TopGear tests the Lexus IS-F

GoObama08 submitted on 02/01/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 3:55 AM
from: www.topgear.com

Tags: Lexus IS-F TopGear

Lexus IS-F TopGear

TopGear tests the Lexus IS-F

It's anyone's guess what the F in the IS-F name means, but after your first blast in it, I'll bet there's only one word that springs to mind: fast. That's what I was thinking anyway, along with a couple of other choice F words, as I slid off the on-ramp and onto the freeway in a haze of white smoke.

I hadn't meant to make such a dramatic entrance to the rush-hour grind but, having spent 20 minutes inching along in traffic, I needed to see if the IS-F really had the bite to go with its fantastic bark. Simple answer: it has, and then some.

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kpaxx - 2/1/2008 9:44:49 AM

-11 Boost

Sounds like an IS-F ad. Nothing notable!

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_43LE - 2/1/2008 9:54:05 AM

+9 Boost

Right, but if this article was about a German car you'd say is was a brilliant review. Gotta love those fanboy double standards!

_43LE - 2/1/2008 12:25:18 PM

+6 Boost

Well, not according to this review, which comes from a fairly credible source.

Designer1 - 2/1/2008 12:36:38 PM

+6 Boost

You idiot Germen farts, you know the Japanese cars are destroying the German markets day after day, with the IS-F, GT-R and upcoming Acura NSX and Lexus LF-A, nothing will be left for you to brag about other than keep making such stupid comments about Lexus and other Japanese cars.

dlin - 2/1/2008 3:53:00 PM

+3 Boost

So what are you BS-ing for?

To Top Gear: Just give us the laptime. Let me guess.... 1:27?

Ingenieur - 2/1/2008 1:08:04 PM

+6 Boost

Here's your EVO article:

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/211992/lexus_isf.html

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RealitySmack - 2/1/2008 1:11:32 PM

+3 Boost

^^LOL. He got OWNED... LMAO.

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RealitySmack - 2/1/2008 1:45:11 PM

0 Boost

You DO realize that nobody in their right mind is going to say it beats the M3 or the M3 beats the IS-F.

First of all, define what a "Better" car is for ANY single person looking to buy these cars. I bet that you won't be able to satisfy all the people. Secondly, someone would like the IS-F over the M3 because it fits their needs/expectations better so, they'll think the IS-F is better than M3. Same is true the other way around.

Remember, numbers don't mean much when they're this close to each other. So, anybody that is a true enthusiasts wouldn't give crap for a 0.2 sec difference in 0-60mph test. <-- One example of many!

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zairnaim - 2/1/2008 10:15:46 AM

+4 Boost

at first I doubted the car but I'm convinced that this does actually compete with the Germans even if it does not match them in all respects. good job Lexus. I'm guessing this would come in a few grand cheaper than the m3 when m3 is properly equipped cause the isf does come with more standard features. but at the price of these cars a few grand here and there does not really matter so many would opt for the bmw because it has been proven time and time again. there is still some hope for Lexus there are many loyal toyota customers that would never buy anything other than a toyota/lex and others who might find this car a perfect balance between performance and luxury. this turned out to be a great car for there first effort!

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andy82471 - 2/1/2008 10:23:22 AM

+2 Boost

The only fly in the oinment is the lack of a true shift yourself manual.

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Htay7500 - 2/1/2008 10:29:39 AM

-2 Boost

I smell flame war.

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1995e34 - 2/1/2008 10:43:48 AM

0 Boost

I'd recommend three things:

1. restyled hood
2. stick shift option
3. loose faux quad tailpipes

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M35MT - 2/1/2008 11:18:53 AMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

"It ruins the whole generalisation game and forces you to be specific. Now, whenever anyone asks me about Lexus I'm going to be forced to say they're all OK, but the IS-F is the very definition of exceptional. Anything else would be wrong, because that's precisely what it is."

Wow, from TopGear?

And if you have to point out the negatives, yes, the quad pipes could go, and the engine bulge is odd from the side. I bet it looks good from the behind the wheel though.

And give me a manaul!!

autopro - 2/1/2008 5:37:47 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Its their first real effort.I think they did a great job.In time they will get better than anybody,remember who has the most money wins.

