightly bulbous from some angles, but in the metal it looks mean and sharp – drink in those sinister graphite 19-inch lightweight BBS alloys, vast brake discs and six-pot calipers, the 25mm lowered ride height, blistered wheel arches, that power-domed bonnet, those four distinctively stacked exhaust pipes and the air vents behind the front wheels. It looks both restrained and menacing, a car with a real fast lane-clearing aura, although I felt horribly cheated when I looked closer and saw the four drainpipes were dummies. The real exhausts end just short of the faux pipes, and the air vents are also false. " Read Article

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07G35J - 2/14/2008 4:01:39 PM

+5 Boost

417 hp... That car is going to be one mean machine. Watch out BMW M3. Lexus might give you a run for your money! I wonder if Infiniti would ever enter the BMW M, Lexus F, Cadillac V and Mercedes AMG war. It'd be nice to see a hyped up G35 or M45.

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EL34 - 2/14/2008 4:18:51 PM

-3 Boost

This car is not going to take on the BMW M3.

Stop dreamin'!

S4cabriofoxone - 2/14/2008 4:53:39 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

The CTS-V is in a class above all of these cars. Putting aside the fact that it's as big as a BMW 5 Series, consider that it has 550hp.

dennis774 - 2/14/2008 5:39:33 PM

+7 Boost

Regarding the quad exhausts being fake on the Lexus IS-F, the Lamborghini Murciélago and Audi R8 both have the same setup in that the real exhaust are not physically connected to the exhaust tips...hopefully the link below will work and you can see for yourselves:

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?s=93eb4f4eeafa24786efb42004e514250&showtopic=46634&pid=493114&st=15&#entry493114

MartyMoose - 2/14/2008 7:09:05 PM

-10 Boost

You are right , the IS-F will not take on the M3, it will surpase it, especially in the real world.

MartyMoose - 2/14/2008 7:25:44 PM

-3 Boost

M3 0-60 4.6 sec 155 top speed

C63 0-60 4.36 sec 155 top speed

RS4 0-60 4.8 sec 155 top speed

911 Carrera 4S 0-60 4.6 sec 182 top speed

IS-F 0-60 4.6 sec 170 top speed

Wow if the Lexus sucks as bad as a lot of you say, I guess all these cars suck.

* All top speeds electronically limited. Does that mean the Porsche and Lexus are more stable at high speeds? Hmmm. Much more indicative of a well made , high performance vehicle....

O.K. Haters bring your best, but remember I have driven all of these cars including the IS-F.
My opinion is that all these cars are great, they just have different personalities, but each good in its own respect.

Its all about choices!!!!!!

AE86 - 2/14/2008 7:37:15 PM

+7 Boost

Did Will trade in his userID for MartyMoose? Those are some sage comments from somebody who obviously has an early release of GT Prologue for PS3!

ErichHartmann - 2/14/2008 8:31:05 PM

+4 Boost

The C63 AMG has two speed limiters (all AMG's do). One limiter limits the car to 250 km/h because of the speed limiting agreement between Audi, BMW and Mercedes. This limiter can be removed at a cost. Once this limiter is removed, the C63 AMG can accelerate all the way to 280 km/h where the second limiter is activated and limits the car to this speed. This is done because of the tires (most C63 AMG's will be equipped with a mixture of "everyday tires", not racing). When this limiter is deactivated the C63 AMG has been proven to reach speeds in excess of 300 km/h. There should be some reviews coming out soon verifying this, possibly from Auto Motor und Sport.

mitchatlexusofmarin - 2/15/2008 1:56:24 AM

-4 Boost

I just spent 3 days racing the IS-F at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and believe me, this car is an animal. You can run it all day long and it never fades. The exhaust and side vents are quite funtional by the way. We had engineers showing every componant, from every angle- including up in the air.

adamsaf723 - 2/15/2008 10:00:24 AM

+4 Boost

With all the rumors floating around about the Skyline engine being put into an Infiniti brand car, it wouldn't surprise me.

MartyMoose - 2/15/2008 1:47:11 PM

+4 Boost

Thank you ErichHartmann and FastOneKiller, I stand corrected.

Ae86
hmmm last time I played a video game ,Sega Genesis was the latest fad , so I don't get my comments from video games .

All cars are great in this segment, don't be so mad all you Euro fan boys when Lexus did a very good job on their first attempt. I can't imagine what they will do in the next attempts.

