Lexus is pleased to announce pricing for the all-new 2008 high-performance IS F sport sedan – the fastest Lexus production car ever built. The exhilarating IS F is the first production model to wear the new “F” marque and expands the award-winning Lexus line up into the high performance arena. The all-new IS F is an authentic performance sedan with a unique interpretation of raw driving thrill at all speeds and provides a new definition of useable power.
To be certain that performance targets were achieved, much of the IS F development took place at racetracks around the world. The IS F was tested at Formula One racetracks such as Nurburgring Nordschleife in Germany and Fuji Speedway in Japan, as well as the legendary Circuit Paul Ricard in the South of France, Circuit Zolder in Belgium and Laguna Seca Raceway. IS F performance credentials include racetrack-developed suspension and braking, and a specially calibrated version of the advanced Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system.
The all-new IS F delivers heart pounding power with a quad-cam aluminum 5.0-liter V8 engine with 416 hp, 371 lb-ft of torque, a maximum track speed of 170 mph and a 0 to 60 speed in an amazing 4.6 seconds! The specially engineered engine features a cylinder-head scavenge oil pump that forces oil from the cylinder heads back to the oil pan, ensuring a reliable oil supply for extended high-G corning, motor-driven variable intake valve timing (VVT-iE), titanium intake valves and a direct-to-cylinder injection system with secondary port injectors.
The performance-tuned V8 engine is mated with the world’s first 8-Speed Sport Direct-Shift gearbox with a quick and direct special lock up clutch and a control system that enables virtually instant manual upshifts (0.1 seconds) and blips the throttle on downshifts. The new transmission blends the performance characteristics of an automated manual-type transmission with the smoothness and refinement of a planetary-type automatic transmission allowing the driver to choose between ultra-quick manual shifts for performance driving, and smooth automatic shifts when convenience is the top priority.
The IS F has amazing new technological features such as a specially calibrated VDIM system featuring a high-performance sport mode that allows higher dynamic thresholds before intervening, a two-stage intake system that provides smooth power at low-to-medium speeds then opens wide at mid range for maximum power and torque, and a Brembo brake system, designed to the specifications of the Lexus engineering team, for quick and consistent stopping power.
New and distinctive high-performance design features create a clearly differentiated appearance for the IS F. Exterior styling has a muscular stance with the front fascia, hood, underbody and rear spoiler all shaped to optimize airflow management and give the IS F a signature look. The wider front fenders set off the large tires and aggressive BBS 19-inch forged aluminum 10-spoke wheels that are both stronger and lighter than equivalent cast wheels. These gun metal finish BBS wheels, found on top-level racers around the world, including Formula One cars, help improve handling and acceleration by reducing unsprung weight and rotational inertia.
The IS F interior reveals the beauty within the beast with blue LED indicator needles used in the tachometer and speedometer which are surrounded by machined aluminum rings. In addition the interior features a unique aluminized composite trim on the console and doors. Highly bolstered leather-trimmed sport seats encourage vigorous driving by keeping the driver firmly planted. The front seats are also heated and fully power adjustable. Technological features include available DVD Navigational System, Bluetooth capability, available rear back up camera on a full color 7-inch LCD screen, available Pre-Collision System and available Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio System with 14 speakers and 300 watts of power @ less than 0.1% THD.
Pre-Launch Marketing Activities
To help build awareness and generate excitement for the all-new 2008 IS F, pre-launch activities have been put into full swing. The following is a brief summary of previous marketing activities:
Hosted two long-lead press events at Laguna Seca Raceway, with a total of 40 journalists in attendance from automotive, news, business, and lifestyle publications
SEMA presence: hosted the first-ever Lexus press conference at SEMA, to celebrate IS F with 300 journalists in attendance and provided over 1,000 IS F test drives on the Motor Trend Proving Grounds on-site
Unveiled IS F at Motorworks during Pebble Beach Concours week in Monterey, CA
Hosted 100+ Lexus owners, ClubLexus members and competitive brand owners at Laguna Seca Raceway where demonstration hot laps in IS F were provided
Enhanced 4 markets for Taste of Lexus with a dynamometer purchased specifically to support the introduction of IS F with consumers “driving” the vehicle in place on the dyno
Extended use of the dynamometer by offering “drives” of IS F at LA Autoshow – consumers sat behind the wheel to experience first hand the awesome feel, sound and power in a ¼ mile run, with over 3500 drives given during the show’s 10-day run (future auto show presence is under negotiation for multiple markets)
In addition to the above activities, upcoming IS F cinema and print advertising are planned around February through April timing.
Enthusiast Publications
Early press articles are extremely positive on IS F performance, handling and design. From Road and Track:
“The IS F is a complete departure from the norm for Lexus. Its styling is much more “in your face,” including the front fender air vents…and the stacked quad exhaust outlets.”
“Lightning-quick transient response and amazing grip earn the IS F the fastest 4-door slalom speed.”
“Lexus got its compact super sedan "right" on the first try.”
From Motor Trend:
“… the Nurburgring-tuned IS F is going to make serious trouble for the likes of the new BMW M3, the Audi RS4, and the Mercedes C63 AMG.”
“The car is, quite simply, a monster: Acceleration is brutal, the brakes are wicked-strong, and handling grip is immense…”
Pricing
Lexus’ high-performance IS F sport sedan will be competitively positioned with a base MSRP of $56,000. With this strong base MSRP, the IS F will be an outstanding value versus the competition. An IS F with navigation will be priced at $59,315 including DPH fee.
IS F Optional Equipment MSRP
DVD Navigation System $2,550
DVD Navigation System w/ Mark Levinson $3,990
Pre-Collision System w/ Dynamic Radar Cruise $2,850
Intuitive Park Assist $500
Headlamp Washer $100
F-Sport Performance Accessory Line
To extend the impact of the overall F performance story, and to bring more performance and personalization opportunities to a wider range of higher volume models, Lexus will introduce F-Sport, an all-new performance accessory line available for the IS 250 and IS 350. The F-Sport performance accessory line will provide enthusiasts the opportunity to modify their IS 250 or IS 350 with components engineered by TRD and fully covered by the Lexus factory warranty. This line-up of dealer-installed products, including full suspension kits, aggressive exhaust, larger diameter brakes, 19” forged alloy wheels, and more, will be available in April 2008.