Whelan - 2/1/2008 10:48:47 AM

+6 Boost

Sounds fair. He still raves that the Germans pretty much own the market and that nothing less would be expected of Lexus trying to nudge in. And he exemplifies that by stating that they did not just make a car to sorta almost match what the Germans have. They have made a true competitor from dead scratch.

Germans have had their legacies in this market and for Lexus to even contemplate then build such a car that is a complete 180 from what they normally make is a HUGE undertaking. So whether your a German or Lexus fan, you have to give respect where it's due. It may not have the finesse styling of the other said cars, but that's what puts it apart from the others.

Those who call it a rice-rocket or similar have no leg to stand on. This is not your 93 Civic hatch dropped with no camber correction and some rickety turbo system to give it 300hp. This is a straight up track machine that is up to the task of playing with the big boys.

Can't wait for a full review of the MB, BMW, Audi and this. Should be a kicker.

And of course your going to see more written about the Lexus. The others are pretty much updates with tuning and tweaking here and there. The Lex is the brand new car that has no past in this segment and therefore it will be covered more.

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S4cabriofoxone - 2/1/2008 10:53:50 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

"Only exceptional really describes accurately what it is, because the rest of the range is as interesting as a blank sheet of paper next to the IS-F. This car is very interesting indeed."

LOL.

A very positive review.

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SHOWTIME - 2/1/2008 11:54:06 AMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

LOL

Rupert - 2/2/2008 7:14:49 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Actually the Top Gear magazine (unrelated to the show) crew are fairly sane, and are balanced in their reviews. They don't want all performance -you should see the recommended cars section in the back of the mag, they pick their choice from the range, and usually it is a diesel.
And the Lexus line-up in Britain is dull as hell. No IS350, no GS350, and while there is going to be a GS460, when this article was written nobody knew. Here we only get the:
IS 220d/250
GS 300/430/450h
LS 460/600h
RX 350/400h
SC 430
So I think he is justified in saying the line up is otherwise dull.

2ndbimmer - 2/1/2008 10:54:51 AM

0 Boost

I am sure the vehicle is good. I dont think too many people would complain if they had one, but for me, it is the styling I cant get over.

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enthusiastx11 - 2/1/2008 11:48:50 AM

-1 Boost

that's because the design has no integrity. they didn't design the ISF from scratch. they took an existing car and added a ton of aftermarket-looking kit work to it. better luck next time!

A4ORCE - 2/2/2008 2:51:32 PM

+1 Boost

For me, it's the lack of a manual and this: http://cars.about.com/od/lexus/ig/2008-Lexus-IS-F-photo-gallery/2008-Lexus-IS-F-engine-uncov.htm It'd be kind of intimidating to work on for me.

M35MT - 2/1/2008 11:24:17 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

"It's why their cars don't squeak or creak. It's why nothing ever comes loose or falls off. It's also why they are generally bland to drive. All of the emotion, the stuff that creates character that can't be measured and replicated exactly, is replaced by cold, solidly reliable efficiency. A dishwasher has more soul."

So well said.

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M35MT - 2/1/2008 11:54:13 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

^Just to clarify that statement should make Lexus haters and fans happy. It's the truth!

jahrha - 2/1/2008 11:46:19 AM

-2 Boost

didnt know cars had soul! :)LMAO! my 330ci was fun to drive but so is my g35 coupe and my clk 500 with the pillarless windows!

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enthusiastx11 - 2/1/2008 11:47:18 AM

+2 Boost

he liked the car and still had this to say:

"Where my keep-it-simple plan falls apart, is when a company like Lexus, which has only ever made brilliantly built but dull cars, produces something like the IS-F."

1500 cars that are NOTHING like all the other lexus doesn't change the fact that they make 300,000 boring cars a year.

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M35MT - 2/1/2008 11:55:10 AMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

That's how they make money.

S4cabriofoxone - 2/2/2008 1:19:51 AMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

But BMW makes even more money, and they only make cars like the IS-F...

lyonboy - 2/1/2008 12:11:11 PM

+1 Boost

Lexus makes great cars, it looks like the IS-F is the first exciting Lexus to drive. Three cheers! Now if it were not so so UGLY.

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SHOWTIME - 2/1/2008 12:12:52 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

He mentions poor gas mileage...I don't think it's that bad when comparing it to my G37 that has a 20 gallon tank and if im doing moderate spirited driving I will be empty at 270 miles.