I also agree with bulldogz comment. It is an intelligent unbiased reply with facts.

All you video gamers who have only driven these cars "virtually". Do yourself and the real enthusists on this site a favor and go back in your moms basement, play your PS Wii 360 and dream of one day kissing a girl.

Lets see what this will stir up

zorbeeze - 2/15/2008 9:11:15 PM

-2 Boost

In no way shape or form does the CTS-V compete with the M3, ISF, C-AMG.
It directly competes with the M5, RS6, E-AMG in size and performance.

07G35J - 2/14/2008 4:37:43 PM

+8 Boost

I agree with you BMW3series. It will not beat the M3, but that's not what I said. I said it will give it a run for its money, meaning that it will be a close contender for the M.

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S4cabriofoxone - 2/14/2008 4:53:02 PMView My AgentSpace

-4 Boost

Why would there be reason for it to get a negative review?

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M35MT - 2/14/2008 4:58:49 PMView My AgentSpace

+9 Boost

It's a disclaimer for trolls like EL34

MunichRob - 2/14/2008 5:04:44 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

This car lost a lot of relevance with me after I found Lexus will actually charge a premium over the new M3. Still a great car, just I wouldn’t understand buying it over an M3...Like paying more money for lesser car & brand name.

Now I could say that’s just my opinion to avoid a flame war but I look at that comment & think to myself, there’s too much fact to dismiss it merely as a comment...

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mitchatlexusofmarin - 2/15/2008 1:57:48 AM

-3 Boost

It is not more than the M3 when comparably equipped- in fact, considerably less.

autopro - 2/14/2008 6:53:56 PMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

The quad exhaust pipes were left disconnected to act as diffusiers to reduce back pressure for race car type airflow.Mos of you morons no nothing about high performance cars.

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MartyMoose - 2/14/2008 7:06:57 PM

+1 Boost

As someone who has just spent 3 days training on this car on the track and in the classroom with Lexus in Las Vegas, Let me clear up some of this.

The Mufflers(one each side) have two stacked outlets each, they are not attached to the diffusers. The diffusers are for aerodynamic airflow at the rear of the car. They help smooth the natural disturbence of the exhaust and the underneath airflow to keep the air smoother at rear of car, so it remains stable at high speeds. This was confirmed by a Lexus Engineer and a non Lexus, unbiased driving/race instructor.
Second , the vent at the rear of the front wheels help disipate hot air from engine compartment only, It does not help cool the brakes. Thats why they look fake at initial glance.
The Forged BBS wheeels are designed to suck air from the brakes to keep them cool. They cannot be rotated.
Why would this car have to be cheaper than all the others? Just because its a Lexus? How about presenting a valid argument about why it should be cheaper, instead of just spewing out crap like , "It should be cheaper . . .just because!!! This car can hang with any car in this segment and they are all priced similar. And with only 5000 to be built a year, every one will sell.

I am pretty sure that after winning the Rolex 24 hour race at Daytona for 3 years straight, Lexus should have people taking notice that they can produce performance cars.....and more are on the way....
There is a reason Mercedes is launching an AMG awarness ad campaign , they know Lexus is a real player with the "F" line of cars.....

Do all yourselves a favor and go see this car in person and if your lucky enough to drive one , make your comments after , then at least your comments may be more intelligent when you are speaking from experience. If you still don't like it, Thats Great also!
At least its a valid opinion at that point.

MM

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ErichHartmann - 2/14/2008 8:32:30 PM

+1 Boost

There is a reason Mercedes is launching an AMG awarness ad campaign , they know Lexus is a real player with the "F" line of cars.....

No. Lexus is not a player in Europe and they certainly will not be a strong player in the performance segment in Europe because of this.

The AMG awareness campaign is being launched to create simple awareness of the cars, not out of fear from Lexus.

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LexSucks - 2/14/2008 9:45:22 PM

0 Boost

It's only the Americans that put Lexus on a pedestal.

The rest of the world is much smarter than that when it comes to cars.

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1995e34 - 2/14/2008 5:11:35 PM

-2 Boost

"More positive than negatives..."

that title says: "technically...it doesn't suck"

was that the intention of the title? having more positives than negative does NOT sell a car at this price.

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kablaam - 2/14/2008 5:17:26 PM

+4 Boost

All these cars will have it's spot in the market. All it does is give us, the consumer, a choice.

The M is, and has always been, the ultimate all around performer.

The AMG have been the GT-touring type vehicle, faster in the straights, great in the corners, but not as sharp/precise as the M's.

RS's has always been a bit of both with the addition of AWD.

To each his own, I am unsure where the F's will lay, but we will soon find out.

My personal choice is:

M3
C63
RS4
ISF

Only reason why I chose the M3 over the C is because I track often during the spring. If not for that reason alone, I may be inclined to pick the new AMG or RS4.

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LexSucks - 2/14/2008 5:31:02 PM

-2 Boost

The is-f need to be cheaper IMO. I'm trying to figure out where the IS-F is superior to the M3?

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dennis774 - 2/14/2008 6:13:57 PM

-5 Boost

I agree with Lexsucks...for Lexus to make significant inroads into this ultra competitive segment, they need to do what they did with the original LS400, price the car well below the competition and then build up their reputation over time in this category.

xj13 - 2/14/2008 6:26:03 PM

+2 Boost

Damn Ugly looking car, I cant believe it cost more than an M3 what a joke. It should be 10K cheaper.

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answer - 2/14/2008 7:04:50 PMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

I really do like the IS-F, but that exhaust treatment still remains a huge disappointment.

Who the crap at Lexus thought that was OK?

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autopro - 2/14/2008 7:21:14 PMView My AgentSpace

-8 Boost

All I know is when I'm driving around town,I'll be smoking every bmw and mercedes I see.

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AE86 - 2/14/2008 7:42:09 PM

+5 Boost

Because straight-line acceleration is the only way to judge a sports car. Are you trading in your Z28 SS for an IS-F?

xj13 - 2/14/2008 9:09:37 PM

+5 Boost

YOU HAVE NO IDEA WITH STATEMENT LIKE THAT,YOU'RE LOSING RESPECT BUDDY.

Willis - 2/15/2008 8:51:04 AM

+2 Boost

Actually, the C63 AMG will smoke you.

AE86 - 2/15/2008 4:52:38 PM

+2 Boost

The DCT M3 will also be faster, if you are keeping tabs.

MichaelTaylor - 2/14/2008 8:25:12 PM

-3 Boost

If a European review is so positive about the Lexus IS-F then it must be really good. Most European reviews always slam Lexus because the stupid editors are biased towards their national products.

Where are all the German fanboy haters now? The M3 can go take a hike. The IS-F is the new class leader.

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LexSucks - 2/14/2008 9:41:43 PM

+1 Boost

Did the reviewer say that the IS-F is the "New Class Leader"?

As much as you Lexus Lovers want to push them to the top, they (Lexus) have yet to build any kind of sports sedan that is better then the competing BMW.

Stop dreaming and get a clue.

Rupert - 2/15/2008 4:55:22 AMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

No, European reviewers slam Lexus because Lexus don't offer what Europeans want.

vman1013 - 2/14/2008 11:23:43 PM

+2 Boost

I saw a silver IS-F in Manhattan today. Must say it looked better than it did in pictures and the videos. Funny thing is that you really don't notice the bulged hood on the silver IS-F. Assuming the performance is there it has to be reckoned with.

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1BadMan - 2/15/2008 12:04:27 AM

-1 Boost

A Toyoda (correct spelling) with a tweaked Yamaha engine? Lexus is not a real car company, it is a brand name. The headline let's you know it is a surprise it got a decent review. Decent does not define a category by any means. Nice try again. Here is a new pencil and a sharpener. Go back to the drawing board.

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Htay7500 - 2/15/2008 3:10:24 PM

+3 Boost

please spare me w/ your bullshit.

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Lemantech - 2/16/2008 1:15:42 PM

+2 Boost

what do you mean the m3 can not compare. I am assuming that you have driven the M3 then. You are 14, right? Maybe you should keep your comments to yourself, because I can assure you they are not conducive to other peoples 's opinion of you.

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Lemantech - 2/16/2008 1:15:56 PM

+2 Boost

what do you mean the m3 can not compare? I am assuming that you have driven the M3 then. You are 14, right? Maybe you should keep your comments to yourself, because I can assure you they are not conducive to other peoples 's opinion of you.

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bclemans - 2/15/2008 2:32:47 AM

+7 Boost

This is a really well written article. "Hertiage or no, it has power". It gives an honest opinion on the Lexus and some useful new information such as what F really stands for and observation of the fake pipes.