I give a lot of credit to the inline 6 cylinder BMW engines for fuel efficiency. With a 16 gallon tank, I never used to run out under 300 miles and with normal driving I'd go as far as 400 miles.

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S4cabriofoxone - 2/2/2008 1:21:07 AMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

It doesn't have much to do with the VQ V6 vs. inline six (although BMW's six is very efficient)... but more to do with your car's weight.

The G37 is a fantastic coupe, but it needs to lose a few pounds. It's heavier than the AWD, eight-cylinder Audi S5.

SHOWTIME - 2/4/2008 12:55:58 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

s4 I have to dissagree with you on this one because I think it's the exact oppossite of what you're saying.

From my house with 30 min drive to a relatives house repeatidly (mostly cruise control), the difference of me going alone or with 4 extra people (+600lbs) made roughly an avg of 3-4mpg mpg difference. Alone being at 30-32 mpg and with 4 extra passengers at 27-29 mpg.

When I drive alone with the infiniti, i cannot even get passed 23 mpg to the place even if I try my hardest, and overall I get about 16-18mpg avg with one full tank. Really I just tap the pedal slightly and the gas reading goes right away in the teens.

So I blame mostly the engine for this and not the cars weight or drag. Infiniti really hyped up the BS with the new VQ on the G37 on how their new vairable valve lift technology is more efficient. Really it's not!

Whelan - 2/1/2008 12:18:38 PM

0 Boost

My buddy has an 04 325ci 5spd. and the thing sucks gas at almost the same rate as a Hummer. He can fill it up and not even break 300 per tank. It's insane.

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1995e34 - 2/1/2008 12:27:17 PM

-3 Boost

i didn't know it was possible to drive that inefficiently. i got nearly 600 miles/tank in my 525i.

perhaps he needs a tune up.

Whelan - 2/1/2008 4:27:48 PM

+1 Boost

Option 3 I dont own a BMW. I drive an 05 Matrix XR AWD. I get 330+ out of a 12 gallon tank (actually 11.7), its a bit smaller than the base and other models since the transfer case takes up some room.

RealitySmack - 2/1/2008 1:22:33 PM

+1 Boost

"It doesn't just move the car, it sends a death threat to the rear tyres every time you get on the throttle in a hurry. Can't say for sure, but it feels more severe than an RS4, which is saying something."

LOL. I laughed hard at the first sentence. Good review! They've acknowledged the same thing that I've been trying to say for the last 10 threads about the IS-F... It's their 1st time and they've made a very good car! The future models will only be BETTER.

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RealitySmack - 2/1/2008 1:51:08 PM

+1 Boost

And how do you know that they "Copied"? Please, don't say that because the chief engineer envisioned that this car will be a direct competition to the M3...

And please explain to me how in the hell is it possible to "Copy" another car? Do you know how secretive auto companies are about internal documents? Do they calibrate a spring stiffness for the shocks, do they calibrate the damping ratio of the struts, do they copy the stiffness ratio of the tires, etc, etc? I would like to know...

RealitySmack - 2/1/2008 1:53:44 PM

+4 Boost

Also, I love BMW's and their engineering but, I give credit where it's due.

RealitySmack - 2/1/2008 2:13:25 PM

+5 Boost

Yes, they have very good cars. I'd prefer BMW from the German 3, though. But, as some (actually, lots) of people believe that just because you have heritage, you are better than somebody who doesn't. That is a load of BS to me. Automakers use that "Heritage, & Soul" crap for marketing gimmicks and it's funny that people actually fall for that.

RealitySmack - 2/2/2008 8:04:43 AM

+4 Boost

"People test drive their cars before they buy, so I don't think they are falling for a gimmick."

Really? I don't think majority of the people have any clue that automakers are playing these tricks. C'mon, a car having a soul??? WTF?? Heritage to me is experience, so if you say experience than that would be more justifiable but, when you say heritage this and that...BS...

RealitySmack - 2/3/2008 11:13:20 AM

+4 Boost

It never was complicated!

If you go back to my earlier posts, I always say: "Go and Test drive it for yourself before making conclusive thoughts based solely on stupid magazine tests. You don't need to tell me that, because I already know. I'm talking about the majority of the people...

bmwfan1513 - 2/1/2008 4:34:24 PM

+1 Boost

The IS-F is a really nice car.