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Designer1 - 2/15/2008 8:28:10 AM

-3 Boost

I love Lexus cars but the truth must be told. I don't think the IS-F has what it needs to take on the M3 and others, Lexus builds the BEST luxury cars but when it comes to sport cars they need to learn from Nissan. Look at the GT-R its performance numbers are destroying Porsche already, but the IS-F doesn't have the numbers to do the same to its competitors.

So in my humble opinion, I think the first generation IS-F will be a failure, but I hope they’ll learn from it and not repeat the same mistake with the LF-A and GS-F (if any).

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Willis - 2/15/2008 8:49:13 AM

+3 Boost

Since when does Lexus build the best luxury cars? What about Rolls Royce? Mercedes-Benz? Or Bentley?

If Lexus built the best luxury cars, why then are their sales dismal outside of the US?

And since when do makers of sportscars need to look to Nissan for advice? They could very well head over to Porsche or Ferrari as well.

Loose the "Jap bias" and maybe I will take you seriously.

bulldogz - 2/15/2008 11:48:53 AM

+3 Boost

Well if Audi sells the most luxury cars worldwide, why are they in 4th or 5th place in the US? But wait, before you pull your "dumb Americans" card, realize that BMW and MB place above them.

Plus, Lexus has much higher resale here over Audi and almost identical to BMW/MB, so that is something else we also consider when buying.

bmwman1963 - 2/25/2008 9:31:23 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Now we know Willis is on MB's payroll!!

1BadMan - 2/15/2008 9:28:41 AM

-2 Boost

Lexus does not build cars. Toyota builds them. And they are not luxury cars. They make a darn good commodity luxury car. Nice try with the, no cigar.

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bulldogz - 2/15/2008 11:45:43 AM

+5 Boost

You Euro boys are a joke. When Lexus and Infiniti first came out here in the States it was "they stand no chance of even coming close to selling what MB and BMW does", yet when Lexus passed them, you blamed a deceived, dumb public for Toyota duping them...or they were all senior citizens. When quality control spiraled downwards you then credited Euro owners with not caring about repairs, it's the priviledge of ownership. When Bangle almost destroyed everything BMW built upon, you called him "daring, leading by example and forcing others to think differently", yet when Japanese companies made their mark it looked "cartooney, like Pokemon..lacking soul".

The ISF-F could score better than a German competitor head-to-head and you'll simply attack the author, or discredit their auto knowledge, or even better say "who cares, it's still a crappy Toyota without soul". Heck, we've already seen it with the GT-R, the moment someone said "Porsche 911 killer", you all went into attack mode and called it ugly, then pulled out track times with heavily modded, limited edition Porsches as "proof". What's even better is you'll never even test drive these cars, and if you do you'll never admit it's positives, you'll simply get a BMW because "you should".

btw, I own an A8, feel free to call it a VW.

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AE86 - 2/15/2008 2:10:54 PM

+2 Boost

There are a couple blatant errors in this article:

1. The 8 speed transmission comes from the LS460, not the LS600h. The hybrid has a CVT.

2. The IS-F does not have an LSD.

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mitchatlexusofmarin - 2/17/2008 2:08:11 PM

-1 Boost

Sorry to burst your bubble, but the IS-F most certainly does have LSD.

AE86 - 2/21/2008 12:59:53 AM

+1 Boost

Nope.

farabira1 - 2/15/2008 2:46:58 PM

0 Boost

The ISF has plenty of punch and has a strong character in it's design language and big V8 thundering sound. And quality is great also. For it's intended customers this will be a great introduction to performance vehicles, especially ex IS owners.

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autopro - 2/15/2008 3:37:20 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Cars this close in performance are separated by the drivers.

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Porschinator - 2/15/2008 4:04:47 PM

+4 Boost

Funny how people constantly compare the numbers only!?! Hello!!! There are much more to it than numbers! I know plenty of 1970 Chevelles that can blow away the M3/IS-F and I would never compare the two.

It is all about the whole..synergy. I believe the M3 will have an edge with handling and driving "feel". Quality, fit and finish, reliability should be even with the IS-F.

Comparing the CTS-V to a IS-F was plain dumb...

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autopro - 2/16/2008 11:28:03 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Do you like the back end,because that's all your going to see.Well OK for a split second you'll see the front end in your mirror as I blow your doors off.

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