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Porschinator - 2/1/2008 5:50:05 PM

+1 Boost

Would be nice to know who exactly gave the review. Obviously the reviewer liked the IS-F and nothing wrong with that.

The review did not say it killed its Uber competitors but that it was a fun car that competes well in the segment. So whats the fuss about?

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mpls - 2/2/2008 9:17:07 AM

+3 Boost

Rosko2,

"Since we were coming after the M3, there were numerical targets we had to hit.”

Where did it say they took apart the BMW, BTW when the original Lexus LS400 came out, it was definuetly know at the time that BMW took apart the Lexus in order to fidn out how to buiold quality. BTW the, 7 series at the time was shite, thirsty, ugly and bad quality!! all it had was the name..

Explain this, in the last 5 years why have alot of the German cars gone for the Asian style slanty headlights.. ?? They copied the Toyotas and Hondas..

Audi have an image of quality nd good build.. but is it ? where are they in the quality surveys in say the last 15 years?? Answer no where.. only BMW maneges to squeeze into the top 15.. It's about marketing and hype and Audi are certainly good at it.. but they are on the right track with quality since all new cars are getting better and better..

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nextGen - 2/2/2008 10:41:04 AM

+4 Boost

It's nice that a company has "heritage and experience". However that doesn't make others with up and coming heritage and experience less notable. In fact in a competitive environment a feeling of content is dangerous. This idea applies just about to any other industry, company and even individuals. For example, if you're the new person in your place of work you'll probably start lower in the rank (unless you apply for the CEO/management position, but that's besides the point) than some peer group who's been in the company before you. If you in your company strive to work harder/better and build your reputuation, knowledge, experience, image, etc that will perhaps land you the promotion over your peers who have joined your company before you, will you not believe you can achieve this? Whether or not you believe YOU can be achieve it, it happens all the time for others who believe. Things can change and they do change. In industry, corporations, and individuals every day. Look around yourself for ideas.

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mpls - 2/2/2008 12:29:14 PM

+1 Boost

cptamazing..

So you want them to buy Gerrman ? I've seen all you posts.. you are a German car fan through and through.. so it says alot about your credibilty...

You understand very little about global competition and have not idea that all car companies have designers from a variety of countries from all races..

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NorCalBMW - 2/2/2008 3:15:08 PM

+1 Boost

Things this car needs to move into M3/C63/RS4 catagory:

LF-A Roadster type sport interior, IS-F int is too bland
6/7 Spd Trans (if Auto) or Manual 6 Spd, 8 gears is too much
Body cladding gives it character, but the pipes gotta go

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farabira1 - 2/3/2008 4:13:54 AM

+3 Boost

So it's a very good car then, this ISF. Good to hear.

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SevorbeupstryIsBack - 2/3/2008 4:55:08 AM

-1 Boost

"When I collected the car the onboard computer said the average mpg was 16 and I just assumed that it had been sitting in traffic for ages. But when I took it back it said 14, which is rubbish. Toyota's going to have to sell a lot of Priuses to compensate for every one of these."

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DD0007 - 2/3/2008 6:20:22 PM

+4 Boost

I love German cars, but the LEXUS IS-F (yes it deserves capitals) is a magnificent looking car. The m3 is boring, and in australia $25000 (22,579 US) more expensive that the IS-F. Plus the IS-F is better made and very reliable as it is made by LEXUS.

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AmA_5K - 2/7/2008 5:39:08 AM

+2 Boost

Well just to clarify to F stand for Fugiand more specifically the Fuji Speedway – home to last year's Japanese Grand Prix – and the factory nearby which has just borne the hottest road car Lexus has ever built.

Also its Price 10k cheaper than M3 at $51,000. Also it's better equipped than its rivals. In fact, the only entry on the options list is an £800 sunroof, and it is the only one to offer adaptive cruise control and a pre-crash safety system.

Highlights include touch-screen sat-nav, rear parking monitor, Bluetooth and a 14 speaker Mark Levinson audio system; keyless entry, electric folding door mirrors, full leather trim with electric seats, bright high-intensity discharge headlights and bespoke 19-inch alloys.

Hope this extra in fo helps

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